Anyone for tennis? 6 top Euro holidays to improve your game
With tennis season in full swing, now’s the time to book a sporty holiday and learn how to ace your serve in the sun.
Tennis is hotter than the heatwave right now. Wimbledon’s just around the corner (1-14 July), Zendaya’s latest film Challengers reveals a sexy side to the game and shops are awash with tenniscore fashion. If you’re keen to get on trend and give it a go, put down that Pimms and book a tennis-themed getaway pronto.
La Manga Club, Spain

Muddy’s just back from a short tennis break at this family-friendly five-star sports and leisure resort and can’t recommend The Racquets Club enough. Boasting 28 tennis courts, you can join a daily academy (9-11am, from €310 per week) and see your game improve in hours, or book a private lesson with coach Angel Martinez who’ll put you through your paces and refine your swing. If you fancy trying padel tennis to see what all the fuss is about, there are seven courts and tuition on tap. And when you’re not taking a swing at things, book a table at the court-side restaurant, enjoy a round on one of three golf courses or try a spa treatment while the kids hit the junior football academy or splash around in the family pool at Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa.
Quinta do Lago, Portugal

This Algarve resort’s legendary sports academy, The Campus, has tennis and padel courts aplenty. Book individual sessions with a pro, such as ‘tennis tactics’ and ‘shot of the week’, or commit to a week of intensive training; think morning group activity and afternoon private lesson daily (€570; Mon-Sat). Want your kids to learn too? No problem, with lessons like Tiny Reds (4-6 years) on offer. Centre Court here we come (or the pool at neighbouring Martinhal Resort, either’s good).
Pine Cliffs, Portugal

Fitness fanatics flock to Pine Cliffs in the Algarve, where an Annabel Croft Tennis Academy meets the demands of tennis-loving guests, from beginners to pros. Book the week-long Tennis Camp, which includes 10 hours of coaching, focusing on different skills, or there’s a weekend camp if you’re looking for something less intense. Post-match, it’s a short stroll to the Serenity Spa, with its hydrotherapy pool, steam room and salt sauna.
Neilson’s Messini Beachclub, Greece

Group tennis coaching sessions are free when you stay at this popular resort, which has seven newly resurfaced astro courts to run around. If you’re looking for something more advanced, the Premium Tennis Pack (£125) is perfect – ten hours of coaching focusing on footwork, technique, fitness and one-on-one sessions with a pro (stop it, naughty). FYI Emma Raducanu and Andy Murray’s former coach, Mark Petchey, will be headlining for a week (9-17 September) if you’re after tips from the top.
Aphrodite Hills, Cyprus

Whether you want to try competing in a tournament or perfecting your forehand, it’s all up for grabs at the resort’s excellent Tennis Academy. Nine courts and a dedicated team of pros means it’s never hard to get a game and group clinics are a fun way to make new friends on holiday if you’re travelling solo. Tip/warning: the onsite sports bar is a tempting way to end the day.
Abama Hotel Resort, Tenerife

Scenic Canary Islands getaway, where you can enjoy stunning views of Mount Teide volcano and the Atlantic Ocean while brushing up on your backhand. You know a hotel means business when its seven courts are covered in the same surface as those in the US Open, there’s even a grandstand seating 600-people if you’re after an Emma Raducanu moment – though Muddy might just stick to practising our (very dodgy) serve away from the limelight.