LA Tennis Today: Thursday's Biggest Stories
Palisades Charter High School’s boys’ tennis team once again stamped its authority on LA prep tennis, clinching its 16th consecutive City Section title—now the longest championship streak in any City Section sport. Senior standout Lorenzo Brunkow, committed to UC Santa Barbara, delivered a commanding singles performance before being subbed out. The Dolphins’ depth showed as Neel Joshi led in the singles lineup and the doubles team of Caleb Scott and Max May locked in the clinching set.
“We just trust each other every year. No matter who graduates, someone always steps up,” shared Brunkow after the win.
Palisades’ dominance isn’t just about hardware—it’s fueling a pipeline of LA tennis talent and setting new standards for youth development across the city.
| School | City Titles (Current Run) | Key Player | Notable Win |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palisades High | 16 | Lorenzo Brunkow | Def. Granada Hills (Finals) |
| Granada Hills | 0 | — | Runner-up |
Bruin Surge: UCLA’s Hot Streak Powers NCAA Push
The UCLA men’s tennis team (16-8, 11-2 Big Ten) heads into the NCAA postseason on an eight-match win streak and fresh off a Big Ten tournament crown. The Bruins’ home form has re-energized Westwood and helped reignite the city’s storied college tennis rivalry, with local crowds turning out to support their rise.
“We battled through a midseason slump and found our rhythm just in time,” said a UCLA team captain. “The energy on the LA courts is unreal.”
| Team | Current Record | Conference Rank | Recent Streak |
|---|---|---|---|
| UCLA | 16-8 (11-2 Big Ten) | 1st | 8 wins |
| USC | — | — | NCAA-bound |
On-Court Pulse: Where to Play Tennis in Los Angeles Right Now
Public Court Standouts
Spring weather is drawing record crowds to classic outdoor parks. Griffith Park remains the gold standard for LA tennis courts, offering ample hardcourts beneath shaded oaks, excellent net quality, and a lively social scene. Venice Beach’s oceanfront courts buzz with post-work play, while Echo Park and Westwood draw early risers and late-night lights, respectively. Note: true indoor tennis options remain extremely rare in LA; nearly all public and private play happens outdoors.
| Court | Neighborhood | Reported Fee | Surface | Lights | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Griffith Park | Los Feliz/Hollywood | $8/hr | Hard | Yes | Social, Scenic |
| Venice Beach | Venice | Free | Hard | Yes | Buzzing, Breezy |
| Echo Park | Echo Park | $8/hr | Hard | Yes | Community, Urban |
| Westwood Rec | Westwood | $12/hr | Hard | Yes | Competitive |
Court availability remains a challenge during peak hours, with weekends booking quickly and evenings in high demand. Players recommend reserving early when possible and exploring off-peak weekday mornings for best results. Reliable real-time reservation systems exist for some facilities; check the LA Rec & Parks website or local centers for court-specific updates.
Private Clubs
The Los Angeles Tennis Club (LATC) in Hancock Park stands as an LA tennis institution, recently hosting major events like the upcoming ACG Spring Tennis Tournament on May 22. LATC offers excellent court quality and amenities, but membership and guest access come at a premium. Always confirm tennis-specific amenities before paying guest or event fees—LATC is a dedicated tennis club with established programs and historic roots in the LA tennis scene.
Neighborhood Focus: Local Tennis Events & Tournaments
- Palisades: Celebrate a record-setting high school team and catch youth clinics shaping the next LA tennis wave.
- Westside/Westwood: UCLA matches electrify the local scene; tickets for NCAA regionals are a hot commodity.
- Hancock Park: The LA Tennis Club’s spring tournament welcomes pros and amateurs alike; see the event schedule for details.
- Venice/Echo Park: Outdoor community play thrives, drawing diverse crowds from sunrise to city lights.
Solving LA’s Tennis Challenges
Los Angeles players continue to navigate the city’s notorious court crunch—scarcity during peak times, lack of true indoor options, and the hassle of finding a consistent partner. PlayTennisLA, the free partner-matching platform, is increasingly the solution of choice for tennis in Los Angeles. Whether you’re seeking last-minute rallies in Griffith Park or new competition in Venice, PlayTennisLA instantly connects players of every level and neighborhood. Sign up for free and join thousands already playing more tennis across LA’s best courts.
“Finding a hitting partner used to mean group texts and no-shows. Now I just log in to PlayTennisLA and get a match, fast,” said a longtime Westwood player.
Ready to play? Sign up for PlayTennisLA today and ace your next match on the city’s best courts. For detailed court reviews, event updates, and fee breakdowns by neighborhood, browse our full LA tennis coverage: Spring Court Guide | Palisades Dynasty | Court Costs Decoded.
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