Top 10 Tennis Academies to Sign Up for Lessons in Gauteng

Tennis continues to grow in popularity across the country. Gauteng is emerging as a hotspot for aspiring players, social enthusiasts, and competitive juniors. Whether you’re looking to perfect your serve, sign your child up for their first lessons, or return to the court after years away, finding the right tennis academy is key. Fortunately, Gauteng boasts a wide range of tennis schools. They combine professional coaching with quality facilities for all ages and skill levels.

From elite training centers run by former ATP and WTA professionals to welcoming community hubs offering beginner lessons and holiday camps. Here are ten of the top tennis academies to consider in the province.

1. JL’s Tennis Academy – Bryanston, Johannesburg.

Founded by ex-ATP pro John-Laffnie de Jager, JL’s Tennis Academy is one of the most respected institutions in the province. The academy caters for all ages and skill levels, offering structured training programmes with a strong emphasis on tournament preparation. With private coaching options, group training and TSA-affiliated tournaments, JL’s blends professional guidance with competitive opportunities. It’s a private facility focused on grooming talent from grassroots to high performance.

2. TennisInc – Bryanston, Johannesburg

Led by Gaynor Harris, a former professional player, TennisInc has become a household name in the northern suburbs. The academy caters for toddlers, juniors, and adults. It offers everything from beginner lessons to advanced technical coaching. TennisInc is based at Bryanston Sports Club and nearby venues. Sessions are run by certified professionals. It strikes a great balance between social tennis and elite preparation. Thus, it’s ideal for both casual players and serious competitors.

3. Evolve Tennis Academy – Glenhazel, Randburg & More

Evolve has built a strong reputation across its multiple venues in Johannesburg, including Glenhazel and Parkview. Known for its inclusive ethos, the academy starts with toddlers as young as 2.5 years. It works with players of all skill levels. Private and small-group sessions are available, and all instructors are TSA-qualified. The academy offers development pathways from fun, recreational play to competition-level training. It includes holiday clinics and squads throughout the year.

4. Sue Rollinson Tennis Academy – Greenside & Sandton

Former South African national champion Sue Rollinson brings a wealth of experience to her namesake academy. Based at Pirates Tennis Club and Grayston Prep, this academy is ideal for children, teens and adults. They aim to improve their technical and match-play skills. All coaches are licensed by Tennis South Africa. With a strong foundation in fundamentals and a commitment to personal growth, it offers private and group lessons. These are provided in a supportive, private setting.

5. NextPoint Tennis – Killarney Country Club, Johannesburg

With some of the only professional clay courts in Gauteng, NextPoint Tennis at Killarney Country Club is a standout facility. It offers high-performance training led by ATP-certified coaches, as well as private and group coaching for recreational players. Their structured squads, cardio tennis and junior development programmes are designed to build competitive confidence and athleticism. Though the courts require club membership, coaching is accessible to non-members too.

6. Tennis for Life (TFL) – Parkhurst, Fourways, Midrand & More

TFL operates out of several clubs across Johannesburg and offers programmes for every age group. Whether you’re looking for beginner lessons or structured tournament training, this academy’s coaches bring consistency and professional guidance. TFL is particularly popular for its affordable group lessons and holiday clinics, as well as its accessible, welcoming coaching style. It’s a privately run organisation but open to all at its various branches.

7. Proactive Tennis – Irene Country Club, Centurion

Situated in the heart of Centurion, Proactive Tennis is headed by former international player Tamara Pieters. The academy offers a wide range of training options for children and adults. This includes performance squads, technical sessions, and confidence-building drills. With a focus on tournament preparation and personal development, it provides both recreational enjoyment and competitive edge. It is all within a private club environment.

8. Andri Tiran Tennis Academy – Centurion

This Centurion-based academy is ideal for younger learners, with coaching starting from around age four. Run by TSA-accredited coach Andri Tiran, the academy combines structured one-on-one and group lessons with holiday camps and junior tournaments. It’s a private training setup that works closely with local clubs and schools. This supports early development and introduces learners to formal competition.

9. Van der Westhuizen Tennis Academy – Monument Park, Pretoria

Operating since 1979, VDWTA is a legacy academy with deep roots in Pretoria tennis. It accommodates learners from four to seventy years old and offers progressive programmes. These range from mini-tennis to high-performance coaching. VDWTA is known for producing national champions. It offers seasonal holiday clinics, tournaments, and structured match-play events in a private facility.

10. MCTennis – Pretoria

MCTennis offers a complete development pathway for young players and adults. It features certified coaches and a focus on school partnerships. Its junior squads prepare players for leagues, local tournaments, and beyond. The academy also runs parent-child sessions, adult clinics, and one-on-one coaching. MCTennis prides itself on blending fun and structure. It’s an excellent option for both casual learners and tournament hopefuls.

Game, Set, Match

From beginner rallies to high-stakes matches, Gauteng’s tennis academies are creating world-class players. They also provide inclusive spaces for the game to flourish. Whether you prefer a private setting with high-performance training or a public-friendly club with affordable group sessions, these top 10 academies are serving up excellence across the court. Now’s the time to pick up a racquet and take your game to the next level. There’s a coach waiting to help you do just that.