A spokesperson for Merton Council said: “Merton Council has invested nearly £1 million in the borough’s public tennis courts for the benefit of everyone in the borough, over half of which came from a Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) grant. These courts are now some of the highest quality in the country.
“The council is under extreme financial pressure because of forces beyond our control. So, the council sought a professional coaching company to provide coaching and run the courts on our behalf – for an income that will be put back into the courts to ensure they stay well maintained. In addition, a stipulation of the LTA grant was an annual £65,000 fund to pay for future court upgrades and refurbishment.
“The council underwent an open and competitive tender process to find the best company to do this – and, importantly, to also make sure the coaching was of the very best quality, price and to the highest safeguarding standards.
“The contract was awarded to Tennis in Merton – previously Emma Wells Tennis. Emma is a renowned coach.
“We understand that the contract means other coaches, who have been using the courts for free to run their businesses, may feel upset.
“All qualified coaches can – and are encouraged – to apply to work under Tennis in Merton. From now on, all commercial activities must be conducted under the Tennis in Merton umbrella, and independent coaching is no longer permitted.
“Residents can still book our courts for free or low-cost, and our facilities will continue to host a range of activities to support people of all ages to enjoy tennis.”
Any questions for the council about this contract should be sent to tennis@merton.gov.uk
FAQ last updated 18 February 2025
Frequently asked questions
Why was there a need to find a coaching operator for Merton’s park tennis courts?
Following a near £1million investment into the refurbishment of park tennis courts across the borough, including a £523,000 contribution from the LTA, Merton Council were required to create a fund for future upgrades and refurbishments to make sure they can be enjoyed by residents for years to come.
So, the council sought a professional coaching company to provide coaching and run the courts on our behalf – for an income that will be put back into the courts to ensure they stay well maintained. In addition, a stipulation of the LTA grant was an annual £65,000 fund to pay for future court upgrades and refurbishment.
How was Emma Wells Tennis selected as the operator?
Emma Wells Tennis – operating as Tennis in Merton – was appointed as the operator for the borough’s tennis courts through a competitive tender process that followed procurement guidelines throughout.
You can read Merton Council’s full press release here.
Are community tennis programmes being stopped as a result of this contract?
Many community tennis programmes – such a free parks tennis, Playball and Teddy Tennis – have been encouraged to continue and grow their programmes as part of the Tennis in Merton family. These discussions are ongoing.
Some programmes will not continue, but this is because they have comparable elements that will be delivered as part of the core Tennis in Merton offer.
Why have you given exclusive rights to so many courts for Tennis in Merton
Working with one operator means we can more easily ensure consistency of coaching quality, health and safety and affordability of sessions for Merton residents.
This model is part of LTA’s park tennis programme, which has successfully been delivered by a single operator in many areas across the country.
Why were courts 1-10 at Wimbledon Park not included in the original tender documentation?
These courts were not included in the court refurbishment project or the tender for a tennis operator, and they were covered under a separate agreement which was expected to last for many years. However, due to a change in circumstances the maintenance and booking arrangements will be returning to council responsibility in January 2025.
Because of this, courts 1 – 10 at Wimbledon Park have now been included in the contract. This is to ensure a consistent approach to the running and maintenance of tennis courts in the borough. This arrangement also means that no additional costs will be incurred by the council to establish a separate maintenance and booking regime for courts 1 – 10.
The contract was fully mobilised, with this amendment, from February 1 2025.
Will some providers cease to operate in Merton following the implementation of the contract?
The contract requires a single organisation to manage all coaching operations in Merton. Coaching companies and independent coaches have been invited to work as part of Tennis is Merton, so they can continue to deliver in the borough.
This will ensure that all coaching activity contributes to the ongoing maintenance fund required to keep the courts in good condition.
Will free court provision stop when the contract is established?
Free court bookings for residents and recreational play will continue where it already exists (all park tennis courts except Wimbledon Park).
Commercial activity and independent coaching will no longer be able to use the free court booking system.
How will the council ensure the pricing of coaching is affordable for residents?
Broadening access to tennis is a key aim of Tennis in Merton’s contract with the council.
Existing Tennis in Merton coaching fees are competitive and we are working with them to develop targeted concessions that mean more people can take part.