Los Angeles Tennis Digest: Sunday's Highlights

USC and UCLA Shine

Los Angeles’ tennis pulse was racing this weekend with the cross-town USC vs. UCLA rivalry taking center stage. The Women of Troy, currently ranked #16, are set for a pivotal battle against #19 UCLA this Wednesday at the Los Angeles Tennis Center—a matchup that will not only crown local supremacy, but also set the tone for the postseason. This high-stakes faceoff is the city’s hottest ticket, with UCLA entering on a five-match win streak and USC boasting multiple top-20 upsets this spring.

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

"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

Senior celebrations, pep bands, and high-level tennis are converging this week at UCLA’s Westwood campus—don't miss the city’s most electric NCAA tennis event.

Where Angelenos Are Playing: Post-Rain Court Standouts

Spring showers tested the city’s outdoor courts, but perennial favorites came through. Griffith Park Tennis Courts and Poinsettia Recreation Center earned praise for their fast-drying surfaces, while Venice Beach courts buzzed with energy and ocean breezes by sunset.

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

Court	Neighborhood	Typical Fee	Surface/Notes
Griffith Park	Los Feliz	Free	Excellent drainage, popular weekends
Poinsettia Rec Center	West Hollywood/Mid-City	$8/hr (verified public fee)	Good post-rain playability
Venice Beach	Venice	$8/hr (public court)	Scenic, wind can be a factor
Westwood Rec Center (Outdoor)	Westwood	$10/hr (public)	Limited indoor options, reliable for rain delays

LA-Specific Tennis Challenges and Solutions

Demand for court time in LA neighborhoods remains high, especially after rain. Finding courts in peak hours at Griffith Park, Westwood, or Venice Beach often requires advance planning or a willingness to share. Despite myths, true indoor tennis courts are extremely rare in Los Angeles, and most facilities offering indoor play are simply covered, not fully climate-controlled—always confirm before booking. Free and low-cost public courts outnumber private club courts, but expect tight windows on weekends. Public court fees range from free at city parks (like Griffith Park) to $8–$12 per hour in high-demand neighborhoods. Court quality, access to lights, and reservation policies vary widely across the city.

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Neighborhood Spotlights: Insider Tips

• Los Feliz/Griffith Park: Free play, bustling on weekends, best early mornings. Reliable for quick drainage post-rain.
• Westwood: Outdoor courts are busy after work and weekends. Some covered courts but no true indoor tennis.
• Venice Beach: Ocean air and crowds make for a lively scene; post-rain, courts are among the city’s fastest to reopen.
• Poinsettia Park: Central, consistent $8 public court fee, lights available, walk-on slots fill quickly during peak hours.

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