Tennis is one of the most popular sports around the world. Having a comprehensive tennis equipment list showing what you need to play the sport is vital.
If you are a tennis fan, then you definitely understand the thrill of seeing Jannik Sinner serving ace after ace, Carlos Alcaraz’s imposing forehand, Novak Djokovic’s incredible speed, and Aryna Sabalenka’s passion for the game.
Therefore, as tennis lovers, we want to feel the adrenaline rush even more by playing tennis ourselves. It’s an exciting sport to play and very good for your health as well. Getting your hands on a complete tennis equipment list, along with the best product recommendations, definitely helps in that regard.
In this article I am going to share the ultimate tennis equipment list with you. In this list you will find every single piece of equipment that might be required to play tennis.
We are determined to add value to tennis players of all skill levels around the globe. Click the button below to find the best coaching and virtual training available currently to make you a better tennis player.
I will try my best to even cover the minor details. This is so that you can find this list handy even if you are thinking of opening a tennis club and want to purchase all the necessary equipment. On the other hand, for young players who are hoping to pursue a career in tennis, this list will be the most helpful tennis equipment list they’ll ever find.
Tennis Equipment Recommendations
I give you specific recommendations of the best tennis equipment items to use for each category. Knowing the type of equipment to use without knowing what specific items are best is like a dietician saying that you need to eat food to lose weight without recommending what foods to eat.
Not every single piece of tennis equipment that you’ll find on my list is absolutely mandatory for playing tennis. It depends on what you need and what you have access to. For example, if you play tennis in your school, I would not tell you to buy nets because your school tennis court already has them.
There is no reason to think that it is not possible for you to enjoy the game if you don’t purchase all the equipment I’ll mention.
As mentioned, I’ll recommend good products for each category. Finding good products online can be tricky. It takes a lot of time to research all the reviews and finally decide to make a purchase.
I have done the hard work for you and included the products that have very good reviews and are from reputable tennis equipment manufacturers. We hope you love the products we recommend! As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Thank you if you use our links, we really appreciate your support!
So, here’s the list! The details will follow.
Page Contents
Tennis Rackets
I think you’ll agree that tennis rackets are the most important pieces of equipment for the game of tennis. Thats why it needs to be at the top of any tennis equipment list. Whether you call it a tennis racket or tennis racquet, it doesn’t change the fact that you can’t play tennis without it.

After all, it is the racket that will help you win or lose the point after a long rally. There is nothing more frustrating than the moment when your racket lets you down and you lose a crucial point. Though it is true that tennis is a game of skill and stamina, and a good racket won’t make someone a great tennis player, you can’t perform at a top level without a good quality racket.
Even though almost all the tennis rackets look the same, they are definitively not. Different players use different types of rackets, depending on their playing style and comfort. Jannik Sinner is a player who relies a lot on power. He uses a racket that suits a powerful playing style. Novak Djokovic uses a lighter racket which supports his speed and quick movements very well.
What to consider when choosing a tennis racket
While choosing a tennis racket, you should consider a few things. The head size, grip size, material, weight, and the area of the sweet spot. If you are a beginner tennis player, I’d recommend you to start with cheaper rackets to get an understanding of your preferred playing style first. Once you are sure of your tennis playing style, then you can go for more expensive options.
These are some very good rackets you can choose from:
TENNIS RACKET NAME | TENNIS RACKET IMAGE | STAR RATING |
If you are looking for the best tennis rackets on the market with detailed reviews, check out our picks of the best tennis rackets of 2020.
We have also written an article on the best tennis rackets under 100 dollars so if you are a beginner to intermediate tennis player looking to choose a new racket, then take a look and let us know if it’s helped.
Best Tennis Balls
Tennis balls have many differnt uses. Many people use tennis balls to play fetch with Fido. Obviously we’ll be talking about the primary use of tennis balls…to play tennis. Anyway, the point is, you will not be able to play tennis without tennis balls. They have to be near the top of your tennis equipment list. Without the ball, what are you going to send to your opponent’s court with your racket?
If you are playing in your school or a tournament, your club or the tournament organizers will provide the balls. However, to train by yourself, you will definitely need to purchase a few tennis balls.
Professional players have access to training facilities with great infrastructure, yet they also have a few tennis balls at home so that they can feel the ball with their racket every now and then.
Best Tennis Balls Recommendations
You might think that every tennis ball is the same, but that’s not true. Though the size and shape of all the tennis balls are basically the same, there are differences. Not every tennis ball has the same weight and bounce. One of the reasons why Roger Federer has won so many Wimbledon titles, but not many French Open titles? Of course, the main reason is the type of court, clay vs grass, but the type of tennis ball played it’s part too. These two grand slams use different types of tennis balls, and it is not easy to adapt to both of them.
