Tennis is a sport where equipment makes a big difference. Rackets, strings, shoes, balls — all affect the game. Make the 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/youth). Head: 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 — every game.

Tip: don't skimp — good strings extend 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: need spikes (Adidas SoleCourt).

Tip: don't take 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), pressure-free (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: take balls marked "ITF Approved" (approved by the federation).

Clothing

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

Tip: take light-colored clothing (reflects the sun).

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