I want to play every day while the US Open is on.
If I could choose any career in the world, I would be a professional tennis player. I love that it’s just you on the court, living and dying by your talent, stamina and mental fortitude. I’ll never be good enough to find myself on Arthur Ashe or Centre Court, but I still pick up a racket for fun. In high school, I played every day. Now, I play twice a week with my husband or in an after-work live ball clinic. I look forward to both because unlike the high-intensity fitness classes that dominate my mornings, tennis is actually fun.
If you’ve never held a racket before, or you’re getting back into the sport after taking a break, I’ve rounded up a few essentials below. I’ve included links to my go-to Asics tennis shoesmy favorite Lululemon hata roomy Head tennis bagthe BrüMate water bottle I swear by and the outfits that ensure I’m comfortable on the court. Take it from someone who’s played for over 20 years—once you start, you’ll never stop.
Tennis Gear Worth Buying
- Asics Women’s Gel-Resolution X Tennis Shoes, $130 (was $165) at amazon.com and asics.com
- Lululemon Fast and Free Ponytail Running Hat, $38 at lululemon.com
- Lululemon Court Champ UV-Protective Tennis Jacket, $119 (was $168) at lululemon.com
- Beyond Yoga You’re a Force Dress, $80 (was $138) at beyondyoga.com
- BrüMate Era Flip 30-Ounce Water Bottle, $43 at amazon.com
Asics Women’s Gel-Resolution X Tennis Shoes
$165 at Amazon
Asics Women’s Gel-Resolution X Tennis Shoes
$165 $130 at Asics.com
While there are a lot of tennis shoes out there, I chose Asics because my podiatrist father-in-law recommended them. They took a few hours on the court to break in, but they’re extremely comfortable now. I love that they’re more rigid than a traditional running shoe; the extra support keeps my feet and ankles steady while I’m lunging from side to side and sprinting forward and backward. They also have incredible traction. I haven’t slipped once despite all of my moving around.
I’ll note that the Gel-Resolutions run narrow and the collar sits higher than you’re probably used to (to protect your ankles). I wear crew socks to combat the latter and suggest switching to the wide version for the former if that’s a concern for you.
Lululemon Fast and Free Ponytail Running Hat
$38 at Lululemon
My preferred tennis hairstyle is a braided high ponytail to keep hair out of my face while I play. I had a hard time finding a hat that worked for this hairstyle until Lululemon dropped its ponytail running hat. I’ve worn many iterations of this hat over the years, and it never lets me down. It’s sweat-wicking, quick-drying and easy to toss in the wash after a match. It’s also a staple on my runs and walks. Truthfully, I would order two if I were you.
Lululemon Court Champ UV-Protective Tennis Jacket
$168 $119 at Lululemon
A lightweight layer is essential in the fall, both on and off the tennis court. This jacket doesn’t trap heat, which is important when you’re running around for hours at a time. Not to mention that it’s quick-drying for when you inevitably sweat. Another bonus? It has built-in UV protection to keep your skin sheltered from the sun. Since sizes are selling quickly in both colors, you could grab this half-zip pullover instead.
Lining Daily Speed Shorts
$74 at Vuoriclothing.com
If I can find comfortable shorts with an attached liner, I’m immediately swiping my credit card. This Vuori pair fits this description to a T. I’ve noticed that they never ride up, no matter how jerky my movements are. I can also fit a tennis ball underneath for when I’m serving and don’t have to worry about it falling out as the point progresses.
Beyond Yoga You’re a Force Dress
$138 $80 at Beyondyoga.com
I’ve lost count of the number of compliments I’ve gotten while wearing this dress. It’s cute enough to wear off the court, but still extremely functional while playing tennis. It includes shorts (with large side pockets), adjustable straps and a built-in bra. One shopper wrote the following: “I bought this after struggling to find the right tennis dress for the Atlanta heat. It feels like you’re wearing nothing—it’s incredibly breathable and lightweight, with a mesh back section that lets the breeze right in. It gets damp from sweat, but surprisingly stays cool instead of feeling heavy. 10/10!” I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Head Tour Team Tennis Backpack
$80 at Amazon
I have a larger, more expensive tennis bag that’s probably overkill for a lot of people, but my husband has been using this Head backpack for years. It’s roomy enough to carry two tennis rackets and two pickleball paddles, along with cans of tennis balls and tennis shoes. It also has side pockets for water bottles and an exterior zippered accessory pocket for his phone and keys.
BrüMate Era Flip 30-Ounce Water Bottle
$43 at Amazon
You can’t forget about a water bottle, and every BrüMate bottle I own does an excellent job of keeping water cold for hours. This model combines the ease of sipping out of a straw with a leakproof lid. Simply slide the seal open when you’re thirsty and push it closed when you’re done. All elements are conveniently dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning after tennis.
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