Before taking part in a tournament, try to find out what ball is going to be used in the matches. This way you will be able to purchase a few of the same balls, and practice beforehand. It will increase your chances of doing better in that tournament. Professional players always do that.
Here are some of our recommendations of the best tennis balls to use.
TENNIS BALLS NAME | TENNIS BALLS IMAGE | STAR RATING |
Tennis Ball Pressurizer
There are few things more frustrating for tennis players than getting on the tennis court for your regular tennis game and in the warm up you realize that the tennis balls aren’t bouncing as high as they should. The reason why tennis balls lose their bounce is because air starts seeping out of the pores of the balls the moment you take them out of the pressurized container that you bought them in. The solution to this problem is a tennis ball pressurizer, also known as a tennis ball saver.
This is a very simple device that allows you to store your tennis balls at a pressure of about 14psi which is the same pressure that new tennis balls are stored at in the container before it’s opened for the 1st time. It basically means that tennis balls that have been stored in the tennis ball pressurizer will bounce the same as the last time you used them, no matter how long it’s been since you’ve played with them.
This is a great way to not only extend the life of your tennis balls, but enjoy good bounce from them over time too. This is a great, inexpensive piece of tennis equipment that should be a part of every tennis player’s tennis equipment list.
PRODUCT NAME | PRODUCT IMAGE | STAR RATING |
Tennis Shoes
Without good tennis shoes, you can forget about performing well. This is why tennis shoes is a must have entry on the tennis equipment list. You need tennis shoes that give you utmost comfort and mobility. If you face difficulties running from one edge of your court to the other, then you will lose miserably. A good pair of tennis shoes will be your best companion in receiving strong backhands and forehands at the edge of the court.
The sole of your tennis shoe must have good grip, so that you don’t slip. Especially, if you are playing on a clay court. The grip is more important because the ground surface does not provide the grip itself. On the other hand, the grip should not be so firm that it risks tripping you over & risking a sprained ankle. There needs to be a perfect balance for you to move freely, as well as move fast.
Size matters
You should also choose tennis shoes that are the right size, because if your shoes are too loose, you will not move freely, and if they are too tight, your feet will hurt after running for a while. The shoes need to be soft, as well as durable.
While there are unisex tennis shoes, men & women players mostly wear shoes that are specifically designed for their gender. Here are some best tennis shoes recommendations for men and women tennis players.
Womens Tennis Shoes
WOMENS SHOES NAME | WOMENS SHOES IMAGE | STAR RATING |
Mens Tennis Shoes
MENS TENNIS SHOES NAME | MENS TENNIS SHOES IMAGE | MENS SHOES STAR RATING |
Tennis Racket Strings
You might find it a bit weird to see this in the tennis equipment list. Shouldn’t tennis racket strings come with the rackets by default? As much as we would love that to happen, it is not the case every single time. There are rackets for which you’ll have to purchase the strings separately.
Also, even if your racket comes with strings, you’ll need spare strings anyway. Which part of your tennis racket is most likely to wear and tear sooner than the others? The strings. That means you’ll need replacement strings at some point.
Choosing good quality tennis racket strings is important
It is always a good idea to have tennis strings which you know are a great replacement for your current tennis racket strings should they break while you’re playing. Having your tennis racket restrung with strings which you know are good quality is a much better option than relying on the person who is stringing your racket to choose.
In professional tennis, the strings are as crucial as the rackets themselves. Depending on the type of strings a racket has, its performance can fluctuate. String material, orientation, and tennis racket string tension determines how powerful your shot would be, and how easily you can receive strong serves from your opponent.
Here are some of the best tennis racket strings which we recommend for you!
STRINGS NAME | STRINGS IMAGE | |
Tennis Grips
Good tennis rackets and strings are very handy to win more matches, but you won’t be able to win too many matches if you can’t grip your racket firmly. Imagine that you are about to smash a very weak return from your opponent, and your racket slips out of your hand. You might even feel like breaking your racket at a time like this, right? Tennis racket grips can help you avoid such situations.
Like rackets and strings, different tennis grips also come in different sizes, and materials. You might just want to stick to the grip that comes with the tennis racquet itself, but it is better to understand which type of grip suits your hands best. For example, if your hands are sweaty, then using a fiber grip is a very good idea. On the other hand, if you are looking for a long lasting grip, then choosing a leather grip would be wise.
Grip size
You also need to consider the grip size for the racket you are using. The grip that works great with a head-heavy racket might suck with a handle-heavy racket. That’s why you need to put comfort first before anything else. Don’t just copy your tennis player friends and get a grip that they use, rather buy one that feels the best in your hand.
