Tennis Starter Kit
So you wanna be a tennis girlie
Hello!
We are knee deep in peak tennis season! Roland Garros finals are this weekend and in a few short weeks we head into Wimbledon before the hard court swing. It seems more and more people are watching, playing, and talking about tennis! We absolutely love that!! I come from a tennis loving family but I was a rebellious youth and waited until my 30s to properly pick up a racquet. I started taking lessons during COVID and got deeply hooked. My husband was on the team at Columbia so I have some catching up to do! Then I started watching all the tournaments on the Tennis Channel (I find it very meditative to have on in the background). Every morning I wake up and check the scores of the matches being played all around the world. I haven’t been in the scene for a long time, but I think I can safely say that I am a true tennis girlie.
***If anyone ever wants to invite me to any tennis events, tournaments, US Open etc, I am IN! I’m familiar with every player in the top 100 and know all the tennis goss. I’m a passionate fan and I will post the hell out of it! Holla at me! ;)
What’s so great about tennis?
It’s the world’s healthiest sport! Playing tennis has actually changed my life for the better. Doing something simply for the fun of it and learning a new physical skill as an adult feels so good. I love that you have to stay so present and can’t dwell on the last shot. The ball is coming right back! They say playing racquet sports adds 9 years(!) onto one’s life and I can see why. It’s so good for your left and right brain, cardiovascular health and coordination. Plus the endorphins after running around in the sunshine smashing a lil yellow ball are hard to beat! If you’re nervous to start, find a beginner’s group to join. Yes, it’s soooo hard and humbling and you’ll have to practice, but who cares, it’s so much fun. Playing tennis has actually done wonders for my self-confidence. There’s no time to overthink and you just gotta go out there and do your thing. It doesn’t matter if you’re not good, it’s not that serious! Also it’s a really great way to meet new people. I’ve made some really cool tennis friends I wouldn’t have met otherwise and they’re all boss ass queens. Just sayin :)
So you’ve signed up for lessons… Now what to wear?!
I’ve had a bunch of girlfriends pick up tennis recently and they’ve been asking me what the hell do we wear?!! It can be hard to feel like yourself on the court, but it can be done! I personally like to look cool n sporty rather than cute n preppy when I play. So for me, that means a skirt, a graphic T, and a baseball hat! (The Amuse Bouche hat above doesn’t exist yet… but should it?! LMK!) I recommend choosing a skirt or shorts with a ball pocket. There are a few brands like Spence, Courting and Palmes shaking things up in the tennis gear department, so check them out! Let me know if there are any others I should know about. Sidenote: some clubs require certain dress codes so obvi adhere to them.
Most tennis shoes are notoriously ugly/sold out/uncool. But, wearing running shoes is a dead giveaway that you don’t know what you’re doing and you might mark up the court. Plus you can roll your ankle really easily, so get yourself some proper sneaks! I’ve been wearing some old Adidas for about 6 years and influenced myself to get a fresh pair. Got these all black Nikes! I also like the Coco Gauff x New Balance’s. If you like a white shoe (or your club requires them) go for The Roger.
What to wear to watch a tournament?
If you’re lucky to score tickets to a slam (or any pro tournament) you know it’s a little tricky to figure out what to wear. A few factors: The conditions! Could be HOT during the day AND you may catch a late five setter that goes well into the night! Also take into consideration the vibe of the tourney. You wouldn’t wear the same look to Wimbledon as you would to the US Open now would you?! Also, I don’t like when people dress as if they’re going to play tennis… it’s like, do you think someone’s gonna hand you a racquet and call you down to center court? Nah. You wanna look relaxed but chic, you could run into Anna Wintour for the love of god! I digress! Truly, just wear whatever you feel good in but here’s what I would do… Think elevated casual, like what you would wear to a nice lunch. Now add a sporty/preppy touch! Think a baseball hat, a cardi or cotton knit thrown over your shoulders and when in doubt, go for white on white. If you’re going to Wimby you can dress up even more! Don’t forget to accessorize with the signature snack like strawberries and cream, Coqodaq’s chicken nuggets with caviar or the Honeydeuce!
Look 1: Adorable striped tank and matching longsleeve paired with a tailored black short. These are similar to my Acne pair that I get a TON of wear from. Fun Chan Luu earrings and white flats. Perfect for a daytime session at the US Open.
Look 2: A colorful twist on a classic from Polo. Says, I know the rules but I wanna have fun! Wear with a relaxed white jean or even long shorts. Miu Miu moccasins plus Dehanche belt. I’m obsessed with this pearl and peridot anklet! Pot de Miel forever with my holy grail brow product tucked inside.
Look 3: I’d wear this to Wimbledon and feel like a chic bitch. Delectable chocolate brown dress with a raffia Celine half-moon bag, 1988 Rolex Oyster Perpetual. Sunglasses from Lie Studios, perfect earrings and the always trusty Felix hat. I just got these sandals and they’re really nice in person!
Look 4: I’m wearing a very old suit from Zara, but use it as inspo! Love this white linen blazer and short from Buck Mason. Or this very chic jacket and skirt suit from Posse! A white suit is a very useful thing to have in one’s closet. It always hits!
Wanna know more about tennis?
Here are some of my favorite follows for those of us who can’t get enough!
Hard Court is one of my fave tennis culture newsletters (and IG follows) written by Jessica Schiffer. She’s also a Bravo-head which I deeply appreciate.
Served - Andy Roddick’s podcast is my religion. I love his insight as a former pro and he’s really quite skilled at interviews! Highly recommend his episode with Andre Agassi. Petitioning for him to commentate all slams s’il vous plait!
@Balanced_Tennis - Great tennis memes and daily tour updates.
Tennis Channel - My favorite app! It’s about $100/year for all ATP/WTA tour coverage outside the slams! I tune into all the matches from my phone.
Rafael Nadal Doc - Just came out on Netflix. Can’t wait to watch!
Bring some tennis vibes to your coffee table with these stunning books: Paradise Courts by Emanuele D’Angelo, Tennis Courts by Karl Hab, Courtship by Laura Bailey.
Inner Game of Tennis - I deeply need to read this classic. Helps quiet the mind and encourages peak performance… in tennis and in life! Sign me up!
Thanks for tuning in y’all! I turned every car ride into a work session this week, so thanks for reading. I hope this inspired you to pick up a racquet this summer. If any of you wanna nerd out on tennis, my DM’s are open! I can’t wait to see how the Roland Garros finals shape up… First slam winners for both the men and the women! It’s been an absolutely insane tournament, all the usual favorites are out. I’m rooting for Flavio Cobolli and qualifier, Maja Chwalińska! Plus the news breaking about Serena’s comeback for the grass season! Things are crazy. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and GO KNICKS!
xo
Michèle
p.s. if you make a purchase using the links above, I may make a small commission! merci!
I love this! I just took my third lesson ever and it’s so fun! I like how you have to be totally present. And naturally I’m having fun buying clothes to play!
Okay wellll I don’t play tennis but now I just start