Serving up free court hire…here’s where to play in Canberra

Posted on 14 September, 2026

Game, set, match! Play Tennis Week is serving up some free fun this September, and you certainly don’t need a Grand Slam title to join in on the action.

From Saturday 19 until Friday 25 September, Tennis ACT is inviting Canberrans of all skill levels to grab a racket as participating clubs across the city open their courts for free 60-minute sessions during Play Tennis Week.

There’s no membership required and no catch – just 60 minutes of pure court chemistry. Ideal for anyone looking for an easy excuse to soak up some spring sunshine and catch up with friends.

If that’s not enough to entice you to grab a racket, there will also be a bit of friendly rivalry as Play Tennis Week tackles the age-old debate that’s divided our city for decades: northside versus southside.

The way it works is simple: every court booking made throughout the week automatically scores a point for either Team North or Team South, depending on where you choose to play (with regional NSW affiliate clubs joining the fray to lend a hand, too). By the end of the week, one side will claim local bragging rights in the ultimate Battle of Canberra.

If it’s been a while since you last held a racket – or you’re not quite sure your backhand from your break point – here is a quick, handy guide to the jargon you might hear on the court:

• Love: The only context where having love simply means you are losing.
• Deuce: Tied at 40-40. Welcome to tennis purgatory.
• Break Point: The point where you can steal the game off your opponent’s serve. Also, the exact moment your opponent suddenly remembers how to serve like Roger Federer.
• Fault and Double Fault: Missing your target on a serve once, or doing it twice in a row for a free point to your opponent.
• Unforced Error: An accidental miss on a totally routine shot with no pressure applied. We’ve all been there.
• Moonball: A high, floating shot that bounces sky-high to buy time and test your opponent’s patience.
• Tweener: The iconic trick shot hit between your legs while running backward. Equal parts ambitious and impressive when it lands.
• Bagel: Winning a set 6 to zero. Tastes delicious when served to your rival; tastes like pure humiliation when served to you.
• Breadstick: Winning a set 6 to one. Slightly less brutal than a bagel, but still a deeply embarrassing carbohydrates-themed loss.

Ready to serve up some spring fun and help your side of the lake take the crown? Book your court here.