Causes, Fixes, and How to Prevent Them
A well-maintained tennis court should be level, safe, and reliable for play. But over time, many courts across Adelaide — especially those built on unstable or poorly drained ground — begin to develop sunken sections, low spots, or uneven surfaces.
These issues don’t just affect game performance — they’re also a safety hazard and a sign of deeper structural problems.
In this article, we’ll break down:
- What causes tennis courts to sink
- How to identify the early signs
- How to fix them properly
- How to prevent it happening again
Why Do Tennis Courts Sink?
There are several common causes for sunken or uneven tennis courts in Adelaide:
1. Poor Subbase or Ground Preparation
If the original base under the court wasn’t compacted or levelled properly, it can settle unevenly over time — leading to dips, waves, or sinking.
2. Soil Movement or Erosion
South Australia’s soils, especially in areas with clay, can expand and contract with moisture, creating movement beneath the court. Heavy rains, poor drainage, or nearby tree roots can also erode the subbase.
3. Old Age & Wear
Older courts that haven’t been resurfaced in over 10–15 years can start to show signs of subsurface fatigue, cracking, or sagging due to long-term use and exposure.
4. Water Ingress
If water penetrates below the surface — either from poor drainage, cracked surfaces, or surrounding landscaping — it can wash away the materials that support the court, causing it to sink.
How to Fix a Sunken Tennis Court
At J and C Sports Surfaces, we’ve seen it all — from minor depressions to major structural failures. The fix depends on the severity:
🔹 Minor Low Spots
If it’s just a shallow dip or birdbath, a patch and resurface may be enough. We apply a special levelling compound, followed by resurfacing layers to restore a consistent playing surface.
🔹 Major Sinking or Base Failure
In more serious cases, we may need to:
-
Excavate the affected area
-
Rebuild the subbase with compacted material
-
Reapply the surface layers (acrylic or synthetic)
This process ensures a long-term solution — not just a temporary cover-up.
How to Prevent Tennis Courts from Sinking
Prevention starts with good construction and maintenance:
-
✅ Ensure proper subbase preparation with compacted crushed rock before the surface is laid.
-
✅ Install an effective court drainage system (especially important in heavy clay or flood-prone areas).
-
✅ Avoid planting trees too close to the court — roots can undermine stability.
-
✅ Schedule regular inspections and maintenance to catch early signs of movement or drainage issues.
Expert Tennis Court Repairs Across Adelaide
At J and C Sports Surfaces, we’ve spent decades helping schools, councils, clubs, and private clients in Adelaide maintain their courts the right way. If your court has sunken areas, standing water, or surface cracks, we can assess the damage and recommend the most practical and cost-effective solution.
Book a Site Assessment Today
Don’t let a sunken court turn into a costly safety hazard. Contact us today to arrange an inspection and get your tennis court back to full playing condition.
