Buying a tennis racket online gives you more choice, better prices, and access to detailed specifications than most physical stores.
The key is knowing where to buy, what each retailer is best for, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Below is a comprehensive guide covering global retailers, specialist stores, marketplaces, brand-direct options, and what to look for before clicking “buy.”
1️⃣ Large Specialist Tennis Retailers (Best Overall Choice)
These stores focus heavily on tennis and usually offer the best balance of price, selection, stringing services, and expert advice.
🎾 Tennis Warehouse
- Huge selection of all major brands
- Detailed specs and comparison tools
- Video reviews and playtests
- Demo racket programs (in select regions)
- Separate sites for US and Europe
Best for: Serious players who want detailed specs and expert reviews.
🎾 Tennis Point
- Strong presence in Europe
- Frequent sales and bundle deals
- Wide junior and club range
Best for: Competitive pricing and European delivery.
🎾 Pro:Direct Tennis
- Large UK-based sports retailer
- Regular promotions
- Good range of performance rackets
Best for: UK and Ireland buyers looking for deals.
2️⃣ Buying Direct from the Brand
If you already know the exact model you want, buying directly from the manufacturer can be a safe option.
Popular brands include:
Pros:
- Guaranteed authenticity
- Full warranty
- Latest releases first
Cons:
- Rarely the cheapest option
- Fewer bundle deals
Best for: Brand loyalists and players buying new releases.
3️⃣ General Online Marketplaces
Platforms like:
Pros:
- Fast shipping
- Easy returns
- Occasional deep discounts
Cons:
- Risk of counterfeit products (especially from third-party sellers)
- Limited technical advice
- Older models mixed with new
Tip: Always check seller ratings and ensure the product is “Sold by” a reputable retailer.
4️⃣ Sports Superstores
Retailers such as:
Pros:
- Budget-friendly options
- Good beginner rackets
- Easy returns
Cons:
- Limited high-performance selection
- Fewer advanced spec filters
Best for: Beginners and casual players.
5️⃣ What to Check Before Buying Online
Regardless of where you buy, always verify:
✔ Racket Specifications
- Head size
- Weight (unstrung vs strung)
- Balance
- String pattern
- Grip size
✔ Grip Size
Common sizes:
- 4 1/4 (L2)
- 4 3/8 (L3)
- 4 1/2 (L4)
Choosing the wrong grip size is one of the most common online buying mistakes.
✔ Stringing Options
Some retailers offer:
- Free basic string
- Paid custom stringing
- Tension selection
If you’re an intermediate or advanced player, custom stringing is worth considering.
6️⃣ Best Option by Player Type
| Player Type | Best Place to Buy |
|---|---|
| Beginner | Decathlon or Sports Direct |
| Junior | Tennis Point or specialist stores |
| Club Player | Tennis Warehouse or Pro:Direct |
| Advanced/Competitive | Tennis Warehouse or brand-direct |
| Bargain Hunter | eBay (carefully) or sale sections |
7️⃣ Should You Demo Before Buying?
If possible, yes.
Some specialist retailers allow demo programs where you test rackets before committing. This reduces the risk of buying the wrong weight or balance.
If demo isn’t available:
- Read playtest reviews
- Compare specs to your current racket
- Avoid large weight jumps
8️⃣ How to Get the Best Price
- Check end-of-season sales
- Buy previous-year models (often 20–40% cheaper)
- Compare across multiple retailers
- Watch for bundle deals (racket + bag + string)
For most players, a specialist tennis retailer offers the best mix of selection, pricing, and reliability.
If you’re buying your first racket, prioritize:
- Correct grip size
- Appropriate weight
- Trusted retailer