The National Tennis Centre (NTC) opened in 2007 and is a focal point for Britain's top players. It has 22 courts, player accommodation and a world class sports science centre.
The NTC provides highly professional services in Performance analysis, fitness, psychology, physiotherapy and rehab, strength and conditioning, medical support and nutrition, led by Head of Player Support - Simon Jones.
Simon ensures that his team of highly qualified specialists, work in an Interdisciplinary way bringing an applied, player centered support service to Britain’s top players and coaches.
Along with its 22 tennis courts, the NTC is equipped with a state-of-the-art gymnasium, outdoor sprint track and hydrotherapy and plunge pools.
Strength and conditioning encompasses the physical and physiological development of players for world class sport performance.
The Courts at the NTC
Acrylic
These are a GreenSet Grand Prix Acrylic surface. The indoor courts have a sprung timber sub-frame, while the outdoor courts are laid directly on asphalt.
This GreenSet surface is used at many international tournaments including Davis Cup, Fed Cup, WTA and ATP Masters Series events.
Features of the acrylic courts include:
- medium-paced court speed with a medium to low ball bounce
- very durable
- foam shock absorbing strips and forgiving timber sub-floor to allow athletes to train longer without tiring (indoor courts only)
- under floor heating to replicate of a variety of climates (indoor courts only)
The courts were installed by DOE Sport Ltd who have been the exclusive distributors and installers of the GreenSet product range in the UK since 1991.
Clay
The National Tennis Centre boasts two different types of outdoor clay courts, 4 Northern European and 2 FRENCH-COURT synthetic clay, which have been designed to brave the elements of the UK climate and allow for the longest possible clay court playing season and maximum use.
Northern European Clay
- coarser clay
- lower maintenance
- greater ability to withstand frost
FRENCH-COURT® synthetic clay
- synthetic French Court carpet topped with sand and real clay
- “dressed” with a drag mat after play in the same way that real clay courts are
- available for play all year round
Grass
The LTA consulted All England Lawn Tennis Club head groundsman Eddie Seaward to advise on the installation of its four outdoor grass courts. The quality and playing characteristics replicate those found at the Wimbledon Championships.