By admin 
Our featured picks
Lightweight court shoes
Adidas Men’s Gamecourt 2.0 Tennis Shoes
A fashion-forward tennis skirt
Fore-té Women’s Club Attire Clara Skort
Reliable balls for hard courts
Wilson US Open Extra Duty Balls, 3-Pack
Editor’s Note:
I’ve always been able to play tennis at, perhaps, the lowest proficient level. Yes, I could rally a bit, but once my opponent introduced a spin, I was done. And though this has gotten me through a few clumsy rounds on the court, I recently decided it was time to up my game. Literally. That meant not only getting lessons, but also investing in the right tennis gear.
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To help me learn the basics, stay fit and put me on a path to playing more competitively, I turned to the folks at Court 16 — a tennis membership club with multiple locations in New York City — where I started with a one-on-one lesson with a pro. But before I hit the court, I realized I had to pick up a few tennis essentials, which meant I had some shopping to do.
What do beginners need to start playing tennis?
“To play tennis, you need a racket, tennis balls, water bottle, sneakers and a good attitude,” Peri Sheinin, a tennis broadcaster and host, said. “It can be helpful to wear shorts, skirts or leggings with pockets so you can store extra balls during practice. If you’re playing outdoors, you might want to bring sunscreen along with a hat or visor.”
Like most of our experts, Anthony Evrard, Court 16’s cofounder and CEO, thinks that in addition to basics on the court — like the proper grip, footwork and consistency — having the right shoes and accessories can make all the difference. Ready to heed the call of the court? Here’s what you need to start swinging (properly), according to the experts.
Best men’s tennis shoes
“Regardless of whether you’re playing indoors or outdoors, you should invest in a good pair of tennis shoes,” Jon Levey, cofounder and director of partnerships at GoRaqt, said. “A lot of newbies make the rookie mistake of learning to play in their running shoes or cross-trainers. Those are built for more straight-ahead movement and lack the lateral support and stop-and-start stability needed for the sport.”
Levey said that, unlike running shoes, the outsoles of tennis shoes are designed to provide the right amount of grip and give so you can move confidently across the court.
Adidas Men’s Gamecourt 2.0 Tennis Shoes
These lightweight tennis shoes are perfect for those on a budget or for beginners who aren’t ready to invest in a pricier option just yet. I like them because they come padded with extra heel cushioning, which Adidas claims is especially helpful for those with wider feet. “It’s crucial to wear tennis-specific shoes that are designed with a sole that supports your foot,” Evrard said. “Tennis shoes are specifically engineered for lateral movements and the unique demands of court surfaces, providing the traction and stability you need to play safely and effectively.”
On Men’s The Roger Pro 3 Tennis Shoes
On running shoes are extremely popular thanks to their comfort features, so it makes perfect sense that the on-trend brand should make killer tennis shoes as well. Part of the Roger Collection (Federer to you) and created for hard courts, this fashion-forward design comes in three colors and is both durable and breathable. You can nab the clay court version if you’re feeling fancy.
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Best women’s tennis shoes
Adidas Women’s Gamecourt 2.0 Tennis Shoes
The Adidas Gamecourt 2.0 tennis shoes are eco-friendly, with an upper made from 50% recyclable materials, and they offer tons of traction on even the hardest courts.
New Balance Women’s Coco CG2 Tennis Shoes
These tennis shoes get the thumbs-up from our experts because they are comfortable and will help you feel stable on the court. CNN Underscored health and fitness editor Summer Cartwright has worn these for a few court sessions and said the high-top design “kept my ankles from rolling even when I was doing tons of lateral movements.” Sheinin likes them because “Coco is the only active player on the professional tennis tour to have a custom shoe. The colorway is beautiful — just like Coco’s game!”
Best men’s tennis clothing
Tennis clothing should be comfortable first, but feeling stylish can be an important component for many players. And thanks to the popular tenniscore trend, you can even sport this activewear when you’re not heading to the court. “We love a ‘classic’ look when it comes to tennis outfits, mixing neutral colors like white, creme and black,” Kacper Owsian, tennis pro and cofounder of Sunset Tennis Club, said.
Under Armour Men’s UA Icon Volley Shorts
“Opt for breathable and flexible athletic wear that allows for a full range of motion on the court,” Evrard said. These quick-drying volley shorts with a 5.5-inch inseam fit the bill. I also appreciate that they are affordable and come in a variety of vibrant colors.
Lacoste Tennis x Novak Djokovic Men’s Polo
Lacoste never goes out of style. I approve of this modern and lightweight polo shirt because it has a collar that can transition from the court to the rest of your day. The style is a nod to Novak Djokovic’s sleek match looks, and it will surely give you the power to win 24 Grand Slam singles titles, just like he has.
On Men’s Core Pants
I dig these stylish On tennis pants because they are roomy enough to wear a pair of shorts underneath, and their convenient knee-to-ankle zipper means you don’t have to take off your shoes to strip down. Plus, you can stuff your tennis balls in the two deep side pockets.
