USTA National Campus
The UCF Knights play their home matches at the UCF Collegiate Tennis Center at the USTA National Campus in Lake Nona, Florida. Both the UCF men’s and women’s tennis teams have played here since the campus opened in 2017.
The complex’s UCF Collegiate Tennis Center features 12 plexicushion courts with seating for 1,200 fans and room for additional seating areas. It is large enough to allow two collegiate matches to be played simultaneously. The area also features a two-story pavilion including concessions and locker rooms.
The UCF men’s and women’s tennis team has found overwhelming amounts of success at home as they have posted a combined 78-21 record in the four seasons they have played at the USTA National Campus. The women’s tennis team didn’t lose at home in 2019, winning their 15 regular season matches and three matches in the American Athletic Conference tournament.
Looked upon as one of the greatest facilities in the country, the NCAA agreed to host the NCAA team, singles and doubles championships at the UCF Collegiate Tennis Center in 2019, 2021 and 2023. The 2019 championships were a hit to tennis fans throughout central Florida, as was the College MatchDay series. Televised on the Tennis Channel, elite tennis programs from across the country would compete in highly-attended rivalry matches at the USTA National Campus. The series plans to continue making its home in Orlando. The American Athletic Conference championship tournament was also held at the collegiate tennis center in 2019 and will be held there again in 2021.
In addition to the UCF Collegiate Tennis Center, the USTA National campus is home to over 100 tennis courts. The venue not only provides student-athletes the best of playing surfaces, but other hands on experiences to complement what they learn in the classroom.
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) established this tennis center to welcome all levels of players. This includes youth that are just beginning to learn the game all the way to professional players. Construction was finished on the tennis center in late 2016.
The USTA Player Development division moved its national headquarters from Boca Raton to Orlando, aiming to provide the best opportunities to succeed for the next generation of American tennis champions.
“This new home for American tennis will truly be a game-changer for our sport,” said USTA chairman of the board and president Dave Haggerty. “This world-class facility will be an inclusive gathering place for American tennis and will allow us to impact our sport at every level, from the grassroots to the professional ranks.”
Along with many partners, the university will help raise private funds to contribute to the development of the center. UCF also is exploring opportunities to connect its academic programs and students with the center’s operations.
Former UCF President John C. Hitt joined Haggerty, Gov. Rick Scott, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer were all a part of this process. Officials from Tavistock Group, the developer of Lake Nona, also participated.