First Serve Tennis

I am a long-​time customer of First Serve Tennis (20+ years) and have used them on a personal level and now to fulfill my needs as a Collegiate Head Coach. All I can say is 5-​stars doesn’t do them justice. Richard and his crew have been extraordinary. They have built a company and service like none other and the San Antonio and South Texas community are fortunate to have such a business to rely on. I don’t typically write reviews but felt compelled to do so when I read a recent negative review that does not jive with virtually anyone’s experience at this store.
I think it is exceptional that a business such as this with the growth it has seen is still handled front and center by the owner, Richard Flores. He knows all regular customers by name and can recall products they have used in the past and what may be appropriate for them now. He has been selected as a stringer for ATP level events, most notably the French Open. He educates his employees and demands a consistent level of excellence. And they string on state of the art machines. So to question his qualifications and those of his staff is absurd. The equipment of the top players in Texas, not to mention those of the top collegiate programs in Texas and Oklahoma, are entrusted to Richard and his staff. That speaks for itself.
I would like to also clarify the idea of discrediting a tennis shop for not having a tension checker. These products are a gimmick. When you string a racquet and ask for it to be strung at 55 lbs, you are not actually understanding what you are asking for. Stringing at 55 lbs does not mean the string bed would register a tension of 55 lbs (this is what a tension checker would read). Stringing at 55 lbs means you are pulling each individual string at a constant tension of 55 lbs. As these strings begin to weave together, that «relative tension» of the string bed would increase. This is why when you string a racquet that has an 18×20 pattern at 55 lbs, it feels «tighter» than a racquet with a 16×18 pattern also at 55 lbs. So in reality, having a tension checker register 5 – 10 lbs higher in the sweet spot, would be appropriate. So saying you like your racquet strung at 55 really means you like the way the string bed feels after pulling each individual string at 55 lbs.
Sorry for the long post, but I feel Richard and his crew deserve as much praise and credit as possible. In the new era of online discounts and huge warehouses, I’m not sure a shop like First Serve would be possible to start and create to the level he has attained. It is a true testament to the service they provide and the manner with which they do it. You don’t stay in a cut-​throat business such as the tennis product industry for over 25 years without taking care of your customers. First Serve is the perfect name because you’ll never need a second option.

Great store and people! Very knowledgable and patient with your tennis needs. Each visit is always a pleasant experience with excellent customer satisfaction. I highly recommend them for your tennis needs!

Fantastic store and awesome help! We went here because our son is starting middle school tennis and our knowledge of what he needs and racquet selection is slim to none. The staff was extremely friendly, knowledgable, and honest. They show us a variety of racquets and fitted him for grip. There was no upselling or pressure at all. We will definitely be returning for all our tennis needs.

Its been 20 years since I last held a tennis racquet and I was in need of some serious guidance in selecting a new one. The gentleman who helped me showed me a nice variety of racquets at different price points. It wasn’t about selling me the more expensive racquet, which I appreciated. I almost went to Academy to buy a racquet and I’m so glad I didn’t…I was fitted with an appropriate grip and they even strung my racquet for free. Great service!

It is the only true Tennis store in San Antonio. The staff is very helpful and knowledgeable. They are very nice. Highly recommended.

Great place to get tennis equipment, clothes. and information. Really like to shop here! Highly recommend to anyone who is interested in tennis.

This is a great tennis shop! The staff is upper knowledgeable and helpful! They have at least 3 stringing stations and they are very accommodating. They also offer a good variety of racquets, clothing and accessories (for your game)! Highly recommended!