With a history that dates back to 12th century northern France, Louis X was among the first to construct jeu de paume courts. King Charles followed suit by setting up a court at the Louvre Palace. Thanks to the growing popularity of tennis, finding a premium tennis club almost anywhere your private flights take you is simpler than ever before.
Shanghai International Tennis Center Club | Shanghai, China
Located in the luxurious Regal International East Asia Hotel, the Shanghai International Tennis Center Club is the opulent version of a luxury tennis club. The center boasts seven outdoor courts and four air-conditioned indoor courts. The Tennis Center Club is among one of the most exclusive in the world, only allowing admittance to members and hotel guests. Running across these courts are a great way to unwind after private jet flights. While the annual or lifetime memberships and court fees may seem steep, membership buys you a supplementary membership card for a partner or company executive, complimentary use of other club facilities (e.g., indoor pool, gym and sauna), and bragging rights.
Tokyo Lawn Tennis Club | Tokyo, Japan
Located in central Tokyo’s affluent Azabu area, the Tokyo Lawn Tennis Club has a history of promoting international goodwill that dates back to 1900. While the prestigious club’s name alludes to lawn tennis, the open-air courts are clay. When you take a private jet to Japan and visit the tennis club at the right times of the year, you’ll find Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, as well as other members of the imperial family, in a lively match.
Once every three years, between 20 and 30 membership slots for Japanese applicants become available for a joining fee of over $14,000, plus monthly membership dues. International applicants are welcome to apply at any time as long as two current members provide a recommendation. To make the cut, you must pass an interview with a board member from the club, who ensures that you have the appropriate social skills. There’s always time to learn the game on the court.
Bridgehampton Tennis & Surf Club | Bridgehampton, New York
Taking any private jet trips to the Hamptons? Get your membership for the Bridgehampton Tennis & Surf Club. With over 1200 feet of private oceanfront property, the club has 14 Har-Tru clay tennis courts. Depending on the report that you read, a summer family membership (nanny included) can run up to $22,500. When you secure your membership, book a ground-level cabana, too. The convenience is worth the cost.
Fisher Island Club | Miami, Florida
A luxury hotel and resort, Miami’s Fisher Island Club is on an exclusive private island. The private racquet club’s facilities ranked #1 on the East Coast in 2015 by Tennis Magazine. The club includes 14 Har-Tru clay courts surrounded by lush hedges to ensure privacy, two hard courts, two grass courts and a center court for tournaments. At the time of publication, membership costs include a $250,000 initiation or equity fee per family, plus annual dues. Introductory memberships are also available for the summer months, perfect for those times when you take a private jet to Miami.
Los Angeles Tennis Club | Los Angeles, California
If you’re interested in Fisher Island’s West Coast counterpart, check out the Los Angeles Tennis Club during one of your private jet trips. Founded in 1920, the establishment was the first equity tennis club in the city. Today, it has 14 professional grade hard courts and two Har-Tru clay courts. The exclusivity of the club’s membership and the plethora of courts almost guarantee that you’ll never have to wait to play. When you sign up, expect a 90-day application process.