AVARI Tennis Studio: Where to play indoor tennis in Manila

AVARI Tennis Studio offers an indoor space to play, learn, and train—rain or shine. Located on the fifth floor of The Podium Mall in Mandaluyong, it is the Philippines’ first tennis simulation studio.

Interest in tennis has grown in the wake of Alex Eala’s historic wins. For AVARI’s founders, cousins Abby Frias Teotico and Anton Bernal, the studio grew out of their own enthusiasm for the sport—and a shared interest in making it easier for people to practice.

Abby began playing tennis as a teenager, but says it became more a part of her lifestyle over the past four years. She describes the experience of growing with a tennis community as rewarding and meaningful, with camaraderie and fun at its heart. Tennis is also physically and mentally demanding, she says, with every point presenting a problem to solve. It calls for discipline, strategy, resilience, and continuous improvement.

“We opened AVARI because we experienced firsthand how difficult it can be for people to consistently improve in tennis. Busy schedules, court availability, weather, traffic, and finding practice partners often become barriers to playing and developing the sport,” shared founder Abby Frias Teotico.

The cousins looked into how players train in other parts of the world and came across tennis simulator technology developed in South Korea. The system’s makers have supplied around 200 machines across Asia. AVARI’s three courts are enclosed in 12mm tempered glass walls, with layered flooring made using tournament-grade paint and calibrated to simulate an actual court.

“We wanted to create a space where players of all levels, from complete beginners to competitive athletes, could train smarter, improve faster, and enjoy the game in a more accessible way,” Abby adds.

The simulators track ball speed, spin, shot placement, consistency, and match performance. Players receive feedback on the speed and placement of each shot, along with statistics at the end of each training mode. The modes can be customized to suit different levels, and two players can train on one court at the same time.

The technology is designed to complement traditional coaching. For experienced players, the studio offers a place for focused practice; beginners can work through training modes suited to their level.

The simulator can also be used as a game. Its easier difficulty settings and interactive selections offer another way to engage with tennis. Kids can train at a slower pace, while Arcade Mode uses tennis skills in challenges that involve targeting cartoon figures on screen.

AVARI offers coaching and training programs through its business partner and coaching director, Roland Kraut, a former PH Davis Cup coach and current head of the De La Salle University UAAP Tennis program.

Players who need equipment can rent rackets or try demo options from different brands and models. The studio also offers training aids, including a saber racket and topspinpro.

For Abby, the aim is to make it easier for people to play, whether they are picking up a racket for the first time or preparing for competition.

“We want to remove the barriers that often prevent people from playing—whether it’s time, weather, court availability, or feeling intimidated as a beginner. By combining innovative technology with expert coaching, we believe players can learn faster, practice more effectively, and gain confidence in their game.”

AVARI also hopes to strengthen the tennis community by connecting people through their shared love of the sport. The studio envisions a place where players can improve, have fun, and build lasting relationships.