How to Find a Tennis Partner in New York City

Updated October 2026. Tennis City NYC

The quickest way to find a tennis partner in New York is to post one specific request: a day, a time, a court and your level. The Tennis City NYC Slack group exists for this. It’s free to join now, and new members will pay $5 a year after the 200th member. For regular matches, add a league or a recurring weekly hit.

What to post

A specific post is easier to say yes to. Here are two you can copy:

  • New to NYC: “Just moved to Astoria, about 3.5 NTRP. Free Tuesdays and Thursdays after 6 and weekend mornings. Anyone want to hit at Astoria Park this Saturday around 9?”
  • Visiting: “In town from Chicago May 12 to 15, about 4.0, staying in Midtown. Free the morning of the 14th. Happy to buy my own permit and reserve a Central Park court if someone wants to hit.”

Say your level

Include an NTRP or UTR rating, and add it to your Slack name so others can see it. If you’ve never been rated, give an honest estimate and mention what you play, such as “league doubles” or “back after five years off”. People mostly want a close match, and an accurate description avoids a mismatch for both of you.

Sort out the details up front

NYC’s rules make a few details worth settling before you agree to play:

  • Permits: in season, every player on a NYC Parks court needs a season or $15 single-play permit. Ask early so nobody gets turned away.
  • Who reserves: online reservations must be made at least the day before, cost $15 per court per hour and can’t be refunded. Agree who books and how you’ll split the cost.
  • Central Park minimum: Central Park requires at least two players on a court and doesn’t allow serving practice alone. Doubles needs two people present to sign up for the two hours, and everyone must check in at least 15 minutes before play.
  • No-permit option: Hudson River Park is free and needs no permit, so it’s easy for a first hit. You may have to wait in line, and play is limited to an hour when others are waiting.
  • Weather and backup: agree in advance how you’ll call a rainout and how you’ll reach each other.

Meeting someone new

Meet at a public court, and share your plans with someone if that makes you more comfortable. A 60-minute hit is a low-pressure first meeting. If it goes well, ask about the same time next week before you leave.

Other ways to meet players

  • Leagues: USTA leagues give you scheduled matches and a team. Many league players also look for extra games between matches.
  • Clinics: club programs such as Vanderbilt’s adult clinics put you with players at a similar level. Staying to chat afterward is an easy way to find a partner.
  • At the court: if you see a pair at your level, ask between sets rather than mid-point. Don’t take over someone else’s court time to do it.

FAQ

Is there someone at my level?

We can’t promise a match on a particular day. The NYC group is still growing, so posting a specific time and being a little flexible on level and borough will improve your odds.

Will Tennis City post for me?

No. We don’t post on members’ behalf, so you stay in charge of what you share and who you play with.

Can I join if I’m only visiting?

Yes. Post your dates and level. Give as much notice as you can, because people’s weekends in New York fill up quickly.

Looking for someone to play with? Join the Tennis City NYC Slack group and post a day, time and court at your NTRP level. It is free now; new members pay $5 a year after the 200th member.

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