Grand Central Terminal in New York serves as a hub for countless commuters and tourists each day. It is also home to a hidden gem, a tennis club. Located four floors above the iconic station, concealed behind an arched window, the Vanderbilt Tennis Club offers a solitary court where enthusiasts play from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m.
The club features a full-sized court and two practice courts. Renting the full court costs between $100 and over $400 per hour, depending on the time. Given the scarce indoor space in Manhattan, especially with fall classes resuming, the club remains fully booked through December.
The court attracts a diverse group of players, from busy commuters and curious tourists to retirees and young children. Below, trains carry tennis fans to the U.S. Open in Queens, while above, players perfect their skills.
The Morning Scene
At 7 a.m., the first players took to the court, while Grand Central remained calm. The historic Oyster Bar hadn’t opened yet, and early commuters were just trickling in. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority staff began their day, and down the hall, two colleagues, Charlotte and Brian, practiced their game. Brian held tickets for the U.S. Open that night, while Charlotte planned to attend the quarterfinals.
By mid-morning, retired players like Arthur Zabarkus played on the court where he had been a regular for decades. Initially, he began playing to avoid dining with a heavy-drinking friend. Over the years, countless pros, including Austria’s Lilli Tagger, have graced the court, especially when rain hampered matches at Flushing Meadows.
A Storied Past
The station, built in 1913, has housed a tennis court since the 1960s. Originally, the third floor housed an art gallery, later becoming CBS broadcast studios. These later transformed into a club offering a ski slope and two courts. Operated by Donald Trump during the 1980s until renovations moved the courts to the fourth floor in 2009, the Vanderbilt Club took control in 2011.
The current manager, Dadi Zvulun, joined the club in the early 2000s. A jazz pianist and tennis player from Jerusalem, he found his place at the club unexpectedly. Despite his initial unprepared appearance, his skills secured him a job on the spot. Managing the Grand Central court since 2011, Zvulun cherishes the community around him.
“It’s a community,” he shared, having formed close connections with regulars over the years.
An Ever-Busy Venue
The entryway buzzed with activity by noon as Zvulun prepared for lessons. Occasionally interacting with pros like Mats Wilander, the court has witnessed proposals and long-standing friendships. On this day, tourists from Rose Gold Rally Trips joined in for a lesson, part of an itinerary exploring New York and its tennis culture.
By late afternoon, their enthusiasm was evident as they practiced before heading back for an evening at the U.S. Open. Co-founder Leeanne Seely remarked on the special atmosphere, while tourist Remy Fellman expressed amazement.
Tennis Meets City Life
The evening brought a mix of commuters and tennis enthusiasts returning from Flushing Meadows. Employees like Alfonso Chavarria, a long-time host at the Oyster Bar, notice a rise in familiar faces as tennis fans descend on the city.
As the night deepened, former DII player Leena Banchong coached late-night sessions at the club. Her initial idea of playing transformed into coaching due to costs. The Vanderbilt Club’s late-night package allowed young professionals like Penny and her husband to enjoy tennis at a more affordable rate.
The vintage feel of the court, with views overlooking the city, left a strong impression on players.
As Saturday morning approached, Grand Central quieted down. On the streets below, nightlife waned. The trains paused but would soon rumble through again, reviving the terminal and its court with a fresh round of commuters, tourists, and tennis enthusiasts alike.