The Whitaker Tennis Courts are less formally known as the UT Intramural courts. They are located at the corner of Guadalupe and 51st St, just north of where Guadalupe and Lamar merge. I played here when attending UT in the early 80s. At that time, the courts and complex were world-class - lots of top-rate courts and the largest and best practice backboards I have ever seen. It's not so world-class now but it appears renovations are in progress.
Passing through Austin, I had to visit the courts even though I wasn't going to play (I'm not a student and the complex was closed anyway). Many hours were spent on these courts. The great thing about the complex was that even if you didn't have a playing partner that day, all you had to do was start hitting against the wall and you'd either get asked to play or would see someone your level and ask them. It was awesome.
The older courts are in a sorry state - deteriorated paint, cracks and weeds growing out of the cracks. The newer section seems to be in much better shape. The school needs to bring this facility back up to UT standards.
So, I'm giving it four stars based on size, the back boards and a nostalgic sense for what they once were to me (and hopefully will be in the future for current UT students). read more