Here are some very good quality tennis racket grips for you to choose from.
TENNIS GRIPS NAME | TENNIS GRIPS IMAGE | |
Tennis String Savers
While powerful rackets are great for giving your opponent a hard time, at the end of the day it is the tennis strings that will do most of the hard work. You will smash using the strings, and also receive powerful serves with the same strings. During a match, the strings take most of the impact. If you are not meeting the ball with your racket strings, then sorry to say, you are not a good player. Jokes aside, it is important to protect the strings, so that they remain in their best condition during the match. This is where string savers come in.
Why use tennis string savers
Sure, there are players who don’t like to use tennis string savers, but it is highly recommended that you don’t participate in an intense tournament without having string savers on your tennis racquet strings. String savers will not only make sure that you play a whole game with the same racket without switching, but also might make them more powerful in some cases. Switching rackets during a game is not a good sign, as you get used to the feel of a particular tennis racket during a match, and switching that racket means you need to start all over again. This way you might lose your momentum and even the match.
Here are some affordable and high quality string savers for you!
Tennis Racket Vibration Dampeners
Well, installing tennis racquet vibration dampeners in your tennis racket strings is not a must-do thing, but you should definitely consider it. The function of these vibration dampeners for tennis racquets is to give your racket more control over the shots and the returns. When the ball meets the strings, they vibrate. Some players feel uncomfortable when the vibration is a bit too overwhelming or results in lack of control of their shots. The vibration might result in you not being able to send the ball where you intend it to.
Tennis racket vibration dampeners reduce the vibration caused by the impact of the ball with the strings, and this results in you having more control over your shots. It is true that at times you might overhit the ball and it goes out of the court. If you think your playing style gets hampered because of the vibration, then you should consider getting vibration dampeners. My suggestion is to try using your racket with and without tennis racket vibration dampeners, and compare the two experiences. Go with the one that seems better for you.
Here are some tennis racket vibration dampener recommendations!
DAMPENER NAMES | DAMPENER IMAGE | DAMPENER STAR RATING |
Tennis Shirts
As we are done with rackets and balls, now it’s time to have a look at the tennis clothes. This tennis equipment list would not be complete if I don’t give you tennis shirt recommendations. As I mentioned earlier, tennis is a game of stamina. You need an tennis clothes that does not become uncomfortable and hamper your performance.
Regardless of your gender, you need to choose tennis shirts that allow you to move as freely as possible. That does not mean you should go for something which is so loose that it gets in the way. The best choice for this is to go for cotton blend shirts. Cotton is not itchy, and very comfortable to wear. Wearing cotton shirts will also make sure that you don’t change your shirt during a game too often.
Anyways, some tournaments come with strange rules that do not allow sleeveless shirts, so go through the tournament rules before you decide to choose your outfit that you’ll be participating in. It won’t be very pleasant if you are not allowed to wear the shirt you brought with you because of a tournament rule.
Here are some mens & womens tennis shirt suggestions to help you pick the best shirt for you
Mens Tennis Shirts
MALE SHIRT NAME | MALE SHIRT IMAGE | MALE SHIRT STAR RATING |
Womens Tennis Shirts
WOMENS SHIRT NAME | WOMENS SHIRT IMAGE | STAR RATING |
Tennis Skorts, Skirts, Dresses & Shorts
Tennis shirts are mostly paired with shorts and skirts. Just like shirts, it is preferred to choose shorts and skirts made of cotton. It’d be wrong to choose any regular sports shorts or skirts for the game of tennis, because tennis apparel is specifically designed for the sport itself. Tennis shorts and skirts need to provide ease of movement, and wick away perspiration.
Some women tennis players prefer wearing a tennis dress and nowadays most tennis skirts have been replaced with tennis skorts which are tennis skirts with built in shorts. The name skort was obviously derived from a combination of skirt & shorts. These have been incredibly popular in recent times.
In some cases, women tennis players wear one-piece tennis dresses that do not require additional skirts, as the dress itself has a bottom that looks like short skirts. For men tennis players on the other hand, shorts are a must wear item of tennis apparel. Even if you live in an area where the climate is cool, tennis shorts and skirts, skorts or dresses are a recommended form of apparel you need to wear. You will have to do a lot of running, so your body will get warm in no time during a tennis match. That’s why a good pair of shorts, or a comfortable skirt, skort or dress should be your go to choice.
Here are some great recommendations.
