Swing into tennis at these courts

from Queens Chronicle Spring Guide 2022

by Queens Chronicle

Community theater spring shows

C M SG page 17 Y K Hitting the court this spring

Where to play tennis in Queens

by Sophie Krichevsky

Associate Editor

With its world-famous Billie Jean King Tennis Center and Forest Hills Stadium, there’s no question that Queens has tennis running through its veins, and has for some time. And Queens tennis fans not need wait for the US Open to return to Flushing Meadows Corona Park to get back in the swing of things. You don’t need to be Rafael Nadal to play, either. For those looking to hit the courts and sharpen their skills this spring, the opportunities are endless.

Even if you aren’t the next Serena Williams, you can play where she plays this spring: The Billie Jean King Tennis Center is offering plenty of programming this spring. For adults, weekly classes in the evenings begin April 25 and run through June 26, which start at $396 for eight classes. There are some more affordable options during the day, however, including the 60-plus Round Robin, which runs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays starting April 27. That program costs $110 for eight weeks. For juniors, classes start as early as May 1, with the opportunity for free match play if you sign up for two instructional programs.

Cunningham Tennis, located in Fresh Meadows’ Cunningham Park off of Union Turnpike, offers both indoor and outdoor play for juniors and adults alike. Among the venue’s numerous options for play is its “Spring Mini Sessions,” during which players can fine-tune their serves, swings and more through drills with Cunningham’s coaching staff. Though the venue’s winter session is still ongoing, the spring edition will kick off in early May and run through the end of June. The dates are not confirmed, however, as that depends on when the venue is able to open up its dome for the season. For adults, the clinic is $25 and “drill and play” is $44. Prices for juniors vary, depending on the student’s level of play. Sign up for all spring minisessions will open when the program begins in May.

Cunningham Tennis also offers adult leagues, in which players are matched with opponents at similar skill levels. For additional information on that, send an email to info@cunninghamtennis.com.

But for those looking for a more casual setting, Cunningham offers outdoor play at $35 per hour. Indoor rates vary and depend on the time of day.

Alley Pond Tennis in Queens Village also offers classes for adults and juniors. Adult lessons are expected to begin the second week of May, depending on the number of sign-ups. Juniors lessons will begin on May 7. While those offer more instruction, Alley Pond Tennis also has “drill and play” sessions, which focus more on repetition Spots for those should be reserved in advance, and have a 24-hour cancellation policy.

These are just a handful of the places Queens residents can make a racquet this spring — many other courts are open, as well. Those include Juniper Valley Park’s courts in Middle Village, the Roy Wilkins Recreation Center in St. Albans, Astoria Park and more. To find a city tennis court near you, visit nycgovparks.org/facilities/tennis.

Queens residents can get in the swing of things at the borough’s numerous tennis courts this spring, including at Fresh Meadows’ Cunningham Tennis, above. PHOTO BY BUD TAYLOR / FILE

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