MIAMI—It’s the credo of every professional tennis player: Play to win. Some might say, it’s the preparation to win that really matters. Whether it’s for the love of the game (and win) or just to brush up on your swing, the Fisher Island Club’s newly revamped courts have something for everyone—including all four Grand Slam playing surfaces.
“Our tennis center was already of a high caliber, but we wanted to develop something that would create a ‘wow’ effect for our members and guests,” said Bernard Lackner, CEO, Fisher Island Club. “The direction we chose was to design a facility that could offer all four Grand Slam playing surfaces inclusive of two important factors—the courts had to look and play exactly like those the touring pros compete on at the Grand Slam tournaments.”
Set on a private island, the resort is designed in a 1930s Mediterranean style with soft cream walls and terra-cotta roof tiles, which provide a striking contrast to the vibrant, tropical florals and verdurous greenery of the surrounding landscape. For this project, a high level of discernment was apparent as the team at Fisher Island Club was meticulous in its preparation and execution of the design plan.
“A great deal of research was conducted to make sure the best companies in Florida were contracted to design and renovate the club’s courts, and much thought was also given to how the courts would be positioned to enhance the visual flow of the tennis center,” Lackner explained. “For example, the French Open European red clay courts were installed directly next to the Wimbledon grass courts, creating an impressive contradistinction between the brilliant green grass courts and the bright reddish-orange European red clay courts. With two vastly different colors next to each other, the colors of the courts pop as you approach them. It is a stunning contrast that instantly produces a smile from any tennis player.”
For professional players, stepping onto the courts at Fisher Island just might feel like familiar turf. The tennis center has 12 Har-Tru green clay courts, which feature a soft playing surface that aims to be easier on the body, according to Lackner. Two French Open European red clay courts, not easily found in the U.S., are also available to guests and produces a significantly higher bounce than the traditional Har-Tru green clay courts. Two U.S. Open Deco Cushion courts were designed to look and play like the courts at the U.S. Open, which, according to the company, also play similarly to those of the Australian Open. Rounding out the offerings, there are two Wimbledon Championship grass courts.
“Together, these four surfaces offer our members and guests an experience unlike any other in the world. It is a tennis player’s paradise,” Lackner said.
The resort’s experiences don’t end there. As a member or guest of the Fisher Island Club, amenities include a state-of-the-art spa and fitness center, a nine-hole P.B. Dye-designed golf course, seven restaurants, beach club and gourmet market. In addition, the location’s privacy and exclusivity helps to create an optimal environment for training and playing tennis.
“We felt having touring pros train at Fisher Island Club would infuse a considerable amount of energy into the tennis center and the island as a whole. The results have been outstanding, with more than 15 touring pros—both men and women—ranked in the top 15 worldwide now training at the club throughout the year. One of these touring pros even purchased a home on the island and became a member of the club, with several others showing a great deal of interest in doing the same,” he said.
—Corris Little