Los Angeles Tennis Digest: Thursday's Highlights

Thursday's Highlights

Bruins Advance as LA’s College Tennis Dominates April

UCLA women’s tennis delivered when it mattered most, defeating #5 seed Wisconsin 4-1 in the Big Ten quarterfinals at Ojai’s Libbey Park. Behind singles wins from Kimmi Hance, Elise Wagle, and Olivia Center—who clinched the deciding point in three sets—the Bruins surged to a 16-7 season record. Their next challenge: top-seeded Michigan, setting up a marquee Friday semifinal that promises elite-level drama for the LA tennis community.

Across campus, the UCLA men’s team gears up as the #2 seed for their opening Big Ten matchup at the Los Angeles Tennis Center—a rare chance for Westsiders to catch top NCAA action with live streaming and up-to-the-second scoring.

Team	Quarterfinal Result	Singles Stars
UCLA Women	Defeated Wisconsin 4-1	Hance, Wagle, Center
UCLA Men	Opening match Friday (Big Ten)	Live at LA Tennis Center

“Olivia Center clinched the decision in three sets, showing the grit that defines Bruin tennis.”

Neighborhood Courts: Where LA Plays After the Rain

Spring storms haven’t dampened LA’s love for tennis—in fact, they’ve highlighted which outdoor courts rebound the fastest. Griffith Park, Venice Beach, and Echo Park continue to set the standard for quick-drying, well-maintained surfaces. Locals say these courts remain playable just hours after rain, thanks to quality drainage and city maintenance.

Court Location	Fee	Atmosphere	Neighborhood
Griffith Park	Free	Scenic, community-driven	Los Feliz
Venice Beach	Free	Ocean breezes, lively	Venice
Echo Park	Free	Urban, social	Echo Park

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

Tennis Challenges: Solutions for LA’s Unique Scene

Players across the city continue to face familiar hurdles: packed courts during peak hours, challenging reservation systems, and the near-total absence of indoor options—true indoor tennis courts remain extremely rare in Los Angeles. To adapt, locals take advantage of shaded early mornings and weekday afternoons, while Westwood Recreation Center remains a solid (though limited) option for year-round play.

Finding partners to match your schedule and skill has gotten easier, thanks to PlayTennisLA. The free platform instantly connects players by location, ability, and availability. Thousands of Angelenos now use PTLA to beat the city’s tennis traffic and get on court faster, with no fees or membership required.

• Check PlayTennisLA for on-demand partner matching by skill and neighborhood
• Prioritize Griffith Park or Venice Beach courts for post-rain recovery
• For those new to the game, beginner-friendly public courts in Westwood and West Hollywood offer welcoming atmospheres and affordable lessons

Call to Action

LA’s tennis scene is more connected, affordable, and energizing than ever. Ready to rally? Sign up for PlayTennisLA today and join the movement that’s reshaping tennis in Los Angeles—match with partners, discover new courts, and make every day a tennis day.