Tennis Shorts – Mens
MEN'S SHORTS NAME | MEN'S SHORTS IMAGE | STAR RATING |
Tennis Skirts, Skorts, Dress & Womens Tennis Shorts
SKORT/SHORT NAME | SKORT/SHORT IMAGE | STAR RATING |
Tennis Socks
Tennis socks are as important as shoes when it comes to tennis. Due to extended periods of running on the court, your feet are certain to get sweaty. A good pair of socks will absorb the sweat very well and make sure that your feet do not feel uncomfortable inside your tennis shoes. Well, there are no specific tennis socks for playing tennis, but the norm is to wear short cushioned crew socks. You should not go to play tennis with very long socks like soccer players, as they are just not convenient for tennis.
Try to purchase your socks from reputable brands, so that you can be assured of the quality. Remember, comfort for your feet inside the shoes is very important, so don’t hesitate to pay a little extra for that. It’ll be totally worth it when prevents foot pain & discomfort during & after your tennis match!
Here are some great tennis socks!
TENNIS SOCKS NAME | TENNIS SOCKS IMAGE | STAR RATING |
Tennis Headbands and Caps
Especially for female players, tennis headbands can come in really handy when it comes to playing tennis. With longer hair, your head and forehead might also sweat, and a tennis headband can prevent the sweat from making it really uncomfortable for you on the court. Moreover, at times tennis headbands help with keeping your hair under control, so that they do not get in your way while having a swing at the ball. Apart from controlling your long hair, sports headbands are great for absorbing the sweat which runs down your forehead and can sometimes run into your eyes and distract you while playing.
Playing on outdoor tennis courts means you will be exposed to the sun. This means, your vision might get affected because of the sun, and protecting your eyes from sunlight can be the difference between a win and a loss. As it is not ideal to play tennis with sunglasses so a tennis cap should be your preferred way of keeping the sun out of your eyes. Remember Andy Roddick? He didn’t wear caps while playing in grand slams just for fashion’s sake, did he? Some players also like to wear visors too, especially female players. Here are some great headband & cap recommendations:
Tennis Headbands
HEADBAND NAME | HEADBAND IMAGE | HEADBAND STAR RATING |
Tennis Caps
TENNIS CAP NAMES | TENNIS CAP IMAGES | STAR RATINGS |
Tennis Wristbands
Tennis players whose hands sweat very frequently must purchase tennis wristbands. A sweaty hand can definitely affect your performance as it makes holding your racket uncomfortable. On top of that, being continuously dripped in sweat is not good for your tennis racket grip as well. And it is very likely that your performance will be affected if the sweat from your hand makes the grip slippery to hold.
Especially if you live in an area with a hotter climate, sweatbands are a must-wear. Your preferred choice of tennis racket grip might not come with sweat-protection, and wristbands can make up for that. Players who like leather grips might battle to properly aim their backhands with sweaty hands. A firm grip is important, and tennis wristbands can make a big difference in that regard.
Have a look at some of the best wristbands out there!
WRISTBANDS NAME | WRISTBANDS IMAGE | STAR RATING |
Tennis Towels
During your tennis session or a tournament match, you need to get comfortable by getting rid of the annoying sweat that covers your neck, face, and hands. A good tennis towel can be your best friend for doing that. If you can keep yourself as dry as possible, you will be able to perform better for longer periods of time. Moreover, during the breaks you can also put your towel over your head to cover yourself from the sun.
Here are some great quality tennis towels!
TENNIS TOWEL NAME | TENNIS TOWEL IMAGE | STAR RATING |
Best Sports Water Bottle
I think this is quite self-explanatory. Not just for tennis, but when playing any sport you need to have a drink with you to keep you hydrated. Who wants to die of dehydration, right? Always keep one or two water bottles with you while going to play tennis.
These sports water bottles are great choices.
WATER BOTTLE NAME | WATER BOTTLE IMAGE | BOTTLE STAR RATING |
Sport First Aid Kit
Yes, professional tennis players have physios. You might not be able to afford one, so it’s wise to buy your own sport first aid kit so that you can treat minor injuries yourself. Even in local unofficial tournaments or while playing tennis socially with friends, you might hurt yourself. Having a first aid kit with you will not only help you continue the match, but also might prevent long term injuries.
Here are some good sport first aid kits which are good to have in your tennis bag.
FIRST AID KIT NAME | FIRST AID KIT IMAGE | STAR RATING |
Sports Sunscreen
While most players don’t actually care about sun burns while trying hard to win a tennis match, it is wise to make sure your skin is protected from the scorching sun. That’s why all tennis players should keep sports sunscreen in their bag. While not having sunscreen will not actually hamper your performance on the court, the irritation that comes from your skin burning can prevent you from putting enough attention on your opponent’s shots. Sunscreens don’t cost much as well, so just purchase some.
Here are some affordable and quality sunscreens for tennis which are ideal for you.
