LTA and tech start-ups try to make it easier to find space to play tennis

With The Championships at Wimbledon now well into their second week, and the weather set fair, tennis courts throughout London are sure to be busier than usual.

As the world’s best flock to the green grass of SW19, finding an empty tennis court to work on that Roger Federer-inspired backhand might prove tricky.

But with London Sport striving to encourage Londoners of all abilities to find the sport or physical activity right for them, Playfinder have stepped up to help budding tennis players find their nearest court.

Wherever you’re living or working in London, Playfinder has got players covered with tennis courts on every underground line and easy online booking through their website or app.

Similarly, Sport Tech Hub alumni Deuce is a tennis club for non-club members and has teamed up with Sir Andy Murray to ensure courts across the capital are full all-year round.

Deuce uses tech to welcome everyone to get active, make it simple, fun and affordable for them to play, and wrap up their whole offer in a way that people feel like they belong to a community.

The power and impact of these two examples show why the Government and Sport England renewed calls for data and digital innovation to revolutionise physical activity in the Spring.

Meanwhile, away from traditional tennis courts, the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) are also working hard to unearth the next Kyle Edmund or Harriet Dart and inspire a new generation of tennis players.

SERVES is the LTA’s sport for development programme that aims to transform the lives of disadvantaged people by giving them the opportunity to play tennis.

In April, more than 150 young people from across London took part in the LTA SERVES Tennis Festival at Lee Valley Tennis Centre on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

The governing body for tennis in Britain has also announced StreetGames, one of the UK's leading sport for development charities, as its new national charity partner for the next three years.

StreetGames works to harness the power of sport to create positive change in the lives of disadvantaged young people to make them and their communities healthier, safe and more successful.

SW19 will always be the pinnacle of British tennis but, with the right support, the game in London can flourish far beyond the perfectly-manicured lawns of the All England Club.