It’s only right that sporty-girl summer comes to a close with one of the biggest tennis events of the year: the 2026 US Open.
From the end of August through mid-September, the world’s greatest tennis players will convene in Queens, New York, to compete in the Grand Slam tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Whether you admire the strength behind Serena Williams’ explosive serve or can’t wait to see what Naomi Osaka wears the next time she steps on that blue acrylic court, there’s something for even the least sporty among us. In fact, you might just find yourself itching to pick up a racket—and a cute tennis skirt—for yourself.
“Tennis is an amazing sport for beginners because it’s a great form of cardio–you’re getting a really good workout—but it’s also a lot of fun,” 18-year-old tennis star Iva Jovic tells Glamour ahead of her third US Open appearance. “Whatever level you play at, it doesn’t really matter. It’s about getting out there, getting some exercise, enjoying the sport, and having fun.”
“There’s a fashion element to tennis, too,” adds Jovic, who was recently named the newest face of Gorjana jewelry’s Sports Club, which highlights an elite group of athletes making an impact on the sports world. “You can dress up, wear cute tennis outfits, add some jewelry, and have fun with your style.”
Want to start serving in every sense of the word? Here’s all the tennis gear you need to start your tennis era, according to Jovic and other experts.
How do I start playing tennis as an adult?
Before we even talk gear, you should probably figure out where and how you want to play. David Boyd, a United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA)-certified tennis coach based in Los Angeles, suggests keeping the vibe light and fun when you’re just starting out, whether you opt for private lessons or group classes. “Beginner groups are a good way to learn the fundamentals and meet people to practice with,” Boyd tells Glamour. “Once you’ve learned the basics, finding a liveball clinic will allow you to play in a fun, group atmosphere.”
Okay, now let’s talk gear.
First things first: Find the right racket
You can’t play tennis without a racket and tennis balls. Both Jovic and Boyd suggest a comfortable grip is the key to choosing your racket. “For a beginner, I would recommend a racket that feels stable in your hand, is easy to grip and isn’t too heavy,” says Jovic, who plays with a Yonex V-Core racket. “That’s the main thing, because you want it to be easy to maneuver and swing, especially when you’re starting out. You want to be able to feel the ball, so choosing a slightly lighter racket can be helpful.”
