AESTHETICS

Sadie McKenna

Vermont Canyon

COURT-SIDE STAYS

Hammock Beach

Palm Coast, FL

Hammock Beach strikes that perfect balance between coastal luxury and laid-back Florida charm – like a country club that actually wants you to relax. Perched on Palm Coast's pristine Atlantic shore, this oceanfront escape offers thirteen tennis courts alongside enough amenities to fill a weekend getaway or an extended stay. Between the Nicklaus-designed golf course, multi-tiered pool complex, and spa treatments that'll make you forget about that double fault from this morning, it's the perfect spot for those who want their beach vacation served with a side of backhand practice.

The newly renovated accommodations and stellar ocean views set the stage for the ultimate tennis retreat, but it's the off-court attractions that really seal the deal. Whether you're unwinding at their impressive water park, dining oceanside at the Atlantic Grille, or simply soaking in those Atlantic vistas from your suite's private balcony, Hammock Beach manages to deliver that rare combination of resort amenities and genuine relaxation. Just don't blame us if you start planning your next visit before the first one's over.

COURT-SIDE PROPERTIES

PineCrest, FL

©MIAMI

At 7,366 square feet, this Pinecrest estate delivers the perfect blend of luxury and leisure, anchored by a pristine tennis and pickleball court that would make your club pro envious. Nestled on nearly an acre of meticulously landscaped grounds, the property offers the kind of privacy that comes from thoughtfully placed bamboo and mature trees, while still maintaining that coveted Pinecrest address.

The residence itself impresses with six bedrooms and seven baths, but it's the outdoor living spaces that truly distinguish this property. A covered terrace flows seamlessly to an entertainer's paradise, complete with a summer kitchen, pizza oven, and a resort-style saltwater pool with tanning ledge. At $980 per square foot, it's exactly what you'd expect from one of Miami's most sought-after neighborhoods – a sanctuary that manages to feel both grand and wonderfully livable.

THE PRO SHOP

THE NUMBERS GAME

©ClubHouse

AROUND THE NET

—Pacific Palisades court survives wildfire. Even nature respects good Plexipave.

—Tennis rankings explained. Trust us, it's still confusing.

—Alcaraz chases Djokovic's sponsorship billions. Still easier than chasing his slam count.

—Sinner’s a YouTuber and Davis Cup brings the Drama. A tennis briefing.

—France vs Brazil Davis Cup controversy proves some things never change.

—Six players banned in match-fixing scandal. Turns out some serves aren't the only thing being fixed.

—U.S. Open adds 15th day. USTA accountants rejoice.

—Social sportsbooks hit tennis. Know your odds, remember your compliance, keep receipts. Welcome to 2025's serve-and-volley hustle.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Rafael Nadal /2010 French Open / Wearing RM-027

©Getty Images

Back in 2008, Rafael Nadal wasn’t interested in watches—especially not while playing. When Julien Boillat, Richard Mille’s technical director, first suggested he wear one during matches, Rafa immediately dismissed the idea. “Impossible to play with a watch,” he said. “It would always swing on my wrist, and I worry.” For two years, Nadal resisted, but Mille wasn’t the type to give up. He kept refining his vision until, in 2010, he flew to Mallorca with a prototype. Nadal greeted him with, “Mostrame me el reloj.” (Show me the watch.) Mille, never one to pass up a bit of mischief, first handed him a heavy platinum watch. Nadal, unimpressed, laughed: “Richard, c’mon, I can’t wear this, it’s too heavy.” Mille, grinning, fired back: “You’re losing muscle, boy. You’re weak!”

Then came the real watch: the RM 027 Tourbillon—a limited edition of 50 pieces, built to withstand the extreme G-forces of clay-court tennis while being light enough that Nadal would forget he was wearing it. It had a carbon composite case, a flexible polycarbonate strap, and a titanium & LITAL® alloy movement, all engineered to weigh less than 20 grams, including the strap. At the time, it was the lightest mechanical watch ever made, a feat of engineering that seemed almost absurd for a luxury timepiece. Nadal, now convinced, strapped it on and in 2010, he made his debut with it at Roland Garros. He didn’t just wear it—he won the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open that same year.

From that moment on, Nadal and Mille’s partnership became one of the most iconic in sports and horology. Nadal, once a skeptic, started calling the watch his “second skin.” The RM 27 series has since evolved into some of the most advanced watches on the planet—shock-resistant suspensions, aerospace-grade materials, and even movements that can withstand 10,000 Gs of force. Today, it’s hard to imagine Nadal on the court without a Richard Mille strapped to his wrist. What started as an impossible idea is now just part of the routine—one that wins championships.

FAULTY LOGIC

©ClubHouse

Our Gentleman's Agreement

We love putting together all this great content, and if you’re enjoying it, it would mean a lot to us if you could pass it along to a fellow enthusiast. Forward to a friend.

Have feedback?

Help us make this the best damn tennis newsletter on the planet. Got thoughts, ideas, or feedback? We’d love to hear from you.

Ace Your Strategy

Showcase your brand to an engaged and growing community of tennis enthusiasts. Advertise with Us.

Thanks for reading.

Until next time, we’ll see you out there.

Waaahhh 😩🍼