Tennis fans, these are the best rackets to recreate your own Wimbledon and get your rally on
I’ve had a longstanding love affair with tennis: I’ve spent my life trying to get my hands on a pair of Wimbledon tickets (still not managed it), I’m obsessed with Kim Sears, and I wear tennis skirts as often as I’ve worn leggings in the past year. Safe to say I was overjoyed when it was announced that the pros would return to Centre Court after 2020’s events were called off. The competition has also inspired me to perfect my own serve, and I've noticed that the best tennis rackets can really help you nail your technique.
Before now, I’d use whatever I could find in the garage, but it turns out that the structure of a tennis racket is genuinely game-changing. Who knew? Searches for tennis racquets – different spelling, same thing, FYI – have shot up 120% over the last month, too, so I figured if ever there’s a time to put what I’ve learnt to good use and curate an edit of the best tennis rackets, it’s now.
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There are a few things to consider if you’re keen to invest in your own. If you’re after tennis rackets for beginners, you’ll want a bigger head so that there’s more chance of you hitting the ball. It’s probably also wise that you go for something that doesn’t cost the earth (the edit below shows the best tennis rackets for every budget), in case you decide the sport’s not for you. The LTA – the national governing body for tennis in the UK, recommends that you then check the grip size of the handle before you buy. You’ll want 3, 4 or 5 if you’re female – bigger numbers suit bigger hands.
Is a lighter or heavier tennis racket better?
Weight-wise, lighter tennis rackets are best for newbies as they won’t require as much strength, but if you’re a seasoned player, something heavier will offer you more power.
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Without further ado, get your strawberries and cream at the ready as you shop the best tennis rackets to buy now…
Best tennis rackets for beginners
HEAD Ti. Instinct Supreme Tennis Racket, £49.24, Amazon
The HEAD Ti Instinct Supreme tennis racket has a head with 109 inches of space to hit, with light balance to reduce vibrance and help maintain stability.
Best tennis rackets for women
Oppum Carbon Tennis Racket, £33.26, Amazon
Made from carbon fibre, Oppum's tennis racket is as lightweight as they get. The blue, black and white colour palette is to die for, too.
Best tennis rackets for women
Babolat Pure Aero VS Tennis Racket, £200, Pro Direct Tennis
Though this is one of the most spenny, it’s the top recommended product on Pro Direct Tennis for several reasons. It’s designed with advanced players in mind, featuring a smaller head size to prioritise control over pure power, with which you can tactically construct shots. It comes unstrung, so that you can choose your preferred tension type, as well as the kind of string you’d like (standard or premium).
Best tennis rackets for comfort
Babolat Evoke Wimbledon Tennis Racket, £45, Pro Direct Tennis
Not only is Babolat’s Evoke Wimbledon the cheapest on Pro Direct Tennis, it’s designed with a white and purple colour combo in honour of Wimbledon, as well as an extra comfortable grip. There’s also the option to personalise the racket for just £5.
Best tennis rackets for women
HEAD Graphene 360 Radical S Tennis Racket, £108, Pro Direct Tennis
If you’re somewhere in between, HEAD’s Radical XTR tennis racket is for you, thanks to a larger head size, and the lightest frame in the Radical series. To boot, you’ll get it with a saving of £72 on Pro Direct Tennis.
Best cheap tennis rackets
Hy-Pro Tennis Racket, £13, Argos
Coming in at just £13, Hy-Pro’s tennis racket is the perfect choice for anyone starting out. It also comes with its own head cover and a pouch to hold two tennis balls.
Save when you shop for the best tennis rackets with these Argos discount codes.
Best tennis rackets for women
Wilson Pro Staff 97LS V13.0 Tennis Racket, £179.99, Decathlon
This Wilson tennis racket is Decathlon’s second best-selling, and with good reason: it’s made with a particular string pattern that provides unwavering stability and control, with the added clout of being endorsed by none other than pro Roger Federer.
Best tennis rackets for women with experience
HEAD Graphene 360+ Speed S Tennis Racket, £139.99, Decathlon
HEAD’s Graphene 360+ Speed racket is the best-selling on Decathlon, thanks to a string pattern that provides good spin on a ball meaning it’ll go further.
Best tennis rackets for beginners
Artengo TR500 Lite Tennis Racket, £54.99, Decathlon
Artengo’s TR500 Lite Blue tennis racket is the perfect option if you’re just starting out. It won’t break the bank, while it’s also lightweight and has an extra comfortable grip.
Best tennis rackets for intermediate players
Babolat Evo Drive Lite Tennis Racket, £109.99, Decathlon
The new Babolat Evo Drive Lite tennis racket is ideal if you’ve played tennis before, but aren't quite a pro. It’s lightweight with a larger surface area to hit, but is also made with a string pattern that ensures you’ll generate a good amount of power.
Best tennis rackets for amateurs
HEAD Radical Tennis Racket, £26.50, Argos
This 27-inch tennis racket by HEAD is another affordable option, endorsed by the man, the myth, the legend: Andy Murray. It also comes with a full length cover and carry strap.
Save when you shop for the best tennis rackets with these Argos discount codes.
Best tennis rackets for beginners on a budget
Wilson Roger Federer Tennis Racket, £20, Argos
Wilson’s Roger Federer tennis racket is everything an amateur could ask for: it’s only £20, it’s lightweight, comfortable to hold, and has a large head. Winning.
Save when you shop for the best tennis rackets with these Argos discount codes.
Best cheap tennis rackets
HEAD Ti. S6 Tennis Racket, £75, Pro Direct Tennis
Pro Direct Tennis is currently offering HEAD’s TI S6 racket for £75, with a saving of £125 from its RRP of £200. It’s one of the bestselling tennis rackets for its titanium and graphite construction that guarantees power without weight.
