The Play! Tennis Blog

As tennis enthusiasts, we often look for ways to enhance our skills, improve our fitness, and keep our love for the sport alive. With the rise of pickleball—an engaging sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis—many tennis players are asking if playing pickleball will help their tennis games.

The former world no. 1 Daniil Medvedev was born and raised in Moscow, Russia. He was born on 11 February 1996 and currently has 20 unique singles titles under his name, including a Grand Slam title at the US Open in 2021. He is currently ranked number 5 on the PIF ATP Rankings. His unorthodox tactics, playing style and technique shocked the tennis world and many thought that he would not go far.

The right equipment can make all the difference on the court. Among the various elements of your racket, tennis strings play a crucial role in your performance. One common question that arises is whether to choose a 16 or 17 gauge string. This decision can affect your game, from power and control to feel and spin potential.

Becoming a tennis umpire is an exciting journey that combines a passion for the sport with the responsibility of ensuring fair play during matches. Umpires play a crucial role in tennis, overseeing the flow of the game, making critical decisions, and maintaining the integrity of the competition.

Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with the Head Extreme MP 2024 Tennis Racket. It's a great option for players who want a versatile racket that excels at groundstrokes and serves. While it may not be the best choice for players who prefer a lot of touch and finesse at the net, its performance in other areas more than makes up for it.

Choosing the right tennis racket can greatly impact your performance on the court. Whether you opt for a light or heavy racket depends on your playing style, physical strength, and personal preference. I'll help you understand the benefits and drawbacks of both options so you can make an informed decision.

We tested 4 popular brands of tennis balls to let you know which is the best tennis ball. The 4 brands are: HEAD Tour, Dunlop Australian Open, Slazenger Wimbledon and Dunlop Fort.

If you've ever found yourself wondering why your performance on the practice court doesn't translate to tennis matches, you're not alone. Many tennis players and competitive athletes experience this. I help uncover the reasons behind this common issue and provide actionable tips to help you overcome it.

Vibration dampeners have become a popular accessory among tennis players, often seen on the rackets of both amateur and professional players. But what exactly are they, and do you really need one for your tennis racket?

Choosing the right tennis racket can significantly impact your performance on the court. One common issue players face is using a racket that is too light for their playing style. I will help you determine whether your tennis racket is too light and provide tips on selecting the perfect weight for your game.

Maintaining focus during a tennis match is crucial for optimal performance. Distractions, both internal and external, can significantly impact your gameplay and decision-making.

This is a common query in the tennis community - can you play tennis with a cheap racket? The short answer is yes, but there's more to it. Understanding how a racket impacts your game is important.

Jannik Sinner’s career is looking extra promising as he reached a career-high ranking of world no. 4 by the end of the 2023 season, also reaching the finals at the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin. He has wins against the current top 3 players Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev.

For tennis players, the racket is an extension of their arm. It's the tool that turns their energy into the speed and spin of the ball. But like all sports equipment, a tennis racket has its lifespan. Knowing when it's time for a new one can make all the difference in your game. Recognising these signs can help keep your performance at its peak.

As a tennis player, choosing the right string tension can make all the difference in your game. String tension can affect your power, control, and overall feel of the racket. It's essential to find the perfect balance for your playing style and needs.

When it comes to pursuing your passion for tennis, agility, and finesse on the court can often be marred by an opponent that's neither visible nor invited - the infamous tennis knee. This common injury among tennis players can put a dampener on game days and practice sessions, hindering footwork and ultimately your overall performance. But fear not, there is a natural solution – glucosamine supplements.

Are you one of the many tennis players who've found themselves at the mercy of a great 'pusher'—that person who seems to return every shot with a frustratingly accurate, yet seemingly effortless stroke? Fear not, for this guide is your ticket to turning the tide against the relentless and often underrated pusher!

Many beginners turn to group lessons as a starting point for learning tennis. But what can you expect from these sessions, and how do they help cultivate the skills you need to excel on the court? I'll explain the structure, the benefits, and the unique environment that makes them an ideal setting for budding professionals and casual players alike.

Every person should consider playing sports; it keeps your health in check, and it is great fun for all the people involved. What is also great is that there are many programs out there that are completely free, where you and your children can go and have fun, either by playing or watching.

Determining the ideal number of group and private tennis lessons for your child per week depends largely on their age and experience level. I will provide guidelines tailored to children within the two age groups of 4-7 and 8-13, both beginners and intermediates.

For serious tennis players, the choice of strings is as personal and significant as choosing the right racket. And like with rackets, tennis strings are varied, each promising a different set of advantages. Among the strings commonly used on today's courts, two types often stand out in players' deliberations: polyester and multifilament strings.

Tennis, often described as a "game of inches," is as much a mental sport as it is physical. From baseline rallies to intense volleys at the net, the game demands razor-sharp focus and unwavering mental resilience. Professional players consistently demonstrate their mental fortitude through structured pre-point and post-point routines that keep them at the top of their game.

Playing tennis is a thrilling experience, but it also comes with its share of challenges, including the risk of developing an injury commonly known as tennis knee. Understanding this condition can help you take the right precautions and manage it effectively.

Tennis, with its swift lateral movements and high-impact sprints, is a sport that demands much from your footwear. For the avid tennis player, the question of whether shelling out for top-of-the-line tennis shoes is worth it is more than a matter of budget — it's about maximising performance and preventing injury. But is the price tag reflective of a significant upgrade in the quality of your footwear?

The one-handed backhand for many years is arguably the most beautiful shot in the sport. It is a shot that tennis legends Rod Laver, John McEnroe, and Martina Navratilova loved. It is also the most iconic shot of Roger Federer. However, the shot is seen less as time passes.

The Head Boom Pro 2024 emerges as the latest innovation in the world of tennis rackets, promising to elevate the game of both amateur enthusiasts and seasoned professionals. In this review, I'll explore the features, performance, and overall value of the Head Boom Pro 2024, providing insight into whether this racket deserves a spot in your tennis bag.

Tennis balls: a pivotal focus within the bustling world of sports, yet often overlooked in their humble design. What goes into making these roly-poly projectiles withstand the back-and-forth of the tennis court? Material scientists are the unsung heroes in the process, meticulously crafting the tennis ball to endure fatigue, maintain bounciness, and adhere to specific standards.

With a sport as individualised as tennis, the relationship between player and coach is pivotal. But how can you distinguish a coaching charlatan from a mentor who will genuinely invest in your progress? Here's a playbook on vetting a tennis coach: