Jake Rowland 
A player can be ranked among the world’s best and still need to win three matches just to reach the US Open main draw. That short, high-pressure tournament is the qualifying event: a separate singles draw in which players compete for a limited number of places at Flushing Meadows. Here’s how entry, scoring and qualification … Read more
A clean strike should sound crisp, but some rackets produce a sharp ping or lingering buzz that can distract you between points. A small string-bed dampener can change that sound and feel—but it won’t transform your racket or fix every arm problem. The right choice depends on what you want to quiet, how securely you … Read more
A stringing machine can pay for itself faster than many players expect—but buying the wrong one can turn a simple restring into a slow, frustrating chore. The right choice depends less on headline tension range than on how often you string, how much consistency you need, and whether you’re willing to trade speed for a … Read more
A racket that feels a little too light on contact—or sluggish when you try to accelerate it—may not need replacing. A small amount of lead tape can change how it swings and where it feels solid, but the right tape depends on how much weight you want to add and where you plan to put … Read more
A net that sags in the middle or takes two people to adjust can make a good court feel neglected. Choosing the right system is about more than buying netting: the posts, crank, center strap, sleeves and local weather all affect how well it plays and how long it lasts. Start by deciding whether the … Read more
A grip that starts creeping around the handle can make even a comfortable racket feel unreliable. The fix is usually a fresh wrap, but a neat result depends on more than pulling the material tight: start at the right end, overlap it evenly, and finish without creating a bulky ridge. The instructions below cover an … Read more
The first few points of a tennis match can feel awkward: your feet are slow, your timing is late, and your first serve seems to come from a different shoulder than the one you warmed up with. A good warm-up helps you arrive at the opening game ready to move and hit—not already tired from … Read more
A tennis ball can look perfectly good and still be too soft, while a fuzzy, scuffed ball may bounce well enough for practice. The quickest way to judge one is to compare its bounce with a fresh ball of the same type—but a few simple checks can tell you more than a squeeze test alone. … Read more
A racket left in the wrong place can come back to the court hot, damp, or under pressure from other gear. The safest routine is simple: dry it after play, put it somewhere indoors with a steady temperature, and keep weight off the frame and strings. A good bag or rack can make that routine … Read more
You are serving for the set, and suddenly your first serve disappears. Your arm feels tight, every ball looks risky, and the score seems louder than the racket. Choking in tennis is common, but it is not a character flaw. It is a pressure response—and you can train yourself to handle it better. The aim … Read more