Why Saddlebrook Resort Is One of Florida’s Top Tennis and Racquet Sports Resorts
When a property has more than 45 years of history behind it, I knew I had to experience firsthand what keeps drawing guests from around the world. As a former Division 1 player from Georgia and avid fan of tennis, I have been familiar with Saddlebrook Resort since I was a teenager (hello, John Isner and James Blake’s former training hub, to name a few.) With a sliver of an idea of what was behind the gates of Saddlebrook Resort, I was finally able to experience the property for myself, and it absolutely exceeded all expectations.
The First Impression
Saddlebrook Resort, while renowned for its timeless tennis programming that originated with coach Harry Hopman, is so much more than an academy. Recently renovated, its appeal, in my opinion, lies in the hospitality that you immediately feel once you’re pulling up to the resort. Unlike many Florida properties, you don’t feel rushed or stressed, due to the simple fact that the location sprawls across an incredible amount of land that’s away from the hustle and tourist attractions often surrounding many other resorts. The quiet yet classy lobby is your first impression, leaving you with a sense of calm and excitement, especially when you sneak a peak at the immense resort pool just steps from the back doors. To the right, you’ll catch a glimpse of some of the accommodations, many of which are suite style, ranging from one to three bedrooms. And to the left, you’ll see one of the greens of the newly-enhanced golf courses. Within your first few moments after check-in, you’ll be immediately overcome with a sense of peace and relaxation, mixed with excitement about what your itinerary holds.
The Heart of the Hopman Program
What started as the Tampa Tennis Academy has grown into a world-renowned junior and adult tennis program held at one of the only facilities with all four Grand Slam surfaces. If there’s anything that catches my eye, it’s a grass court or the pristinely-swept red clay. While I didn’t have a chance to test out those surfaces, I did have the opportunity to hit on the adjacent clay courts. I also was able to experience an afternoon session during the Hopman Program, or their adult program, which is available year-round and includes dynamic stretching, a morning and afternoon session broken up by lunch, and an optional event of the day. There are both daily and overnight packages available, depending on your schedule. Juniors can also experience a similar schedule, with daily camps and skills and drills available as well as a boarding program for those seeking an all-inclusive stay. Peak seasons for juniors are during school breaks, holidays, and summer months.
A Moment for Pickleball
If you’re seeking a racquet sports experience, Saddlebrook also offers dedicated pickleball programming just steps from their elite tennis facility. Complete with open play options as well as an adult program, guests have the opportunity to play on one of eight courts specifically set apart for pickleball. Once you’re wrapping up your final set, you can walk straight over to Palmhaus, one of the dining options conveniently located by the Super Pool, which is the same pool you can view from the lobby area. As you’ll notice, everything is within ample walking distance yet feels perfectly and thoughtfully placed across the property.
Amenities, Ambiance, and Appeal
Apart from the extraordinary racquet sports programming, Saddlebrook also offers an overarching community-meets-resort feel. From the live music on weekends to the jam-packed events calendar to the thoughtful staff greeting you at every corner, it feels more like a home than a hotel stay. While you may be visiting with a team, group, or your family, there’s oftentimes going to be another activity, meeting or event taking place that livens the atmosphere. Especially as the home of the Professional Tennis Registry and Professional Pickleball Registry, Saddlebrook Resort is continuing to invest in the entire property and is actively building out every aspect of their programming – both on and off the court.
Most recently, Thomas Blake was hired on as the Director of Performance Tennis, and I was able to connect with him during my visit to learn more about his vision for the program. According to the resort, “Blake will oversee high-performance tennis operations and guide the development of elite junior, collegiate, and professional athletes, reinforcing Saddlebrook’s legacy as a premier global tennis destination.”
Coming soon to the resort will also be a a multi-court padel complex, rounding out the racquet sports offerings. They are also nearing completion on a new dining outlet in the main resort building called GOAT Kitchen & Bar, a refreshing take on a sports bar or tavern that will be the perfect addition to the on-site dining options. And, a spa refreshment was recently completed – yet another amenity that racquet sports guests can certainly need to take advantage of after a day on the courts.
Interested in Watching vs. Reading About Saddlebrook Resort?
Whether you’ve been familiar with Saddlebrook for years due to its impressive history or this is your first time considering a visit to the resort, we invite you to press play on our video that encompasses a highlight of what you can expect during your racquet sports getaway to the Tampa area.
