Tennis Courts’ Transformation with MAPEI’s Sports Solutions

A legacy of champions: Saddlebrook Tennis Academy

Founded in 1981, Saddlebrook Tennis Academy has played a significant role in the development of numerous ATP and WTA professionals. Offering private and group training for juniors and adults, the academy is renowned for its adherence to the “Hopman Method,” a tennis skill set immortalized by Harry Hopman, the highly successful Davis Cup captain and founder of the Harry Hopman Academy.

Despite the changing times, Saddlebrook’s commitment to excellence remains unwavering. The decision to refresh its historic grounds, especially the tennis courts, is a testament to the academy’s dedication to providing world-class facilities for the next generation of tennis stars.

The challenge: Restoring history amidst nature’s forces

The Saddlebrook courts had witnessed the triumphs and challenges of tennis greats for decades. However, exposure to Florida’s relentless elements – extreme sun, high humidity, wind and rain – had taken a toll on the surfaces. In addition to the natural wear and tear from usage, tree-root damage and drainage issues had emerged over time, necessitating a comprehensive restoration.

The project not only aimed at resurfacing but also included essential repairs to ensure the longevity and functionality of the courts. Surface preparation was a crucial step, addressing the concrete substrate with Planitop 200 Gray and Mapeflex P1 FT for efficient repair and preparation.

MAPEI’s sports solutions: Elevating excellence

To undertake this ambitious project, Saddlebrook Tennis Academy turned to MAPEI’s Sports-Flooring Group, a leader in innovative solutions for sports surfaces. MAPEI’s cutting-edge technology and commitment to quality made them the ideal partner for the task.

Working with three- to four-men teams, the crew from Sportsline Inc. began surface preparation of the concrete courts, cleaning them and removing any debris. Joints and any cracks were chased and cleaned. Then, Planitop 200 Gray and Mapeflex P1 FT were applied.

• Planitop 200 Gray: A high-performance, fast-setting repair mortar, Planitop 200 Gray was used to address the concrete substrate’s imperfections and ensure a smooth, durable surface for the subsequent layers.
• Mapeflex P1 FT: This flexible polyurethane sealant played a crucial role in addressing joint and crack repairs, ensuring long-term durability and resistance to environmental stressors.

Following the surface preparation, the Sportsline crew began the general repair and resurfacing using MAPEI’s Mapecoat TNS Reinforced system. Consisting of premium acrylic binders, coatings and fiberglass mesh, the Mapecoat TNS Reinforced system was employed to provide a resilient and high-performance surface for the Saddlebrook courts. This system offers excellent player comfort, optimal ball response and durability, making it the preferred choice for top-tier tennis facilities.

A blend of tradition and innovation

The meticulous application of MAPEI’s sports solutions has resulted in a revitalized Saddlebrook Tennis Academy. The upgraded courts seamlessly blend the historic legacy of champions with modern excellence, providing a state-of-the-art environment for athletes to hone their skills.

The successful transformation of Saddlebrook Tennis Academy’s courts stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between industry leaders. By choosing MAPEI’s Sports-Flooring Group and leveraging the Mapecoat TNS Reinforced system, Saddlebrook has not only preserved its historic legacy but has also embraced the future of tennis infrastructure.