Tennis is a sport where equipment makes a big difference. Rackets, strings, shoes, balls — all affect the game. Make a wrong choice and you won't win. We tell you which equipment is considered the best in 2026, what to pay attention to, and how much it costs.

Rackets

Brands: Wilson (most popular, Federer, Williams rackets), Babolat (Nadal, Tsonga), Head (Djokovic, Sobolenko), Yonex (Wawrinka, Kei). Models: Wilson Pro Staff (control), Babolat Pure Aero (power), Head Speed (balance). Weight: 270-330 grams (lighter for women/juniors). Head size: 98-100 square inches (smaller — control, larger — power). Prices: 15,000 — 30,000 rubles. Best for beginners: Head Ti.S6 (light, powerful).

Tip: try the racket before buying (at a club) — don't buy "blindly".

Strings

Types: natural gut (expensive, elastic, for pros), polyester (stiff, control, for top players), synthetic (golden middle). Tension: 20-27 kg. The higher the tension, the more control, but less power. Best brand: Luxilon (polyester), Babolat VS (gut). Price: 1,000 — 5,000 rubles per set. Change strings: amateurs — once every 6-12 months, pros — after every game.

Tip: don't skimp — good strings prolong the life of the racket.

Shoes

Brands: Nike, Adidas, Asics, New Balance. Criteria: cushioning (for hard courts), grip (for clay), ankle support. Models: Nike Vapor (lightweight), Adidas Barricade (durable), Asics Resolution (versatile). Price: 8,000 — 15,000 rubles. Change: every 6-12 months (or when the outsole is worn out). For clay: spikes needed (Adidas SoleCourt).

Tip: don't wear running shoes — different loads.

Balls

Brands: Wilson (Challenger), Dunlop (Fort), Penn (Championship). Types: for hard courts (standard), for clay (slightly softer), for tournaments (premium). Pressure: standard (normal), pressureless (for training). Price: 500 — 1,000 rubles per can (3 balls). Store: in a can, in the cool. Change: every 2-3 games (pros — every 9 games).

Tip: buy balls with the "ITF Approved" label (approved by the federation).

Clothing

Brands: Nike, Adidas, Lacoste, Uniqlo. Fabric: 100% polyester (wicks sweat), not cotton (gets wet). Men: shirt+shorts. Women: top+skirt or dress. Headwear: cap (for sun), bandana. Price: shirt — 3,000 — 6,000 rubles, shorts — 3,000 — 5,000 rubles. Thermal underwear: in winter.

Tip: wear light clothing (reflects sunlight).

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