Best women’s tennis clothing
Lilly Pulitzer Luxletic Love Active Dress
This Lilly Pulitzer dress is one of my favorite pieces of activewear. The knit tennis dress is sporty yet fashionable; it’s made with UPF 50+ moisture-wicking fabric, but it has an elevated look thanks to the collar and fitted waist. Wear it on the court and at post-match brunch and feel confident in any setting.
Abercrombie & Fitch Women’s YPB Minidress
Cartwright said that when it comes to tennis whites, you can’t get much better than this workout dress. “The scoop neckline and compressive fabric are very flattering without causing any discomfort during play,” she said. “The dress material is super breathable and doesn’t show much sweat, either.” What’s more, the dress has built-in shorts with hidden side pockets that are big enough to fit a ball inside.
Fore-té Women’s Club Attire Clara Skort
Short, sweet, easy to move in and it has pockets — there’s not much else you can ask for when it comes to a tennis skirt. This one from For-té Club Attire is pleated all around, with a sturdy waistband and built-in shorts with a place to stow my balls.
Rhone Women’s Course to Court Sleeveless Polo
CNN Underscored updates writer Ellen McAlpine loves how sweat-wicking and comfortable this tank is. “You have free movement of your arms, and whether you tuck it in or leave it untucked, it doesn’t move too much, even with the swing of your arms,” she said. “It’s not totally fitted, so it’s great if you love a more flowy fit, but it does hug your figure for a polished look.” Go bold and opt for a bright orange or patterned gingham finish, or keep things neutral with the black and white color options.
Best tennis rackets
When buying your first racket, keep it simple. Instead of buying a model your favorite pro uses, Life Time tennis director Ryan Berthod advises picking a comfortable, light design with high-quality string. Regardless of what brand you buy, “get a certified stringer to get it strung at the ideal tension for the racquet you choose,” Berthod said.
Babolat Pure Drive Lite Tennis Racket
Before writing this article, I treated myself to a Babolat Boost Strike tennis racket, one of our best beginner tennis rackets for recreational play, and Berthod is also a fan of the brand. He likes the brand’s Pure Drive Lite racket for beginners. It’s made with specialty flax fibers in the core to “filter out unwanted vibrations” and “create a more comfortable feel at impact,” according to the brand. “This is a racket a player can also grow with; it’s not something you need to replace right away as you play more,” Berthod said.
Wilson Clash 100 V3 Tennis Racket
For a more intermediate player, Berthod said he loves the Wilson Clash V3 model. “It lets you develop tons of spin and is very arm-friendly,” he said. Some of its notable features include a forgiving string bed, robust sweet spot, flexible string and the brand’s proprietary Click & Go bumper system, which is designed to be snapped on and off for easy replacement.
Best tennis racket accessories
Wilson Overgrip Box
“Nothing is worse than playing with a slippery, worn-out overgrip, so regularly change those,” Berthod said. This Wilson pack is an Amazon bestseller with more than 1,200 five-star ratings. You’ll get an assortment of overgrips (ranging in packs of three to sets of 100) you can tape onto your racket for customized comfort and security.
RTP Tennis Racket Vibration Dampener
While adding a shock absorber to your racket string isn’t a need, Berthod said the majority of players he’s worked with enjoy the way they make the racket feel at contact. “They can also add some style because there are a million designs to choose from,” he said. When placed on the racket, RTP vibration dampeners “absorb 94.7% shock and minimize vibrations to relieve wrist, elbow and shoulder pain,” according to the brand.
Best tennis balls
Not all tennis balls are equal, it turns out, and Evrard uses a science-backed approach at Court 16, which is approved by the USTA for young and adult beginners. “Beginner-friendly tennis balls are often softer or slightly depressurized, to help with control and rally consistency,” he said. But it’s nice to have a mix of balls to play with as you get better.
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Gamma Sports Kids Training Balls, 12-Pack
“We start with low-compression balls that are slightly larger and slower than traditional ones, making it easier to control and rally at a comfortable pace,” Evrard said. “This beginner-friendly method not only makes learning more fun but also helps you develop your skills more effectively.”
Wilson US Open Extra Duty Balls, 3-Pack
These US Open tennis balls are the perfect pick, as they come in different options for different players. “We like playing with Wilson’s US Open Extra Duty balls, as we mostly play on hard outdoor courts,” Owsian said. “Wilson does make their US Open line in regular duty (for clay or indoor) and a high altitude version as well.”
Penn Championship Pink Tennis Balls, 3-Pack
I love these pink Penn tennis balls for many reasons, though I admit the color doesn’t hurt — and the fact that they are easy to spot when hit into the mass of traditional yellow. Even better though, they were designed for breast cancer awareness, with 15 cents of each can sold going to benefit breast cancer research.
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Other tennis accessories and gear
Sun protection, hydration and storage are other necessities you should invest in. Gear like hats, water bottles and tennis bags can make your on- and off-court experience more seamless and safe.
Lululemon Removable Sweatband All-Sport Visor
I happen to like the idea of a visor because while it shades me from the sun when I play outside, it also keeps the top of my head cool. This one from Lululemon has the added benefit of a detachable sweatband, which makes staying dry and comfortable even simpler.
