Kyiv's courts offer tennis enthusiasts a choice of parquet, clay or rubber courts
d to the bad boys of tennis?
I mean, I’d much rather play tennis than watch tennis – but having been raised on a steady diet of hockey fights, over the years I learned to appreciate the finer points of televised tournaments. I developed a grudging respect for loudmouths like Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe and the Andre Agassi‑of‑old. I looked forward to the controversial plays, the racket‑throwing, the cursing and the inevitable sulking to follow. The volatility added something to tennis and made it fun.
With the current game lacking such colorful characters, it’s not the same – though they are healthier. That’s because I’m now getting out and raising my own racket, so to speak. When it comes to tennis in Kyiv, there are a reasonable number and variety of courts in which to do so.
They vary in quality and price and in the amenities they offer. But most allow advanced bookings, arrange lessons for approximately $10 an hour, rent rackets and balls and have some sort of shower facility.
Central stadium
The Central Stadium Tennis Club is a sprawling complex of wood, clay and asphalt courts set on the side of the hill behind Olympic Stadium.
Built in the 1960s, the state‑owned courts are slowly undergoing a series of renovations, while director Volodymyr Ryalsev laments the lack of money to do more, faster. Still, the courts are decent enough, offer a wooded setting and a view over the stadium to the city below.
The courts operate daily from 7 a.m. to midnight. The seven clay courts cost Hr 50 per hour, but drop down to Hr 30 from noon to 4 p.m. The two asphalt courts cost Hr 25. Central Stadium also features three indoor courts on painted, parquet flooring, two in a large gymnasium and one off by itself, renting for Hr 50. Finally there is also a private, fenced‑in parquet court that goes for Hr 100 per hour.
Ryalsev said two one‑hour lessons per week for children’s classes run for Hr 120 per month. He also said senior citizens play free on any court any time they want.
Central Stadium’s locker facilities have been newly renovated and are in good condition.
Darnytsa
The tennis court, located just down the street from Darnytsa metro has seen better days. But by traveling to the less expensive property on the Left Bank, you will save yourself a few hryvna.
The surface of the rubber courts resembles weather‑worn shingles, with a few cracks making for an even more challenging contest. But the courts could be much worse and represent a bargain at Hr 15 per hour during the operating hours from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and dropping down to Hr 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The clay courts are better maintained and normally run for Hr 30, and down to Hr 20 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Racket rental goes for Hr 5 per hour and the court charges Hr 1 for use of the practice wall.
Dynamo
Part of the sporting empire owned by entrepreneur Hryhory Surkis and his Dynamo Kyiv Soccer Club complex, Dynamo tennis courts are without question the best, centrally located courts in the capital.
The setting is green and is a hive of youthful activity during the weekends. And the players who take to these courts are good. The management said group lessons can be arranged with one trainer for 10 people.
Otherwise the seven clay courts can be rented during the week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Hr 32 per hour during the day and Hr 50 in the evening and on weekends. Dynamo also has two chipped asphalt courts, and there’s a practice wall to boot.
One ex‑pat gave the thumbs up to club coach Kostya, who for $10 provided an hour’s worth of court‑time and lessons, including an all‑out finishing set in which, “he never lets me win – which I like.”
Education sportscomplex
Set up on the hill behind Olympic Stadium, the Education Sports Complex represents the sorry state of most such state‑funded facilities. It includes a beautifully groomed soccer field that no one is allowed to use and two asphalt courts at Hr 5 an hour, which lack nets or plans for repair.
The complex is worth mention, however, because it also has a large indoor parquet court. Currently out of commission – since it is being renovated – the court normally rents for Hr 50.
Harmony
Pint‑sized Harmony rates mention as the hidden treasure among Kyiv tennis courts – if only for the atmosphere.
Tucked away behind a line of apartment blocks in what must be one of the greenest courtyards in the capital, Harmony is comprised of two individually fenced‑in clay courts and a separate asphalt court. The court fences are covered with vines and small brick practice walls are available for free.
Director Borys Sherbyna also works as a tennis coach. He said Harmony operates from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., that the clay courts go for Hr 20 through the day and Hr 30 on evenings while the asphalt costs Hr 15.
Nauka
Unanimously viewed as the creme de la creme of Kyiv tennis courts, Nauka attracts the pros and amateur enthusiasts alike.
Boasting three indoor courts and six outdoor tennis courts as well as a comfortable cafe, Nauka has no problem attracting players to its slightly out‑of‑the‑way location by Svyatoshyn, Kyiv’s western‑most metro station.
The indoor courts cost Hr 100 per hour from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Hr 120 per hour from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. through the week and Hr 110 per hour on weekends and holidays.
The outdoor clay courts can be rented Monday‑Friday for Hr 25 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and for Hr 35 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and for Hr 30 on weekends.
COURT INFORMATION
CENTRAL STADIUM
Olympic Stadium.
Tel: 246‑7053.
DARNYTSA
6 Malyshka.
Tel: 513‑7719.
DYNAMO
3 Hrushevskoho.
Tel: 228‑4493.
EDUCATION SPORTS COMPLEX
Olympic Stadium.
Tel: 268‑7203.
HARMONY
13 Suvarova.
Tel: 573‑9096.
NAUKA
32 Akademy Vernadskoho.
(Buses No. 97 or 40, four stops from Svyatoshyn metro station)
Tel: 444‑3381.
