Scott’s Pick for the best store to buy a tennis racquet in the East Bay - PLAZA TENNIS, Albany

Hands down, my pick for the best store to buy a tennis racquet in the East Bay is Plaza Tennis in Albany, California.

Unlike ‘Do-it-all’ mega stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods, or Sports Basement in Berkeley, California, Plaza Tennis in Albany is the genuine tennis superstore fit inside a quint boutique outfit with wall-to-wall tennis equipment and accessories. Unlike the online ‘big-two, Tennis Warehouse and Tennis Express, Plaza Tennis has an actual salesman - the owner, John - to greet you when you walk in and guide you to your next hammer.

John is very nice, easy-going, and can most of all guide you to the proper tennis racquet. Looking for ‘feel’? - John’s got you covered. If power is what you’re dreaming of - John’s got you covered. Or, if you simply don’t know what you’re after, yes, John’s got you covered! Plaza offers an exceptional racquet trial program as well so you can try different racquets over several weeks until you decide on your personal preference.

After the first introductory tennis lessons, parents inevitably ask me where they should go to buy a new racquet for their kiddo. I send them to John and they always come back with stars in their eyes ready for the big open stance forehand!

Go to Plaza Tennis! You won’t regret it!

~Scott