Tennis
Imperial Courts Tennis Club offers an exceptional tennis experience in Aptos and throughout Santa Cruz County, with 9 championship-level courts, including 5 lighted courts for evening play. Our tennis community welcomes players of all ages and skill levels—from adults looking to improve their game or find competitive play to families looking for a place where children and parents can enjoy tennis together.
Players have access to highly accomplished independent tennis professionals who offer tennis lessons and instruction at Imperial Courts, with opportunities for private and group instruction, junior tennis lessons and programs, and other programs designed to help players learn, improve and enjoy the game.
For players who enjoy competition and meeting new people, Imperial Courts offers USTA and interclub leagues, providing opportunities to compete against players from other clubs, make new tennis connections, and expand your tennis community beyond Imperial Courts.
With excellent tennis programs, competitive leagues and instruction for all ages, Imperial Courts is a place where players and families can enjoy the game, improve their skills and build connections with other tennis players throughout Santa Cruz County.
Imperial Courts is a USTA Member.
Tennis Lessons
Tennis lessons are available for members and non-members.
David Van Ness
David offers impressive credentials:
Received full athletic scholarship for tennis at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
BS in Psychology from UTC
Head Coach - Men’s and Women’s tennis at Cabrillo College
Six-time Coach of the Year
USPTA Certified Professional Instructor
#1 Ranked NTRP player in the 5.0s
Contact Dave at 831-600-5875 or email at CapitolaDave@gmail.com
Please contact Dave prior to attending any of the following classes as they are subject to change:
Mondays: 9-10 a.m. Cardio-Tennis (drop-in)
Fridays: Adult Drills and Live Ball 10-11 a.m. (six play maximum)
Melissa Gurney Van Ness
Melissa Gurney reached a career high WTA ranking of #17 in the world in 1986. She was inducted into the USTA Northern California Tennis Hall Of Fame in 2022. Her tennis accomplishments include the following:
Won US National 18 Hardcourts at age 15
Ranked #2 Nationally in Girl’s 16 Singles
#1 National ranked Junior in the country
Won two consecutive Singles Championships
U.S. Open 3rd Round (twice)
Wimbledon 3rd Round
French Open 3rd Round
Melissa won two pro tournaments, the Virginia Slims of San Diego and the California Open . She began training in Southern California at the Jack Kramer Club at 8 years old. She retired in 1995, and has been teaching over 20 years at Imperial Courts.
Contact Melissa at 831-234-4589