Tennis Lifestyle
Net worth, culture, rivalries, and stories from the world of professional tennis — 100 articles
New Balls Please: Why Tennis Keeps Arguing About a Fuzzy Yellow Ball
Two words from the umpire, a scramble of ballkids, and a fresh tin cracked open. The tennis ball looks like the simplest object in sport. It is currently the most argued-over thing on tour.
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Belinda Bencic Is Back in Toronto, Eleven Years After the Title That Made Her
In 2015 an 18-year-old Belinda Bencic ran through four former world number ones to win Toronto. Eleven years later she is back in the same city, a mother, an Olympic champion and a genuinely different player.
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The Man on the Building: Who Arthur Ashe Actually Was
You will hear his name a hundred times over the next month without hearing it at all. He won the first US Open of the Open Era and could not take the prize money, out-thought Jimmy Connors on the biggest afternoon of his life, and spent his last five months being arrested for other people.
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One Point From Over: Cameron Norrie and the Match That Gave Him His Career Back
He arrived in Mexico on a six-match losing streak and left Montreal on Thursday having beaten the third seed from a match point down. The story of a player nobody had written about in months, and why this one mattered.
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How to Host a US Open Watch Party: Turn Your Living Room Into Flushing Meadows
Night sessions start at 7pm ET and finish when they finish. A warm, practical guide to hosting a US Open watch party that your friends will actually enjoy, even the ones who do not know what deuce means.
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The Quietest Superstar in Tennis: Elena Rybakina and the 494 Points That Separate Her From No. 1
She wins the biggest titles in the sport without changing her expression, and this week in Toronto she is closer to world number one than she has ever been. Here is why Elena Rybakina is the most quietly compelling player on the WTA Tour.
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Montreal Without Its Biggest Names: Why Top Players Skipped a Masters 1000
Tennis lost its three biggest men in Montreal this week, while every top woman showed up in Toronto. Here is what that split says about a season that never stops.
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The Fastest Man in Tennis: Alex de Minaur and the Point That Refuses to End
He is the reason a rally you thought was finished keeps going for another eight shots. As the tour lands in Montreal, here is why Alex de Minaur is the most exhausting man in tennis to play and the most fun to watch.
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Two Cities, One Trophy: Why the Canadian Open Moves House Every Year
One tournament, two cities, and a trophy that changes address every summer. As the National Bank Open opens on 1 August, here is the story behind the strangest, warmest arrangement in tennis.
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Zheng Qinwen: China’s Olympic Golden Girl and the Heir to Li Na
Olympic champion at 21, a Grand Slam finalist, and the most watched athlete in China. This is the rise of Zheng Qinwen, Queen Wen, and the enormous expectations she carries.
Read Article → Tennis Home Decor: How to Bring the Sport Into Your Space With Style
Framed prints, a vintage racket on the wall, the right cushions and a clever sign or two — here is how to fill your home with tennis style without it looking like a gift shop.
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Tenniscore: How to Wear Tennis Style Without Ever Playing a Point
The tennis aesthetic — pleated skirts, polos, retro sneakers and preppy knits — is a fashion staple that has nothing to do with playing. Here is how to wear tenniscore in real life.
Read Article →Frequently Asked Questions
How can an adult learn to play tennis from scratch?
Start with 4-6 weeks of group lessons at a local club (typically $20-$40 per session) to learn fundamentals: grip, forehand, backhand, serve, and basic footwork. Practice 2-3 times per week for at least 30 minutes. Most adults reach a recreational rally level (USTA 2.5-3.0) within 3-6 months. Equipment-wise, a $80-$120 beginner racket and tennis-specific court shoes are enough to start.
Is tennis a good workout for losing weight?
Yes — an hour of singles tennis burns approximately 400-600 calories for a 70 kg adult, comparable to running or cycling. Tennis combines cardiovascular intensity (interval-based bursts) with strength work (rotational movements) and balance training. Studies link regular tennis play to reduced cardiovascular mortality risk and improved bone density.
What do professional tennis players eat?
Pros typically follow a high-carbohydrate, moderate-protein diet to fuel 3-5 hour matches. Common pre-match foods include oatmeal, pasta, rice, and bananas. During matches: bananas, energy gels, and electrolyte drinks. Sinner is known for a high-pasta Italian diet; Djokovic follows a strict gluten-free, mostly plant-based regimen; Nadal eats Mediterranean (fish, olive oil, pasta).
How much do tennis players make from sponsorships?
Top players earn $20M-$50M+ annually from endorsements alone — far more than prize money. Federer earned ~$90M/year at peak from Uniqlo, Rolex, Mercedes, Wilson, and others. Sinner signed with Nike, Head, and Rolex deals worth a combined ~$30M annually. Mid-tier ATP/WTA players (top 50) typically earn $200K-$2M from sponsors depending on profile.
What's the difference between tennis and padel?
Padel is played on a smaller (20×10m) walled court with solid stringless paddles and a depressurized ball; points often involve playing the ball off the walls (like squash). Tennis uses a larger court (23.77×8.23m for singles), strung rackets, and standard balls. Padel is easier to pick up, more social (always doubles), and faster-growing globally, especially in Spain, Italy, and Sweden.
How do you watch tennis tournaments online?
Tennis broadcast rights vary by region. In the US, Tennis Channel, ESPN, and ESPN+ cover most events. In the UK, Sky Sports and BBC iPlayer (Wimbledon free). Tennis TV (atptour.com subscription) streams every ATP match globally for ~$120/year. WTA matches are on WTA TV (~$100/year). Grand Slams are typically free on national broadcasters in the host country.