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Picking the right tennis racquet can feel like choosing the perfect pair of shoes: one size does not fit all. The racquet you play with affects power, control, comfort, and injury risk. Whether you’re stepping onto a club court for the first time or sharpening your game for local tournaments, the right frame helps you hit cleaner shots and enjoy the sport more. Let’s walk through what to look for and which UK retailers make it easy to buy with confidence.
The UK has a healthy mix of specialist shops and big sports retailers that stock the latest racquets from Wilson, Head, Babolat, Yonex, Prince, and more. Below I highlight trusted places to shop online and in-store so you can compare prices, try demos, or grab an offer when it pops up.
Pro:Direct Tennis is a go-to for serious players. It focuses solely on tennis, offering a wide range of racquets, strings, grips, and accessories. You’ll often find pro models and limited editions here, plus detailed product pages to help narrow choices. If you value specialist advice and deep inventory, this site is worth bookmarking.
Decathlon blends budget friendliness with practical in-store testing. Many branches let you handle demo racquets and feel the weight and balance firsthand, which is perfect if you prefer a hands-on approach before buying. Their own-brand frames also offer excellent value for beginners and players on a budget.
Sports Direct stocks a wide mix of sporting goods, including tennis racquets from popular brands. You’ll find frequent sales and clearance deals that make it ideal for bargain hunters. It’s a sensible choice if you want a recognised brand without paying full retail.
John Lewis offers a curated selection of mid- to high-end racquets with the retailer’s well-regarded customer experience. If you’d like to buy from a store known for reliability and good returns, John Lewis is a comfortable option, especially for gifting or buying your first proper racquet.
Tennis-Point carries a vast range and often stocks models that sell out elsewhere. While based in Europe, its UK service and shipping options make it a savvy choice for finding niche racquets or personalised stringing services. Keep an eye on seasonal promotions to get premium models at better prices.
Amazon’s marketplace is convenient, with seller competition that can drop prices quickly. Read multiple buyer reviews and check seller ratings before buying, since inventory comes from both big brands and third-party sellers. If you want speed and a large selection, Amazon is hard to beat.
Argos provides easy local pickup and straightforward browsing for casual players and families buying for kids. They stock a decent range of beginner and junior racquets at accessible prices and often run catalog promotions that make them a budget-friendly choice.
Choosing a racquet comes down to a few key variables: head size, weight, balance, length, string pattern, and grip size. Understanding these will help you match a racquet to your playing style and physical strength. Below I break each factor down simply so you can shop smarter.
Head size is measured in square inches. Larger heads (100–110 sq in) give a bigger sweet spot, helping with power and forgiveness on off-centre hits. Smaller heads (95–98 sq in) offer more control and precision. If you’re learning or want extra power, aim for around 100 sq in; if you play advanced baseline or net games and crave feel, go smaller.
Racquet weight is typically discussed in ounces. Lighter racquets (about 9–10 oz) are easier to swing and better for quick reactions and junior players. Heavier racquets (11–12+ oz) offer stability and more plow-through on heavy shots. If you have a strong serve and like to hit with pace, a heavier frame can add control and depth.
Balance refers to where the weight sits along the racquet, measured in inches from the handle. A head-heavy racquet adds power and momentum on groundstrokes while head-light frames are nimble for volleys and quick changes of direction. Choose based on whether you prioritise baseline power or net play agility.
The standard adult racquet length is 27 inches. Some frames extend to 27.5 inches, giving a bit more reach on groundstrokes and added leverage on serves. Longer frames can increase power, but they may reduce manoeuvrability for quick net exchanges.
Open string patterns (fewer strings) provide more bite and spin, which is great for players who want heavy topspin. Dense patterns (more strings) add string-bed durability and control, which suits flat hitters. Typical patterns to look for are 16x19 for spin and 18x20 for control.
Grip size is normally measured by circumference in inches. Choose a grip that lets you wrap all your fingers around the handle comfortably without excess squeeze. A grip that’s too small can cause you to over-twist the wrist and increase risk of injury. Try different sizes in-store or use an overgrip to fine-tune comfort.
Different racquets suit different skill sets. Below I give practical recommendations and where to find them in the UK, so you can match a frame to your game without second-guessing.
If you’re starting out, look for a forgiving frame with a larger head and lighter weight—think around 9.5–10.5 oz and roughly 100 sq in. Decathlon’s own-brand racquets and entry-level Wilson or Head models sold at Sports Direct or Argos are perfect starters. They give enough pop without demanding advanced technique.
Intermediate players often move to mid-plus head sizes and midweights—about 10.5–11.5 oz and 98–102 sq in. Models from Babolat and Head found at Pro:Direct Tennis or John Lewis provide a nice balance of power and control as you develop consistency.
Advanced players usually prefer smaller head sizes and heavier frames for precision—11.5–12+ oz and 95–98 sq in are common. Pro:Direct Tennis and Tennis-Point are great places to find the latest pro-level frames and limited editions used by touring pros.
Junior racquets are sized by age and range from 19 to 26 inches. Choose a racquet that allows kids to swing comfortably; a too-long frame interferes with proper technique. Check Argos, Decathlon, and specialist tennis shops for a broad junior selection and helpful sizing charts.
Deciding how much to spend comes down to your commitment level. If you’re playing once or twice a week, an entry to mid-level racquet usually does the job. If you’re training heavily or competing, investing in a premium frame can yield performance gains. Look for sales at Sports Direct or Amazon UK to snag premium models at lower prices, and use specialist retailers for demo programmes before you purchase.
Trying a racquet before buying can save money and frustration. Many UK retailers offer demo options: Pro:Direct Tennis often allows demoing through affiliated clubs, Decathlon lets you test in-store, and some local pro shops let you borrow racquets for a set period. If you can swing a few demos, you’ll quickly know which balance and feel suit your swing.
Strings and tension shape how the racquet behaves. Tension is measured in pounds; lower tension (about 50–52 lbs) increases power and feel, while higher tension (55–60+ lbs) adds control. Synthetic gut and multifilament strings give comfort and power; polyester strings provide durability and spin for heavy hitters. Many UK retailers, including Pro:Direct and Tennis-Point, offer professional stringing services if you want the work done before your first match.
Take care of your racquet to extend its life: use a cover to protect from sun and cold, replace grips and overgrips when they wear, and restring regularly based on hours played—see your local shop for services. Store racquets away from damp areas and avoid leaning heavy objects on the frame. A little care goes a long way in keeping tension stable and the frame straight.
Shop around during seasonal events like Black Friday, end-of-season clearances, and New Year sales. Sports Direct, Amazon UK, and Decathlon typically drop prices during these windows. Specialist retailers sometimes run “last season” promotions where you can get premium racquets at steep discounts. Sign up for email alerts from your favorite stores and use price comparison tools to track drops.
My final advice is simple: test as many racquets as you can, compare specs in inches and ounces, and think about how the frame complements your style. A racquet is a personal tool—what works for a club mate might not work for you. Take your time, use demos, and shop both specialist and general retailers to find the best fit and price in the UK market.
Conclusion: Choosing the right tennis racquet is a mix of science and feel. Use head size, weight in ounces, balance in inches, and string tension in pounds as your guideposts. Shop at specialist stores like Pro:Direct Tennis for expertise, Decathlon for practical testing and value, and mainstream retailers like Sports Direct, John Lewis, Argos, and Amazon UK when you want convenience or a deal. With the right racquet in your hands, you’ll find both your game and enjoyment improve.
| Tennis Racquets | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Elite 4 | £ 249,01 |
