How do you choose a tennis club in Switzerland?

Characteristics of a good tennis club

Choosing a tennis club can be more complicated than it seems. The first question to ask yourself is: what am I looking for? A sports complex? A small, family-friendly club? Competitions? Etc.

There are therefore several things to bear in mind when choosing a club: 

• The courts – or, to put it more simply: the pitches! That’s right, you can use them to play tennis. Make sure the club in question has both outdoor and indoor courts so you can play in both summer and winter. Then, find out what type of surface they have: clay, Somclay, hard… 
• Let’s talk about the classes this time! Take a moment to consider the types of classes on offer: you’ll usually have the choice between private or group lessons, as well as advanced courses suitable for all ages.
• Don’t overlook the basic facilities. Make sure you find out about showers, changing rooms, towel hire and any additional services.
• Catering can also tip the balance! It’s not essential, but it can be a real treat to grab a bite to eat after a hard-fought match, or even to let your friends and family watch you play from the comfort of the terrace. 
• “Oh no… I’ve forgotten my racket” – that happens to everyone too! Some clubs provide equipment on loan, whilst others even have a shop where you can try out or buy new rackets, balls, shoes and so on… 
• Finally, community life is a factor worth considering! Does the club organise events that allow members to meet new partners? Activities for the little ones? Social evenings…

The cost of a tennis club in Geneva

The cost naturally varies from one club to another, depending on the facilities available to members. 

Some clubs in Geneva require members to pay an entrance fee of up to CHF 5,000 in addition to an annual membership fee.

Subscription options may vary depending on your age, the type of subscription (monthly, annual, per session, etc.) and your circumstances: some offer discounted rates for couples or families with children.

On average, membership of a tennis club in Geneva costs around CHF 800. You can, of course, find cheaper or more expensive options. It all depends on the facilities you’re looking for.

Why join a tennis club? 

Some clubs do not require a membership. You can simply pay for your lessons on an hourly basis with no commitment. However, you are unlikely to find any other services there.

Being part of a club therefore gives you access to a range of facilities and equipment, which is ideal if you want to improve your game. What’s more, by joining a tennis club, you’ll be able to meet and play with other tennis players of a similar standard and, if you wish, take part in local or national tennis tournaments.

However, there are still a few drawbacks to consider before paying your membership fee. Some tennis clubs may have rules and restrictions that limit your freedom to play. For example, in some clubs, a strict dress code (white clothing, clay-court shoes) is mandatory, whilst others may not allow members to play at certain times of the day or to book courts in advance.

Top 3 clubs near Geneva

• The Geneva Tennis Club is one of the oldest tennis clubs in Switzerland. Founded in 1896, the club has hosted numerous championships over the years, including several ATP 250 tournaments. It has 20 outdoor courts, 16 of which are clay courts. Situated on the shores of Lake Geneva, the club offers stunning views. 
• The Geneva Country Club is a prestigious tennis club located in Bellevue, not far from La Réserve. The club, which was acquired in 2020 by David Lloyd Leisure (DLL), has become a fully-fledged sports and wellness complex featuring a gym, a spa and even a swimming pool!
• The Nyon Tennis Club is, as its name suggests, located in the small town of Nyon, on the shores of Lake Geneva – a rather charming setting! This family-friendly club has both indoor and outdoor courts, so you can play whatever the weather! Just a stone’s throw from the lake and the Colovray swimming pool, its location is ideal for an active afternoon.

Bonus: A little further on, the Vevey Tennis Club is situated near the charming town of Vevey, on the shores of Lake Geneva. Founded in 1868, it is the oldest tennis club in Switzerland. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens and offers a peaceful setting. The club has 9 outdoor courts, 6 indoor courts and a sports hall.