Nike Dri-FIT ADV Club Cap
The Nike swoosh is always a good way to go, and this breathable cap looks good and feels even better on your head. The latest iteration has a shorter bill as well, so you won’t get distracted mid-swing.
Head Pro X Sport Large Duffle Bag
“Players often match their rackets with corresponding tennis bags,” Sheinin said, and recommends tennis bags with shoulder straps. If you’re planning on biking to the court, she suggests looking for a tennis backpack, which is a convenient option.
This larger-sized bag can hold up to 12 rackets and has a separate compartment for your shoes. Plus, it can be used off the court as well. “For new players, it might be cost-effective to find a tennis bag that doubles as a travel bag,” Sheinin said.
Wilson Tour 6-Pack Bag
While a backpack can carry a single racket and a few accessories perfectly well, Berthod recommends investing in this 6-pack bag once you start playing more regularly. “It’s a great balance to be able to fit a few racquets with your towels, drinks and any other accessories needed,” he said. “I love the looks of the Wilson Tour 6-pack bag — it’s classic.”
Yeti 26-Ounce Rambler Water Bottle
”Staying hydrated is crucial, especially during practice sessions, and it’s important to drink before you even feel thirsty,” Evrard said. “Proper hydration helps maintain your energy levels, supports peak performance and prevents dehydration, which can affect your focus and stamina on the court. Make hydration a priority to keep your body and mind in top condition.”
This Yeti water bottle won the top spot when our team tested for the best water bottles on the market. The durability, chug cap and versatility — it’s available in 14 colors and five sizes — beat out competitors by a mile. Our testers even dropped this thing onto concrete from from 4 feet high, and the bottle barely scratched.
Read our review
Owala FreeSip Water Bottle With Straw
More interested in a straw-based water bottle to quench your thirst on the court? The Owala FreeSip was another tested favorite. Our team loved drinking from the top because it has a straw lid and a mouthpiece lid. The brand has become a bit of a viral sensation, too, thanks to all the fun colors you can choose from.
Read our review
How to choose the best tennis accessories
When it comes to finding the best tennis accessories as a beginner, it’s important to prioritize your comfort, unique needs and budget. Instead of immediately shopping for the gear your favorite tennis star uses, consider basics like a racket, balls and a water bottle, Berthod said. From there, you can reevaluate your needs and invest in more equipment as your tennis game improves and evolves.
While many tennis accessories come with budget-friendly price tags, it’s likely you’ll have to spend a bit more on a racket and sport-specific shoes to ensure they last. Keep in mind that although pricing will vary on these staples, the top-tier items might not be suitable for beginners.
“Next to your racket and strings, shoes are the most important decision you can make for tennis gear,” Berthod said. “A good shoe can help prevent injuries, which keep you on the court. The most expensive shoe or the nicest looking one may not be the best for you — find one that feels comfortable, fits well and provides support.”
Lastly, if you plan to play tennis at a specific club or location, you’ll want to check out the organization’s dress code and rulebook. Many country clubs encourage wearing tennis whites on the courts to honor the sport’s traditions (this garb originated in the 1500s in France). Meanwhile, many courts only allow tennis shoes inside the fences to ensure safety. Once you know these qualifications, you can shop to your heart’s desire.
FAQs
The best way to clean tennis accessories depends on the gear and care instructions. In general, Berthod recommends cleaning out your tennis bag once every few weeks and washing sweaty clothes immediately after use.
Tennis shoes are recommended for playing tennis, as they’re made with stability-boosting features that support the lateral movements you’ll do on the court. Sheinin and Levey recommend models from New Balance and Adidas.
Besides the obvious tennis accessories like a racket, balls, bags and shoes, Berthod recommends overgrips, a shock absorber and a hat.
Meet our experts
For this article, I consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights:
- Ryan Berthod, tennis director and regional manager at Life Time Westchester
- Anthony Evrard, Court 16 cofounder and CEO
- Jon Levey, cofounder and director of partnerships at GoRaqt
- Kacper Owsian, tennis pro and cofounder of Sunset Tennis Club in Los Angeles, California
- Peri Sheinin, tennis broadcaster and host
Why trust CNN Underscored
CNN Underscored editors and writers ensure every product included in an article is thoroughly vetted and something we ourselves would feel comfortable buying and using. Our team has many decades of collective experience researching, testing and recommending products across every category — from fashion and food, to home goods and health, to electronics and everything in between — and we’re committed to using that expertise to help you make the most of your money and live a better life.
For this article, former CNN Underscored health and fitness editor Tobey Grumet consulted tennis experts to find the best tennis accessories. She also tested some of these products on the court and asked fellow editors for their recommendations.
Tobey Grumet Segal is the health, food and fitness editor for CNN Underscored. She also covers wine, spirits and cocktails. When she’s not testing, tasting or working out, you can find her in Brooklyn with her husband and two sons enjoying NYC’s best theater, restaurants and culture.
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