Los Angeles Tennis Digest: Tuesday's Highlights

Tuesday's Highlights

UCLA vs. USC: Rivalry Week Ignites at the Los Angeles Tennis Center

The heart of LA college tennis beats loud this week as No. 19 UCLA and No. 16 USC women’s teams meet Wednesday for a crosstown showdown at the Los Angeles Tennis Center. Both squads come in hot—UCLA riding a five-match win streak and USC with multiple top-20 victories this spring.

Fans get a treat: the annual "GolDEN Match" at UCLA features the Bruin Marching Band and free pizza for early arrivals. USC, meanwhile, looks to repeat its marathon 4-3 win from last month and snap a five-year road drought at UCLA.

Senior celebrations add to the electricity—UCLA honors Kimmi Hance and Elise Wagle, while USC celebrates four seniors on Saturday at Marks Stadium. For Angelenos, this week is a rare chance to catch elite NCAA tennis and soak up fierce LA rivalry.

"Every time we face UCLA, it's more than just a match – it's a battle for Los Angeles tennis supremacy. Our players are fired up and ready to defend our home court." – USC Head Coach Brett Masi

Matchup	Latest Result	Current Rankings
USC vs. UCLA (Women)	USC 4-3 (Mar 7)	USC #16, UCLA #19
UCLA vs. Michigan (Men)	UCLA 5-0 (Apr 11)	UCLA #32
LMU vs. Washington State	LMU 4-2 (Apr 5)	LMU Unranked

Tournament Results and Local Leagues

Beyond D1 college drama, LA courts are buzzing with junior, adult, and high school events. The Ojai Boys Tennis Tournament showcases SoCal’s top teens, CIF-SS playoffs are underway, and club leagues at venues like Cheviot Hills and Balboa keep competition fierce across age brackets.

Date	Event	Outcome
April 5	Washington State vs. Loyola Marymount (Women)	LMU wins 4-2
April 5-7	Los Angeles Tennis Open (UCLA Tennis Center)	In Progress
April 11	UCLA vs. Michigan (Men)	UCLA wins 5-0
April 12	Community Tennis Day (Griffith Park)	Upcoming

LA Tennis Courts: Neighborhood Recommendations and Realities

After recent rain, the resilience of Los Angeles’ best public courts shines. Griffith Park and Poinsettia Recreation Center again topped lists for their quick-drying hard courts, while Westwood Recreation Center deserves mention as one of the city’s rare indoor-adjacent tennis options. Venice Beach courts offer competitive play with that singular oceanside LA atmosphere.

"There’s nothing like playing tennis with the ocean breeze and the sounds of the boardwalk in the background." – Maria Rodriguez, President of the Venice Tennis Club

• Griffith Park: Scenic views, reliable drainage. Great for early mornings after rain and a favorite for all levels.
• Cheviot Hills Recreation Center: Fourteen well-maintained courts, peaceful West LA setting, minimal wait times for locals seeking a quiet session.
• Westwood Recreation Center: Some of the city's only indoor-adjacent courts—perfect for rainy weeks, lessons, and beginners.
• Balboa Sports Center (Encino): Tournament-level play and excellent lighting for evening practice.
• Poinsettia Recreation Center: Central LA’s go-to for fast post-rain access and budget-friendly play.
• Venice Beach: Iconic boardwalk courts, best for late-afternoon and evening matches with a vibrant local vibe.

Fees remain some of the lowest for any major city: public courts are often free or require modest permits (up to $8/hour). Private club access, like LATC or Beverly Hills Tennis, comes at a premium and is limited to members. For those new to the scene, get the full neighborhood breakdown here.

Tackling LA Tennis Challenges: Solutions and Tips

Crowds and traffic frustrate even the most dedicated LA tennis fans. Early mornings at Griffith Park and Cheviot Hills offer the best odds for open courts, while platforms like PlayTennisLA have made finding local partners and court availability dramatically easier—and free. LA’s mild weather means outdoor play is the norm year-round, but truly indoor tennis remains extremely rare. When LA’s microclimates strike, check the status of your preferred court online or arrive early after rain for the best experience.

• Book public courts online when possible to secure your spot and avoid long waits, especially on weekends.
• Arrive early at popular courts (Griffith Park, Cheviot Hills) to avoid the rush.
• Keep gear prepped for dust and heat, especially heading into drier months—bring hydration and consider a light-colored hat for mid-day sessions.
• Join PlayTennisLA to find partners who match your skill, neighborhood, and schedule—completely free (learn more).

The Ultimate Call to LA’s Tennis Community

From the biggest college battles to friendly rallies at your neighborhood park, tennis in Los Angeles is more accessible and vibrant than ever. Looking for your perfect match, beginner-friendly courts, or a chance to join a local league? PlayTennisLA is the city's trusted, free platform—helping Angelenos of every skill level connect on court and keep the LA tennis tradition alive.

Sign up on PlayTennisLA today and join a movement that’s transforming tennis in Los Angeles. Your next match—at your local court, on your schedule, with a player at your level—is just a click away.