Outdoor & Parks
10 of the best tennis and padel clubs in Johannesburg right now
There was a time when Joburg’s sporting pride centred firmly on tennis whites and clubhouse teas. Fast forward to 2026, and the city’s courts look and sound very different. The pop of a padel ball now echoes across rooftops in Sandton, through leafy parks in Craighall, and under floodlights in Greenside.
Padel is booming. Tennis is thriving again. And in Johannesburg, the two sports are sharing space in ways that feel uniquely local: social, competitive, and a little bit glamorous.
Here are ten of the best tennis and padel clubs in Johannesburg right now, whether you are chasing league points or just a fun Friday night rally with friends.
1. The Wanderers Club
If there is one name that still carries serious sporting weight in Joburg, it is The Wanderers Club in Illovo. Known for its heritage across multiple codes, it now blends that legacy with modern padel energy.
The club offers six dedicated padel courts alongside more than a dozen floodlit tennis courts. Coaching programmes cater to juniors and adults, while the clubhouse and restaurant make it easy to turn a quick match into a long lunch.
For many locals, this is where tradition meets trend.
2. Africa Padel, Sandton
Often described as the heart of Joburg’s padel scene, Africa Padel in Sandton is one of the largest dedicated facilities on the continent. With over 4,000 square metres of playing space, it feels more like a padel campus than a club.
Open to the public without membership requirements, it has helped democratise the sport in the city. Courts are booked mostly through the Playtomic app, and peak evening slots fill up quickly.
If you want to see how big padel has become in Johannesburg, start here.
3. Racket and Ball Club
Tucked away on Sunnyside Road, Racket and Ball Club has become a go-to for corporate team building and social leagues. Eight premium outdoor courts sit alongside an outdoor gym and a pro shop.
The on-site SHOTT restaurant adds to the vibe, making it just as popular for post-match drinks as for serious rallies. In 2026, it remains one of the most social padel destinations in the city.
4. Indoor Padel Revolution
Johannesburg weather can be unpredictable, especially during summer storms. Indoor Padel Revolution in Laser Park solves that problem.
This fully indoor facility is frequently voted among the best places to play padel in the city. High-quality courts, consistent lighting, and year-round play make it a favourite for league players who cannot afford rain delays.
For those who value reliability over rooftop views, this is the smart choice.
5. Johannesburg Country Club
The Johannesburg Country Club, often called CCJ, continues to offer one of the most elite racket sport environments in the city.
Across its Auckland Park and Woodmead campuses, members have access to nine astroturf padel courts and iconic tennis facilities. The setting is a classic country club, polished and refined, but the courts are firmly modern.
For players who want premium facilities and tradition in one place, this remains a standout.
6. RBCLUB Melrose Arch
Melrose Arch has long been known for style and lifestyle, and RBCLUB fits right in. With eight outdoor courts, a pro shop, and high-end dining, this venue offers more than just a game.
It is common to see early morning matches followed by coffee meetings or evening games that flow straight into dinner. The experience is as much about networking and socialising as it is about sport.
Padel, in this part of town, comes with a dress code and a reservation list.
7. Balwin Padel, Waterfall City
Located in the fast-growing Waterfall precinct, Balwin Padel offers a premium indoor facility that guarantees play regardless of weather.
It has become particularly popular for lunchtime games among professionals working nearby. A sophisticated bar and café round out the experience, giving it a polished, urban feel.
In 2026, it remains one of the most talked-about new-generation padel venues between Joburg and Midrand.
8. Pirates Sports Club
As one of the oldest sports clubs in South Africa, Pirates carries serious history. Today, it pairs that legacy with five modern padel courts and a lively tennis community.
Located in Greenside, the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. It is the kind of place where social leagues are taken seriously, but never too seriously.
For players who value community spirit, Pirates is hard to beat.
9. Virgin Active Padel Club, Huddle Park
Set within Huddle Park in Linksfield, this Virgin Active Padel Club offers covered outdoor courts that combine fresh air with weather protection.
Members of Virgin Active benefit from booking discounts, and the surrounding parklands add to the appeal. It is ideal for players who want a structured, gym-linked environment with reliable facilities.
10. Boskruin Tennis Club
While padel dominates headlines, tennis is far from fading in Johannesburg. Boskruin Tennis Club remains one of the top destinations for serious tennis training.
Home to the Jamie Davis Tennis Academy, it focuses heavily on high-performance programmes and youth development. For aspiring competitive players, this is where the technical work happens.
What it costs and how to book
Most major venues use the Playtomic app for quick court reservations. Expect to pay between R400 and R600 per hour per court, which usually works out at around R100 to R150 per player for a standard four-person game.
Equipment rental is widely available, and many clubs offer beginner clinics, ladies leagues, and Americano-style tournaments to help newcomers find their footing.
Why 2026 feels different
Johannesburg’s racket sport scene is not just growing. It is evolving.
Historic tennis institutions are adding padel courts. Rooftops in Sandton are turning into urban sports hubs. Country clubs are hosting elite qualifiers and social tournaments side by side.
Scroll through local social media, and you will see as many padel selfies as brunch photos. In Joburg, the court has become a meeting place again. Competitive, yes. But also deeply social.
And in a city that thrives on connection, that might be the real reason tennis and padel are winning in 2026.
Also read: Johannesburg after dark: The best night photography spots for 2026
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikT
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
Featured Image: Hungry For Halaal
