Life Time vs. The Lakes: The Frisco Luxury Tennis Showdown
Last updated: January 2026
In Frisco, tennis is often a status symbol. But when it comes to joining a club, the market is split between two heavyweights that offer completely different experiences. On one side, you have the resort-style luxury of Life Time. On the other, the hardcore pedigree of The Lakes Tennis Academy. Here is how to decide where to spend your initiation fee.
1. Life Time (The "Athletic Country Club")
Located on Legacy Drive, Life Time Frisco is not a gym; it is a sprawling 124,000-square-foot resort.
- The "Resort" Factor: You join Life Time for the ecosystem. After your match, you can hit the eucalyptus steam room, grab a protein smoothie at the LifeCafe, or drop the kids off at the massive Kids Academy.
- The Tennis: It features 10 outdoor hard courts. The tennis program is social and active, with plenty of mixers and cardio tennis. It is perfect for the 3.0 to 4.0 player who plays for fun and fitness.
- The Pool Deck: This is the X-factor. In the summer, the pool deck rivals a Las Vegas hotel. If you want to play tennis in the morning and lounge by the pool in the afternoon, this is your spot.
2. The Lakes Tennis Academy (The "D1 Factory")
Just down the road on Legacy, The Lakes Tennis Academy offers a purer experience. It doesn't have a spin studio or a hair salon. It has tennis.
- The Pedigree: This is where serious players go. The Lakes is famous for its Junior Academy, which routinely sends players to Division 1 colleges. The coaching staff is top-tier.
- The Facility: 12 lighted outdoor hard courts and a dedicated fitness center focused on tennis-specific training.
- The Vibe: It is intense but welcoming. You will hear the sound of ball machines and high-level drills from dawn until dusk. If you are a 4.5+ player looking for serious competition, you will find more depth here.
3. The Verdict: Lifestyle vs. Performance
A common misconception is that these clubs have indoor courts. They do not. Both Life Time Frisco and The Lakes feature outdoor courts only. If you strictly need indoor air-conditioned tennis, you will need to look at Life Time Plano or other nearby facilities.
4. Comparison Table
| Feature | Life Time (Frisco) | The Lakes Tennis Academy |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Lifestyle / Resort / Gym | High-Performance Tennis |
| Amenities | Pools, Spa, Cafe, Childcare | Tennis Fitness, Pro Shop |
| Best For | Families & Social Players | Juniors & Serious Competitors |
| Cost Tier | $$$ (Diamond Membership) | $$ (Membership + Lessons) |
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Which club is better for junior tennis?
If your child is aiming for a college scholarship or high-level tournament play, The Lakes Tennis Academy is the superior choice due to its specialized high-performance program. If your child wants to learn tennis for fun while also swimming and doing other activities, Life Time is better.
Does Life Time Frisco have pickleball?
Yes. Life Time Frisco has aggressively expanded into pickleball, offering dedicated courts and open play, adding another layer of value to the membership.
Can I buy a day pass to try The Lakes?
Typically, no. The Lakes is a private academy. However, non-members can often pay a premium rate to take private lessons or participate in specific clinics to get a feel for the coaching staff.
Supplement Your Club Training
Even with a membership, you sometimes need 1-on-1 attention that group clinics can't provide. Golden Racket Academy offers private coaching that complements your club routine, helping you fix the technical flaws that are holding you back.