I’m learning to play tennis. Here’s everything a beginner needs to get started

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. We like them because they come padded with extra cushioning on the heel, which Adidas claims is especially helpful for those with wider feet.?“It’s crucial to wear tennis-speci?c shoes that are designed with a sole that supports your foot,” says Evrard. “Tennis shoes are speci?cally engineered for lateral movements and the unique demands of court surfaces, providing the traction and stability you need to play safely and effectively.”

Evrard loves these Jet Mach 3 shoes because they are super light, so you won't feel weighed down on the court. “They're also comfortable,” he says. “With just the right amount of cushioning and support. Plus, they have great grip, which is important for both playing better and staying safe.”

We love On running shoes, 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 a Frankenstein mix of durability and breathability. You can nab the clay court version as well if you’re feeling fancy.

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.

I personally wear the SFX 3 shoes because they are so very comfortable, which Evrard says is the ?rst thing to look for in a tennis shoe. He likes the wider toe box because it helps to prevent blisters for players who intend to play for longer durations. “These shoes also have great traction which is important when making quick movements,” Evrard says.

These mid-cut tennis shoes get the thumbs up from our experts because they are comfortable and will help you feel stable on the court. 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!”

This timeless tennis tee can be a man’s best friend. We like that it helps to stop the sweat with its moisture-wicking fabric and blocks the sun’s damaging rays with built-in 50+ UV protection. Owsian likes it because “it brings back that vintage Bjorn Borg vibe from the '70s, but still functions with a modern game.”

“Opt for breathable and ?exible athletic wear that allows for a full range of motion on the court,” says Evrard. And these quick-drying volley shorts with a 5.5-inch inseam fit the bill. We also appreciate that they are affordable and come in 16 different colors.

Lacoste never goes out of style. And we approve of this modern and lightweight shirt because it has a collar that can easily go from court to the rest of your day. Owsian likes that it mixes that elegant, classic tennis vibe with on-court function.

We dig these stylish On tennis pants because they are roomy enough to sport a pair of shorts underneath and have a convenient knee-to-ankle zipper so you don’t have to take off your shoes to strip down. Plus you can stuff your tennis balls in the deep pockets.

This tennis dress not only looks elegant with its detailed hem, but is also easy to throw on because it has built-in shorts, so I don’t have to add anything to the ensemble. “We’re especially loving the new heritage tennis collection from FILA,” Owsian says.

This fitted, stretchy top zips up in the back and has an adorable aqua ruffle peeking out the bottom. It was my first big splurge when I started playing and I get compliments on it wherever I go, especially when I don the matching tennis skirt, which has the same ruffle under the top layer of fabric. The outfit is so cute, I could easily wear it out to dinner (and I’m sure somebody already has).

Sometimes I just want a simple tank to throw on when I grab my racket, and Adidas hits the spot with this T-back top. I sincerely appreciate that it comes with a solid, built-in shelf bra and you can nab it in black or aqua.

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. I got it in ecru but it comes in green and blue as well.

“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 says. “This beginner-friendly method not only makes learning more fun but also helps you develop your skills more effectively.” These Gamma balls come in bags of 12, 36, 48 or 60.

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,” says Owsian. “Wilson does make their US Open line in regular duty (for clay or indoor) and a high altitude version as well.”

We love our 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.

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.

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.

This larger-sized bag can hold up to six 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 says.

Part of Wilson’s new US Open collaboration, this nifty backpack has space for up to two rackets, a ventilated pocket for shoes or sweaty clothing and even a laptop sleeve in case you have to take your work to the court (or vice versa).

This limited-edition, vacuum-insulated water bottle comes emblazoned with Novak Djokovic and comes in three sizes. Its double-walled stainless steel ensures that your liquids can stay cold for up to 24 hours and the lid comes with a loop for easy carrying on the court.

More interested in a straw-based water bottle to quench your thirst on the court? Try our best tested favorite, the Owala FreeSip. “We truly loved drinking from this cap because it functions as both a straw lid and a chug lid. This means that whether you’re casually sipping at your desk or want to take a huge swig during a workout, the Owala has you covered. In day-to-day testing, this made it our favorite water bottle to drink out of by far.”