With Roland Garros and Wimbledon just around the corner…we’re starting to get tennis fever. We can’t wait to watch and in fact play the game that’s as famous for it’s volleys and serves as it is for its fashion…yes we’re looking at you LACOSTE!

The evenings are becoming ever so slightly longer and with summer nearly in full swing, (you’re in for a real treat if you appreciate classic tennis puns) there’s no better time to fetch a racket and go for a friendly knock-about.

As you would expect, Dubai has some pretty snazzy tennis facilities and, coupled with some budget friendly options, there is no reason why we shouldn’t all be out practicing our ‘Sharapova serve’…although maybe it’s best we stick with perfecting our ‘Serena swing’ right now. So, grab a mate and head to any of the below and we guarantee you’ll have the advantage (do you hate us yet?!) on the court. 

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Looking for something to wear while you ace that serve…that will double up as fashion footwear too…then scroll down for LACOSTE’S s/s 2016 collection.

1. Dubai Sports City

These hard-surface, multi-purpose courts will do the job if your forehand needs a little practice. Located in the south-east corner of Sports City, these are some of the most affordable courts on our list (AED 100 per hour). The whole area is designed with our sporty selves in mind so while you’re out there take the opportunity to get involved in pretty much everything from rugby, cricket and basketball to golf and even the old-school-but-still-extremely-cool netball. 

For more info

2. Fitness First (Community Club) – The Meadows

Part of the mini-empire that is Fitness First (these guys already have 19 locations around the city), their Meadows branch boasts two outdoor tennis courts. Members are lucky enough to have unlimited access to the courts, while non-members pay AED 125 per day for use of most of the club’s facilities, which include loaded weights, a spin room and cardio theatre. But you’ll need to cross your fingers for a court since they don’t accept court reservations from non-members (cause for a petition maybe?!)

For more info

3. Jebel Ali Recreation Club

Despite being the oldest casual club in Dubai, this sports club out by Discovery Gardens has got some pretty great tennis facilities; with two recently refurbished courts available to non-members for AED 60 per hour – easily our cheapest option. Afterwards unwind at their pub and restaurant where they serve up (!) a reasonably priced, classic pub-grub feed. This no-fuss, family-friendly club is a hidden gem away from the tourist trade of the city; the ideal place for a spot of tennis and some serious comfort food (we thoroughly recommend the steak). 

For more info call  044595100.

4. Club Mina Dubai – Le Meridien Mina Seyahi

Four floodlit courts are available next to the exclusive Club Mina beach club. Perfect for families, members, non-members or for those who want to perfect their backstroke with a little extra coaching; tailor-made individual or group tuition is available or you can simply just rent the court and practice your volleys with a mate. Single lessons start at AED 130 per person or join for some social tennis on Sundays (ladies only) or Mondays between 8 pm and 10 pm (AED 75).

For more info

5. Tennis 360 – Meydan Racecourse and the American School of Dubai

If you tick ‘advanced’ in the tennis skills box, (or if that’s your life-long dream) then this is the place for you. Tennis 360 started its journey at the Ritz Carlton in 2010 and today the academy is based at the American School of Dubai and at the Meydan Racecourse. Their highly-qualified coaches will design a specific programme to help you achieve your tennis goals; with everything from cardio tennis workouts to singles and doubles leagues of all levels available; come here to play some competitive t-ball. Per hour a court here costs AED 150 and an extra AED 10 if you need to rent a racket.

For more info

6. Sportsmania – Jumeirah Lake Towers

This mammoth sports complex comprises of six five-a-side football pitches, sand pitches (for beach football and volleyball) and two multi-use pitches that are perfect for a spot of hard-court tennis, basketball or handball. A court costs AED 120 per hour and since they provide rackets and balls this is perfect for newbies to the sport. The club also throws in free parking, Wi-Fi and shower facilities so we’re stuck thinking of reasons NOT to go. 

For more info

7. Burj Al Arab – Jumeirah

It’s a unanimous decision at the Lovin’ office that the Agassi and Federer game at the top of the Burj Al Arab is one of the coolest locations IN THE WORLD to play a game (although we doubt anyone would be brave enough to go much beyond the baseline). Unfortunately this spot is used as a helipad full-time, (we swear we knew this in advance and definitely did not call the hotel attempting to book a slot) so it’s unavailable for any volley action right now; but if they ever roll out the green lawn again we’ll be first in line for a game.

Now you have an idea, time to get the gear!

Now, you’ve picked your court…it’s time to pick your outfit, well most importantly your trainers. And what’s a better match (sorry!) when it comes to tennis than iconic french brand LACOSTE.

Of course, they have an array of stylish choices in their s/s2016 collection, including the new LACOSTE L.12.12 footwear range. The collection is inspired by the original LACOSTE polo shirt, bringing the same technology and clean lines to this contemporary footwear range.

Look out for the rest of the s/s2016 range too…

Read next: Why LACOSTE Should Be Part of your Elegant Dubai Summer