The Tennis Centre, La Manga Club

28 match courts form the core of extensive tennis facilities

The renowned Tennis Centre in the centre of La Manga Club plays host to a number of professional and semi-professional events, including tournaments forming part of the European Mens’ and Ladies ‘ Seniors Championsjips and exhibition events. There are also club tournaments for members all year round.

As well as this the facilities are popular with those training for the European clay court season, and recent visitors include the Russian Tennis Federation, the Belgian Davis Cup Team, the Great Britain Davis Cup Doubles Team, the LTA Performance Team and former British number one Elena Baltacha. Past players such as Jo Durie, Andrew Castle, Javier Sánchez Vicario and Alex Corretja are also regular visitors.

However, these courts are not reserved for the pros. Anyone can play here at any time, with availability restricted only on those courts being used for tournament play at any given time.

The facilities include a total of 28 match courts (20 clay, 4 hard courts and four artificial grass), thirteen of which are floodlit. The Centre and Exhibition Courts are used for tournament finals and exhibition matches, the Centre Court seating 1,200 spectators in its amphitheatre-like bowl. There are also two glass-walled outdoor paddle-tennis courts and an indoor squash court, as well as a gym, sauna, plunge pool and jacuzzi. As is to be expected the racket centre provides re-stringing and advice for those looking to purchase a new racket, while the tennis shop offers a variety of sportswear and equipment.

Inside the Tennis Centre there is also a bowling green, on which all are welcome to play, and nearby there is a petanque piste.

The Junior Club, outdoor pool (which is free for residents and guests) and crazy golf make this a perfect place to spend the day, and there are a variety of shops and restaurants close by including Mulligan’s for pub fare, Uncle Sam’s American Diner and the Ándale Mexican restaurant.

For full details, booking, availability, go to web : www.lamangaclub.com