Lexus Nottingham Tennis Centre completes Grand Slam line-up with new Red Plus Clay Courts
• 2 minute read
The Lexus Nottingham Tennis Centre has officially unveiled four brand-new Red Plus Clay Courts, meaning players can now experience all three Grand Slam surfaces right in the heart of the city.
With grass, hard, indoor and now clay courts available all on one site, the venue stands as one of the most complete and unique tennis destinations in the UK.
The LTA’s investment in Red Plus Clay, a surface that closely replicates traditional red clay while being easier to maintain and more suited to the British climate, enables a longer playing season and more consistent training opportunities at home.
The new facilities, which cost more than £800,000, form part of a wider investment of over a £1 million, supporting the LTA’s ambition to improve British performance on clay - the surface synonymous with champion Rafael Nadal. The courts will be used by Regional Player Development Centre athletes and players from the National Performance Academy in Loughborough, helping the next generation develop the skills needed to compete at the highest level.
Nottingham follows on from the official opening of a Red Plus Clay court competition and training venue containing eight courts at Queenswood school in Hertfordshire at the start of June marking another major milestone in investment.
Importantly, the new clay courts in Nottingham aren’t just for elite players. Members of the public can book and play, giving local players the chance to experience a surface more commonly associated with Paris and Roland Garros, right here in the East Midlands. From Nadal’s clay-court grit to Andy Murray’s grass-court mastery and Djokovic’s dominance on hard courts, players can now step onto every surface and test themselves like the pros.
Former world No. 14 Kyle Edmund, who took on a new role working with the team at the Lexus Nottingham Open as Assistant Tournament Director, said: “Clay is such an important surface for developing all-round players, so it’s fantastic to see facilities like this being made available in the UK. Growing up, we didn’t have as many opportunities to train on clay, so having access to these courts in Nottingham is a big step forward for the next generation.
“It’s great that they’re not just for elite players either, giving more people the chance to experience clay and understand the different skills it demands can only be a good thing for the sport in this country.”
Clay is such an important surface for developing all-round players, so it’s fantastic to see facilities like this being made available in the UK.
Steve Mills, General Manager, Lexus Nottingham Tennis Centre, said: “This is a major moment for Nottingham Tennis Centre. We’re bringing a completely new playing experience to the city and making it accessible to everyone, not just top players.
“These courts add something special to our offer and strengthen our position as one of the most complete tennis venues in the country. It’s about raising standards, opening up opportunities and giving more people the chance to get involved in the sport.”
The clay courts, after a few months hard work to install, are now ready for action and will open on 1st August. The grass courts played on by British stars such as Harriet Dart, Hannah Klugman and Jacob Fearnley during the Lexus Nottingham Open will be available for the general public for a limited period over the summer before the preparation starts for the 2027 season.
The Lexus Nottingham Tennis Centre is already one of the largest and most comprehensive facilities in the country with 15 covered courts, 12 outdoor hard courts, 13 grass courts, and six padel courts. The centre continues to invest in the growth of the game, with around £1 million also committed to padel - one of Europe’s fastest-growing sports - offering beginners and experienced players alike a fun and accessible way to get on court.
The venue also plays a key role in the local community, hosting national and international tournaments while supporting over 1,600 weekly participants through coaching programmes, social sessions and inclusive activities for all ages and abilities.
With the addition of the clay courts, the Lexus Nottingham Tennis Centre further cements its position as a leading hub for tennis in the UK offering world-class facilities, pathways for future champions, and new opportunities for everyone to get involved.
Lexus Nottingham Tennis Centre
Head to our dedicated Lexus Nottingham Tennis Centre pages to find out more about the facilities on offer.