SUNSCREEN NAME | SUNSCREEN IMAGE | STAR RATING |
Tennis Ball Machines
As a tennis player, you might not have to purchase a ball machine to support your practice sessions because your tennis club should have some of these available for you to use. However, if you are opening a club or are wanting to take your personal training to the next level, a tennis ball launcher is essential. You will not find a human player to play with every time you want to practice, and that’s where ball machines can help you at times like these.
With tennis ball machines, you can practice the same return again and again. Tell a human player to serve the same way again and again, and I bet they won’t be able to do that for sure. And guess what, ball machines can do exactly that. In fact, this is one of the main reasons ball machines were invented in the first place.
Choosing a tennis ball machine
Ball machines come in different price ranges and features, but I would recommend buying one that provides you with lots of motion and stroke options. If you can practice returning different types of shots with your ball machine, then your game will improve drastically. For tennis coaches, ball machines are great additions to training facilities in order to train young players from scratch.
Here are some of the best tennis ball machines on the market.
BALL MACHINE NAME | BALL MACHINE IMAGE | STAR RATING |
Tennis Net
If you are building a personal training court in your backyard or part of the management of a tennis club, then you will need tennis court accessories as well. Nothing is more important than the tennis court net itself. Your standard size tennis court will need a 42 foot long net. As the net’s job is to stop the balls shot at it, the mesh needs to be good quality as well. You can go with tennis nets of 1 or 2 layers of braided mesh, but it is recommended to go for the latter one. Most of the tennis nets are made of braided net cord material, while some nylon options are available as well. Braided net cord material is best for holding tournaments.
Here are some product recommendations to help you find the tennis net that is best for you.
TENNIS NET NAME | TENNIS NET IMAGE | TENNIS NET STAR RATING |
Tennis Net Posts
Tennis court nets won’t hold themselves straight, you will need tennis net posts for that. Your tennis court net posts must be strong, as otherwise the net will not stay tight. If the tennis posts don’t hold the nets properly, the net height lowers in the middle. This encourages the players to use the middle area more than usual. This takes the fun out of the game. Also, at times tennis net posts are used to keep the tennis balls in place as well, so they can be multi-functional too.
Let’s recommend some good tennis net posts then!
NET POST NAME | NET POST IMAGE | NET POST STAR RATING |
Tennis Ball Hopper
In tennis practice sessions, you definitely will not throw the balls away after using them for a few hours. Tennis balls are reusable, and can be used for extended periods of time. Moreover, the number of balls required for a match, or even a decent practice session is not too small. It makes sense to purchase a tennis ball hopper to move the balls around the court or practice pitch. You should purchase one that can fit a good number of balls and comes with wheels.
Here are some of the best tennis ball hopper recommendations!
BALL HOPPER NAME | BALL HOPPER IMAGE | STAR RATING |
Tennis Court Squeegee
The relatively large size of a tennis court means that most tennis courts are situated outdoors. There is nothing more frustrating than rain preventing you from playing your regular game of tennis. Well, there might be something even more frustrating, waiting for a tennis court to dry once the rain has passed.
A wet tennis court can be a danger to tennis players as well as their tennis equipment which is why it’s not recommended that you play tennis on a court unless it’s sufficiently dry.
Solution for Wet Tennis Courts
There is an easy solution to get a wet court dried up enough to start playing a tennis match in a much shorter time period than would have been the case & that is the beloved tennis court squeegee.
A tennis court squeegee absorbs excess water on a tennis court. This means that in a relatively short period of time you can get on the tennis court. This means you can play without the fear of slipping and hurting yourself or worrying that water would damage your racket or tennis balls.
This is one of the items on the tennis court equipment list that isn’t mandatory. However, it could make the difference between playing your tennis match after a rainstorm or shower or not playing. So it really is a personal decision based on your needs.
Here are some great tennis court squeegee recommendations:
SQUEEGEE NAME | SQUEEGEE IMAGE | STAR RATING |
Now that you know what equipment you need to take you tennis game to the next level, here is the online tennis coaching that will help you become a better tennis player.
Conclusion
So now you have your ultimate tennis equipment list which gives you all the details & recommendations of what you need to play tennis. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or advanced tennis player I tried my best to cover as much ground as possible. I can assure you that, to date, this is the most detailed and helpful tennis equipment list you’ll find online. If it’s not on this list then you don’t need it.
So, what do you think of this tennis equipment list? Let me know in the comments section!




































































































































