Second Real Tennis National Open Kicks Off This October
For the second year in a row, Real Tennis clubs across the country will be offering free lessons, exhibition matches, on-court workshops, social events and more as part of the second National Open event aimed at introducing new players to the game.
Following the success of last year’s inaugural Real Tennis National Open, the T&RA is thrilled to announce that the second National Open event will take place between 1-4 October 2026 with 22 clubs across the country participating.
The overriding objective of the National Open event is to showcase Real Tennis to as many new people as possible, in the hope of generating new players and club members right across the country. Nearly 500 people tried the game for the first time during last year's event, resulting in some 60-80 new club members. Cambridge hosted the lead event with a fantastic day-long rolling match between current students and alumni. HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, T&RA Patron, attended a lunch at the club and local media were invited, culminating in a highly entertaining four minute slot on BBC East Anglia.
Holyport will be hosting this year’s lead event with a 24-hour Real Tennis marathon beginning at 6pm on Friday, 2 October, running through to 6pm on Saturday, 3 October. This exciting tennis fest will feature professionals, juniors, music and more, and will showcase everything the club has to offer, including singles/doubles/mixed doubles, and is available for anyone – Holyport members, juniors, companies, families, locals, or anyone who wants to try the sport for the first time.
You can find each club’s plans for the National Open Event below (listed in alphabetical order, more to come as information is received from each club). It is vital that we safeguard the game for future generations by introducing new players, so PLEASE support this initiative by bringing along a friend, family member, colleague or anyone who may be interested in learning more about Real Tennis.
HATFIELD HOUSE TENNIS CLUB
Hatfield House will be hosting free open sessions from 6pm to 9pm on Wednesday, 30 September and Thursday, 1 October, as well as from 9am to 5pm on Sunday, 4 October. The Sunday session will include a brief singles exhibition match with Hatfield professionals explaining the rules as they play.
These sessions will need to be pre-booked with the maximum of 8 on court each session to maximise participants’ enjoyment, with 30min gaps available for on-the-day drop-ins if there are any guests to the house who would like to join in, too.
To register your interest in one of the free open sessions, please click here.
HOLYPORT REAL TENNIS CLUB
As the lead club for this year’s National Open Event, Holyport will be holding a 24-hour Real Tennis marathon beginning at 6pm on Friday, 2 October, running through to 6pm on Saturday, 3 October. This exciting tennis fest will feature professionals, juniors, music and more, and will showcase everything the club has to offer, including singles/doubles/mixed doubles, and is available for anyone – Holyport members, juniors, companies, families, locals, and anyone who wants to try the sport for the first time. It will be a Red vs Blue style competition with everyone contributing to the score via games won and targets hit.
MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY REAL TENNIS CLUB
Middlesex will be holding its National Open event on Saturday, 3 October, from 10am to 4pm. They will be welcoming four new players per hour, giving each guest the opportunity to experience an hour of coaching followed by matchplay,which will hopefully give participants the ability to try Real Tennis in an enjoyable, welcoming and engaging way, while experiencing a genuine feel for the club and the game. Food and refreshments will be provided for guests in the club room, creating an opportunity for visitors to meet existing members, socialise and learn more about the club. And introductory membership packages will be available on the day, giving new players an easy way to continue playing and develop their skills after the event.
MORETON MORRELL TENNIS COURT CLUB
MMTCC will be celebrating the National Open Event 5-8 October with introductory clinics for anyone that current members think might be interested in playing the game. The club is also offering free sessions for anyone who enquires.
In addition, the club is holding a Club Handicap Doubles event the 2-4 October, and depending on the number of entrants, there may be an exhibition match for competitors and guests of members that may have interest in the game.
PRESTED REAL TENNIS CLUB
Prested will be running 90-minute group coaching sessions throughout the day on Sunday, 4 October, and Monday, 5 October. To register your interest, click here.
WELLINGTON REAL TENNIS CLUB
Wellington will be creating a relaxed and engaging introduction to Real Tennis by encouraging members to invite friends and family to the club for an exhibition of the game, on-court taster sessions, friendly match play, an optional skills challenge, and the invitation for a free one-on-one taster session for anyone interested in learning more about the game following the event.
FALKLAND PALACE TENNIS CLUB
Falkland Palace will be holding its National Open events on Saturday, 19 September, and Saturday, 10 October, from 2pm to 5pm. They will be welcoming new players for on-court beginner workshops, pro exhibitions and rolling match play between members.
Guests will also be able to enjoy afternoon tea and cakes from a local bakery, providing an opportunity to relax, socialise and meet existing members while learning more about Real Tennis and the club.
