Most clubs don’t have an office with regular hours. Since they are nonprofits, efficiency isn’t their strong suit. Instead, send emails (the more clubs you BCC, the better—don’t expect a high reply rate). Calling is even better, but be prepared for a language barrier. On most websites, you’ll notice they don’t accept new members. Even if they do, they might require a current member—or even two—to vouch for you.

Well, all of this is both true and not true. Generally, long-established clubs accept new members only if an older member dies. But don’t start planning a mysterious disappearance for an 80-year-old K-Swiss-wearing West-Berliner. Instead, write a motivation letter (yes, no kidding) explaining why you’re an amazing asset, how you want to be part of the community, and compete for the club. Despite a 2-year waitlist, they might send you an application form. Here's an example. Some might even want an interview. After your application is accepted, you’ll receive an invoice—by email or post. Prepare to pay an annual fee of €200-400 and possibly an initial registration fee (up to €100). Once you’re in, get involved: join your club’s WhatsApp chat, dive into activities, meet fellow players, and enjoy the facilities. Make the most of your membership. There are some limitations from club to club, but remember, you can now play whenever and as much as you want.

Reserving a court at a tennis club in Berlin requires navigating each club’s specific system and rules. Most clubs have an online booking platform available exclusively to members. After your membership is confirmed, you’ll be invited to register with their designated system. Courts are generally booked in 60-minute slots. Typically, you can book a limited number of slots in advance, but once you’ve played in a booked slot, your booking limitation is lifted and you can reserve again. Some clubs allow bookings up to two weeks in advance, while others open their booking systems only a few days prior.

Each tennis club has its own policies regarding guests. Some clubs are more lenient and regularly allow guest players, while others are stricter and only permit guests during off-peak hours. If your club allows guests, you'll need to book the court on their behalf. Ensure you select the correct option to indicate that you’ll be bringing a guest. Most clubs charge a fee for guest players. Fees can range from €5 to €16 per court per hour, but popular hours are often blocked for members and club activities. Payment option also vary, from a jar on a table in the clubhouse, to online. Make sure to check the specific fees at your club and ensure payment is arranged. Some clubs have limits on how often a member can bring a guest. This might be a monthly or yearly limit, so it’s a good idea to verify any restrictions to avoid surpassing these limits. Some clubs might require guests to register or present identification upon arrival.

Finding tennis partners in Berlin can be as much of a pain in the ass as it is anywhere else. But with a bit of persistence, you’ll be hitting the courts in no time. Start with your club network if you’re a member. Still not a member? No worries. Join this Facebook group, though you’ll mostly find people like yourself asking where to play if they don’t belong to any clubs (we’ve already covered that hot topic). You are also welcome to join our Telegram and WhatsApp groups and take your chances there. Lastly, while you’re out on the S-Bahn, keep an eye out for that guy or girl with a racquet sticking out of their backpack. Give them a knowing nod—like you’re part of a secret tennis society—start a conversation, and see if they’re up for a match later this week. It’s Berlin, so don’t overthink it—just dive in and make it happen.

There was a time when you could hit against the wall (at least in West Berlin), but they took even that away from us! Seriously though, training for tennis in Berlin can be quite a challenge. While it’s easy to find a private coach or group clinic in almost any major city, Berlin is a whole different ball game. We go back to the same old problem: the closed culture of tennis here. In other parts of the world, you or your coach can reserve a court and bring a group along, but in Berlin, you need a membership to access most facilities. While places like Miami or Barcelona are known for their elite tennis academies that produce top-ranked players, Berlin’s training options are more grassroots. They focus on community and casual play rather than producing professional athletes or even advanced recreational players. If you’re a member of a club, there may be some programs available for you, but they are often limited and not geared towards intensive training. And let’s not forget the weather. Berlin’s long, cold winters and frequent rain mean outdoor courts are often unusable. So if you’re serious about improving your game, be prepared to face these hurdles head-on, and maybe invest in a good raincoat.

As with everything in Berlin tennis, competing is mostly reserved for club members. You’re not just playing for yourself; you’re representing your club. The city’s clubs face off in regional and national leagues, providing regular match opportunities for both recreational and serious players. Matches are typically organized by skill and age categories, such as “Herren 40” (men aged 40 and above). If you’re still not ready to commit to a club membership, consider using the Double Bagel app. This app allows you to join tournaments with a single click or play in duels. You and your opponent can decide where and when to play, just don’t forget to submit your score after your match. This flexibility makes it easier to find competitive play without the long-term commitment.

In Berlin, tennis doesn’t try to fit in. It’s not about crisp whites; it’s more about duct-taping your old Dunlop and showing up wherever there’s space. Tennis finds its odd little niche here, playing by its own rules and keeping score on a chalkboard (if at all).