Tennis asks your body to sprint, stop, twist, reach overhead, and repeat the same strokes for hours. That mix can lead to problems ranging from a sore shoulder after serving to a sudden ankle sprain while chasing a wide ball.
Knowing the common tennis injuries—and what tends to cause them—can help you spot trouble early and adjust your training. Here’s how tennis elbow, shoulder pain, ankle sprains, and other frequent issues usually arise, plus practical ways to lower your risk.
Why tennis injuries happen
Most tennis injuries fall into two groups. Overuse injuries develop gradually when repeated strokes or movement outpace the body’s recovery. Acute injuries happen suddenly, often during a hard stop, awkward landing, or change of direction.
Long sessions, a quick jump in playing time, poor recovery, and equipment or technique that does not suit the player can all contribute. A common example: someone returns to tennis after a break and immediately plays several competitive matches. Their fitness may feel ready before their tendons and joints are prepared for the workload.
Common injuries in tennis
| Injury | Where you may feel it | Common tennis trigger |
|---|---|---|
| Tennis elbow | Outer elbow and forearm | Repeated gripping and strokes, especially backhands |
| Shoulder pain | Front or outside of shoulder | Frequent serves and overheads |
| Ankle sprain | Outer ankle, sometimes with swelling | Landing or turning on a planted foot |
| Knee pain | Around or below the kneecap | Repeated starts, stops, and deep lunges |
| Calf or Achilles strain | Back of lower leg or heel | Sudden push-off or a sharp increase in court time |
| Lower-back pain | Lower back, sometimes spreading to the buttock | Repeated rotation, serving, or reaching under fatigue |
Tennis elbow
Despite its name, tennis elbow can affect people who do not play tennis. It usually involves irritation of the tendons that help extend the wrist, causing pain near the outside of the elbow. A firm grip, late contact, or a backhand hit mostly with the arm can add stress. Players may notice pain when lifting a kettle, turning a handle, or gripping the racket—not just during a match.
Check that your grip size and strings feel comfortable, and avoid trying to solve pain by simply squeezing the racket harder. If symptoms keep returning, a clinician or qualified coach can help assess both the elbow and stroke mechanics.
Shoulder injuries
The serve places substantial demands on the shoulder. Repeated overhead motion can irritate tendons and other shoulder structures, particularly when a player serves many balls without enough rest or lacks the strength and mobility to control the motion. Pain may appear during the serve, afterward, or when reaching overhead.
Build serving volume gradually rather than adding a large basket of serves to an already busy week. Shoulder and upper-back strengthening, along with a full-body warm-up, can help support the serving motion.
Ankle sprains
Tennis involves quick lateral cuts and sudden changes of direction. An ankle can roll when a player reaches for a wide shot and lands on an uneven surface or on another player’s foot. Swelling, tenderness, and difficulty bearing weight can follow. Some sprains are mild; others need prompt assessment, so do not assume every rolled ankle is minor.
Good court shoes that fit well, attention to loose balls and court hazards, and balance and leg-strength exercises can reduce risk. If the ankle feels unstable after an injury, get professional advice before returning to hard movement.
Knee pain
Frequent lunging and braking can irritate tissues around the knee. Players may feel discomfort near the kneecap, especially after a long session or on stairs. A sudden twist can also cause a more serious injury. Strengthening the hips and legs, practicing controlled movement, and increasing court time gradually can help manage repeated stress.
Calf, Achilles, and lower-back problems
A quick first step can strain the calf or Achilles tendon, particularly when the player is tired or has recently increased training. Sudden severe pain, a popping sensation, or difficulty pushing off deserves prompt medical attention.
Lower-back discomfort may build up with repeated serving and trunk rotation. Limited mobility, fatigue, or relying on the lower back instead of coordinating the legs and torso can add to the load. Persistent or worsening back pain should be assessed, especially if it comes with numbness, weakness, or pain traveling down the leg.
How to reduce your risk
- Increase training in steps. Add playing time, serving, and strength work gradually, especially after time away.
- Warm up dynamically. Start with easy movement, then add side steps, short accelerations, and controlled swings before playing at full pace.
- Build strength and balance. Exercises for the legs, hips, trunk, shoulders, and forearms help prepare you for repeated court demands.
- Use suitable equipment. Shoes should fit and support your movement. Ask a knowledgeable professional about racket setup if discomfort persists; no single string or racket prevents injury for everyone.
- Take recovery seriously. Rest days, sleep, and lighter sessions matter. Fatigue can make footwork and stroke mechanics less controlled.
- Pay attention to early symptoms. Pain that keeps returning is a reason to reduce the provoking activity and seek advice, not something to mask so you can finish every match.
When should you stop playing and seek help?
Stop or modify play if pain changes how you run, serve, or hold the racket. Seek prompt medical care for severe pain, major swelling, visible deformity, inability to bear weight, or a sudden loss of strength. Ongoing pain, repeated injuries, or symptoms that interfere with daily activities also warrant assessment by a healthcare professional.
This guidance cannot diagnose an injury. A doctor or physical therapist can assess the cause and recommend a safe return to tennis. Returning too soon can turn a manageable problem into a longer layoff.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common tennis injury?
Overuse problems are frequent, including tennis elbow and shoulder pain. The specific injury depends on a player’s age, technique, training load, and playing style.
Can I play tennis with mild pain?
It depends on the cause and severity. If pain worsens as you play, affects your movement, or changes your stroke, stop and get advice. Continuing through pain can aggravate an injury.
How can beginners avoid tennis injuries?
Start with shorter sessions, learn efficient footwork and stroke technique, warm up, and leave time for recovery. Avoid jumping straight into frequent, full-length matches after a long break.
How long should I wait before returning after an injury?
There is no single timeline. Return when you can move and perform tennis-specific actions without significant pain, and follow advice from your healthcare professional—particularly after a severe or recurring injury.
Final Thoughts
Tennis injuries often come from a mismatch between the demands of the court and the body’s readiness for them. Gradual training, solid movement, suitable equipment, and honest attention to pain can help keep you playing. If symptoms are severe or do not settle, get them assessed rather than guessing your way through a recovery.
