On this, the first day of Summer, we’re proud to present our official Must Have list for 2024. We used to call this our annual Summer Gear Guide, but tennis these days requires so much more than gear, it requires that one adopt the tennis lifestyle. And if there’s one thing we at Racquet are going to do, it’s scour the Earth for the most important and stylish accessories, experiences and yes, gear, to empower yours.
By Avery Vukhac
Style
Lacoste’s 1924 Collection
Lacoste’s simple, yet elegant designs are categorically French in that they tend to look chic on a wide array of players, from Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev and Venus Williams to the average public court player. This year’s Paris Olympic collection features high-waisted shorts, buttery polos—Lacoste invented them, after all—and tanks all in a cream and navy palette. Magnifique!
The Ace Club’s Backhand Tee
Witnessing a new generation of stars emerge has been exhilarating. Yet, their ascendence also signifies an abandonment of traditional tennis—specifically the gravitation away from the one-hander. Honor the legacy of the near-extinct one-handed backhand with this shirt from our Parisien friends at the Ace Club.
Pony M-Pro Low Lux
It’s comeback time. In 1979, Tracy Austin won the US Open wearing Pony tennis sneakers. Since its long-anticipated relaunch in 2022, Pony has released tennis shoes that are not only practical, but stylish too. We prefer the M-Pro Low Lux model, but the whole collection is on point.
Metrograph’s The French Tee
William Klein’s The French is one of the most iconic tennis films of all time, containing storylines that beautifully capture the behind-the-scenes of the historic 1981 French Open. The Metrograph is New York City’s coolest art house cinema, and this tee is the perfect homage to an amazing film.
Tennis Whore
The aesthetics of Matteo Berrettini, Casper Ruud, Emma Radacanu, and Paula Badosa have quickly converted us from tennis fans to tennis whores— stop denying it and start embracing it. Originally inspired by Wimbledon, the movie, the Tennis Whore shirt celebrates all of us who give it up for tennis—you know who you are.
Insider Tennis Club Doodle Hoodie
With the abundance of tournaments approaching for the summer season, you’re bound to end up attending at least one night match. Warm your chilly summer nights up in insider style with this hoodie; it’s the perfect balance between preppy and fun. IYKYK.
Experiences
Visit La Sammana
There are only so many climactic five setters one can take before one needs a blissful vacation away from the tennis mania. One of the gems of the French Indies, The La Samanna, a part of the Belmond collection, provides a restorative escape to St Martin. Swap those honey deuces for piña coladas and Aperol spritzes, but also keep your game in shape at the resort’s three gorgeous turf courts.
Grand Slam with Grand Slam Tennis Tours
There is no better excuse to travel the world than for tennis. Grand Slam Tennis Tours (GSTT) offers luxury vacations to major tournaments—and it’s not too late to get tickets to this year’s Wimbledon and US Open, or make early plans for 2025. GSTT offers the highest quality seat locations and hotels for each event.
Universe of Harth Centre Court Fragrance
Is a fragrance an experience? For those of us whose budgets are a little more modest, transporting ourselves through scent (and supporting small businesses while we’re at it) is all the Summer plans we need. Universe of Harth’s soothing scents are perfect for relaxation after a long day on the courts.
Accesories
Ghurka Maritime Bag
Carefully crafted by artisans, Ghurka vows to make bags that last a lifetime, both physically and stylistically. The new maritime collection is the perfect companion for your summer adventures and warm-weather travels.
Gucci Tennis Bag
Though we can’t offer you a time-machine to go back to the ’70s, we can certainly guide you on how to dress like you did. Gucci’s Tennis Capsule collection features their classic bagthat first made its debut on Jannik Sinner’s arms at Wimbledon—but now available in a breathtaking white colorway. You can’t top that, so instead you should cop it.
LV Monogram Backpack
Rafa and Roger are the ultimate duo. Match their bougie with your bestie in these Louis Vuitton backpacks. We couldn’t choose between the Christopher (Fed) and the Eclipse (Rafa), but if you’re springing for one, you might as well spring for the pair.
Gear
Omorpho G-Tank
Traditional weight training is so last season. Combine weight training and court practice with this weighted training gear from Omorpho.
Laser Therapy
Tennis joint pain is like no other. Thankfully, Kineon uses laser red light technology to reduce chronic pain in only five minutes, making your recovery faster and more effective.
Cheribundi
A case of Cheribundi doesn’t last long at Racquet HQ. This company sells cherry juices and concentrates that support immunity, speeds recovery, reduces inflammation, and improves sleep—all without the sugar and additives found in most sports drinks.
Swiftwick Socks
Catered to your every sport, Swiftwick ensures you have designated socks for almost any activity. Socks for running around on the court, socks for hiking on conditioning days– Swiftwick’s got it and their superior wicking technology makes sure you feel the difference.
Technifibre TFight
For advanced players with an all-court game, Technifibre’s TFight is the tool that’ll help you thrash your opponents just like Medvedev does.
Sunset Tennis Club racquet
For players closer to the beginning of their tennis journey, the vibe outweighs the specs. As the Wimbledon frenzy begins to amp up, all-white outfits begin to resurface through tennis fashion. Level up your traditional tennis whites with this beautiful Sunset Tennis Club racquet.
Racquet Musts
Issue No. 24
We’re thrilled to be coming out with Racquet Issue No. 24 just in time for the start of Summer – featuring an ode to the most beautiful courts in the world by Nick Pachelli and a revival of the tennis club.
Summer Collection
Dad hats, muscle tees, totes and Tennis Whores—there’s something for everyone in our new Summer Collection. Get your look sorted.
