I've played on dozens (and dozens... and dozens) of tennis courts all over Texas and Louisiana, and in my opinion, they're pretty standard. Even the courts at the most elite country clubs lack a certain je ne sias quoi... a "cool" factor; but that doesn't mean there aren't some totally bad-ass courts out there.
On my internet quest to find these incomparable courts, I came across 17 which for me, fit the bill; and here they are in no particular order:
"Emerald Cay ", a private estate located in the Turks and Caicos Islands
How would you like to play tennis on this beautiful court, surrounded by the Caribbean Sea? It's totally do-able on this gorgeous privately owned island, Emerald Cay (pronounced like 'key'), located in the Turks and Caicos Islands near Cuba.
Hacienda De La Paz - Rolling Hills, California, USA
Here is another privately owned piece of paradise located in the Los Angeles suburb of Rolling Hills. This home is definitely for the tennis lover, as it has not one, but TWO tennis courts. This is the hard court, built 5 stories down inside the home and designed to exact US Open specifications. Pete Sampras even played on it as a house guest.
The second court isn't necessarily one of the coolest courts, but the fact that it's the second of two private courts for the same residence makes it pretty cool, to me! It's located on the sprawling grounds, with a badass view of Los Angeles. This one is designed to precise French Open specifications.
A rooftop in Paris, France
OK... So this one is more artistic than it is authentic, but it's totally cool - and unique! For his Starno City, Arno Piroud creates amusing interventions such as a tennis court painted onto a Parisian rooftop. Piroud's focus is on putting "fiction into reality" as he makes "contemporary art about the city." Check out his online map of Paris for all of his other works of art, and if you ever go to Paris, you can check them out in person!
A private residence - Toorak, Australia
Here is another unique court in Australia, nicknamed "The Wayne Residence", after Batman, of course. Located underneath the tennis court is the "Bat Cave", which is home to the owner's numerous luxury cars.
Underground Racquets Ltd. - Carthage, Missouri, USA
Your game will hit an all-time low (figuratively speaking) if you're lucky enough to get the chance to play on these courts, located inside this underground cave in Carthage, Missouri. There is no website or social media for this members only club, but the phone number is (417) 358-2732. I'll bet if you ask, they'll at least let you look around.
Manolo Santana Racquets Club - Marbella, Spain
The cool factor of these courts is not so much the actual courts or their location, but the variety among the different courts. This multi-level, patchwork-like tennis club was founded in 1997 by Spanish tennis legend Manuel (Manolo) Santana. Inspired by the different surfaces of the Grand Slams, the Manolo Santana Racquets Club has three hard courts as well as two clay courts, and an artificial grass court.
Il San Pietro di Positano - Positano, Italy
This unique seaside tennis court belongs to Il San Pietro di Positano, a luxurious Italian five-star hotel. Maria Sharapova once played on this court, and describes the view as "breathtaking".
Bunabhainneadar Tennis Court - Isle of Harris, Scotland
This is definitely not the most beautiful of tennis courts, but it's still one of the coolest courts. The Bunabhainneadar Tennis Court is located on the Scottish Isle of Harris, and is known as the most remote tennis court of Britain (probably anywhere). For £15 (or about $21.50 USD) you can play on this court for an hour and a half.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Seaside Tennis Club - Kamuela, Hawaii, USA
On the coastline north of Kauna'oa in Hawaii, sits the Mauna Kea Seaside Tennis Club which is part of the Marriott Chain of hotels. Just look at that sunset! Who could resist the urge to fire a ball off into the sea?
Singita Sabora Camp - Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, Africa
It's the only court in the Serengeti National Park, and the only court in the world where you can call a let for a zebra coming onto your court! I'd love to play a match here with my celebrity grrl crush (and animal lover), Carolyn Hennesy :-)
The Burj Al Arab Hotel - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The Burj al Arab is the fourth tallest hotel in the world at 321 m (1,053 ft) and stands out in the water on its own artificial island. It is also home to the highest tennis court in the world, which is 211 meters above the emerald waters of the Persian Gulf.
Actor Adam Sandler's private residence - Bel Air, California, USA
Adam Sandler is an edgy comedian as well as an avid tennis player, so it's only appropriate that he has a tennis court that literally hangs from the edge of his property in Bel Air, California. He bought this house in July, 1999.
Madrid, Spain
How would you like to play tennis on the side of a building? To promote the 2011 Madrid Open, a special vertical court was created and two stunt players who were secured in safety harnesses actually played tennis, 180 feet above the ground!
All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club - St. Charles City, Iowa, USA
How cool is a beautiful grass court surrounded by a white fence - in the middle of a cornfield? Sign us up! The All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club is a slice of Wimbledon dropped squarely in middle America. And best of all? It's free to play on - all you need to do is reserve a court via email.
Palma De Mallorca - Balearic Islands, Mallorca, Spain
This uber-cool (but temporary) regulation-built tennis court was used for an exhibition match, "The Battle Of The Surfaces", between Spain's Rafael Nadal (BOTTOM R) and world number one Swiss Roger Federer. It was an epic battle, ultimately won by Rafa Nadal, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (10).
A Private Residence - Oyster Bay, NY, USA
This indoor tennis court in Oyster Bay, NY is one of the most fabulously designed court I've ever seen. The natural light from above, ivy on the back wall, and sea foam green walls make having a bad set a little easier to swallow. I could definitely play tennis here. Forever.
