Where to play tennis in the Caribbean

If watching the U.S. Open makes you want to brush up on your backhand, check out these Caribbean resorts where the tennis programs are ace. One Love!

Curtain Bluff, Antigua This venerable all-inclusive’s tennis program is popular and well-respected, centered around four hard courts steps from the sea and instruction by a trio of much-loved pros (#TeamDillo) who are particularly good with children and beginners. Check out their series of year-round series of tennis events which feature clinics and pro-am play with international tennis stars.

Half Moon, Jamaica With 13 courts (all lit for after-dark play) you’ll never have to wait to lob a few over the net at this classic Montego Bay resort. A team of pros, certified by the International Tennis Federation and US Professional Tennis Registry, is on hand to give private and semi-private lessons beginning at just $60 an hour.

Couples Swept Away, Jamaica You won’t pay a dime out of pocket for lessons at this Negril all-inclusive where the 10-acre sports and fitness complex features five clay and five hard courts and offers twice-daily group clinics.

Tryall Club, Jamaica It might be best known for its golf course but this sugar plantation-turned-resort’s tennis facilities are worthy of attention, too. Set on a breezy hillside overlooking the sea, the four Agile Turf courts and five Nova Cushion hard courts have been played by several pros, including the Williams sisters, and there are two dozen pros on staff to help you play like them.

Casa De Campo, Dominican Republic When you call yourself the “Wimbledon of the Caribbean” you better have the tennis cred to back it up. This sprawling resort does, with 13 Har-Tru courts at La Terraza Tennis Center; more than 25 pros; and even a team of “boleritos” (ball boys) to wrangle stray balls.

Caneel Bay, USVI Caneel’s Peter Burwash International-directed tennis program is delivered on nine courts (two hard, seven artificial grass) and recognized as one of the best in the world, not just St. John. Social swingers will enjoy the twice-weekly round robins, pairing guests and local players.

Four Seasons Nevis Ratchet up your racquet skills on six hard and four clay courts under the watchful eye of Nevis Peak at this Peter Burwash International tennis facility. Fanatics will appreciate the resort’s unlimited tennis program, which covers five hours of lessons, three tennis clinics, and unlimited use of the courts and ball machine during your stay.

The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman Work off all those calories you consumed at the resort’s Blue by Eric Ripert restaurant with a few sets on one of five courts (three red clay, two hard) at this tennis center helmed by where Maria Sharapova’s former coach Nick Bollettieri. Now through November 1, pay a discounted rate of $40/hour for court rental and $120 for an hour-long private lesson.

Wyndham Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa, Puerto Rico Billed as the largest tennis facility in the Caribbean, this Rio Grande resort’s tennis center offers 11 Har-Tru courts and two Laykold hard courts, with four lit for night play. A player matching program means you’ll never play alone.

Sandy Lane, Barbados There are nine hard courts at this Bajan grand dame where Venus Williams led a two-day clinic exclusively for guests last November. Book early if you’re interested in private lessons from Sandy’s resident pros, particularly if you’re visiting during the festive season.