The Best Tennis In Las Vegas With Clay Courts

With the exception of retired great Andre Agassi making his home in Las Vegas, tennis isn't always top of mind in Nevada. Even after the 2007 Tennis Channel Open, which was the second to be held in Las Vegas, people tend to forget the city's ties to the sport.

Between 1972 and 1985, Las Vegas was home to the Alan King Tennis Classic. As noted, it was the home of the Tennis Channel Open, until the tournament was sold to the ATP. Even Kirk Kerkorian, who helped shape the city, is an avid tennis player.

At The Stirling Club, there are dozens more stories. Bob and Mike Bryan host a camp here. Marty Hennessy, who also owns VegasTennis.com and operates the Marty Hennessy Jr. Tennis Foundation, has been instrumental in developing summer camps and competitions. And, it's not uncommon to see the occasional celebrity or professional tennis player vying for a spot on the courts. The clay courts at The Stirling Club are much cooler in the summer!

Tennis Schedule At The Stirling Club

• Jr. Tennis Clinic, 3:30 p.m., Mondays ($15)
• Evening Adult Clinic, 6 p.m., Tuesdays ($15)
• Jr. Tennis Clinic, 3:30 p.m., Wednesdays ($15)
• Mixed Doubles/BBQ, 6 p.m., Fridays (1st and 3rd, $25)
• USTA League, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays (NA)
• Morning Adult Clinic, 8 a.m., Sundays ($12)

Marty Hennessy also hosts a summer camp for juniors. The camp includes tennis, swimming, games, awards banquets, and pizza parties. For more information, contact Marty at 702-493-3764.

Stirling Club members frequently look for partners and pairings too. Sometimes requests are made directly on The Stirling Club Facebook page.

While the Stirling Club is home to the finest courts in Las Vegas, there also some public options. The Amanda & Stacy Darling Memorial Tennis Center on the west side of Las Vegas is one of the best known with 23 outdoor lighted courts. Other parks with courts include: Lorenzi Park, Sunset Park, and Bob Baskin Park. For more courts, the Las Vegas Online Entertainment guide has an extensive listing.

Several properties also have courts, including Bally's Las Vegas, Flamingo Las Vegas, Las Vegas Hilton, Paris Las Vegas, and the Riviera. America Online Travel has a comprehensive listing. Most newer resorts do not have courts. Rates vary.