School's In Session: Top Tennis Picks for the New School Year

The new school year is here, and with it comes the excitement of a fresh start both in the classroom and on the tennis court. Fall is one of the most active times in the tennis calendar, with high school matches, college club teams, after-school programs, and junior tournaments all kicking into full gear. Whether you're a seasoned player or just picking up a racquet for the first time, now is the perfect moment to make sure you're set up for success.

Having the right gear can make a big difference in your performance and confidence. From carrying the right backpack to choosing the best shoes, racquets, and apparel, every detail matters when you're juggling school, training, and competition. Tennis Express has everything you need to start the season strong, stay organized, and look good doing it.

I. Tennis Backpacks & Bags

When you're balancing school and tennis, a reliable backpack or racquet bag is essential. Look for options that keep your books, gear, and racquets organized and protected, with separate compartments for shoes, laptops, and accessories. Many tennis bags today are designed with student-athletes in mind, combining style, comfort, and functionality for life on and off the court.

• Babolat Pure Drive Backpack

The Pure Drive Gen11 Tennis Backpack holds up to three racquets thanks to its innovative extendable compartment that protects handles with rolled coverage. It also includes a dedicated shoe pocket and insulated main compartment, helping keep your gear fresh and organized between classes and matches. Rugged yet sporty, this backpack is ideal for players who need both volume and versatility

• Clash V3 Tennis Backpack

Inspired by the Clash V3 racquet line, this backpack stores two racquets in a rear sleeve and features a spacious main compartment with a padded laptop sleeve. It also adds a Thermoguard-lined accessory pocket and a separate shoe compartment, making it perfect for students who transition straight from school to the courts. Sleek black and infrared matches the latest Clash aesthetic for a coordinated look

• Adidas Match Racquet Bag

The Adidas Energy Backpack is the simplest carry option of the trio; it holds a single racquet in a lightweight, easy-to-carry design. Though compact, it offers enough storage for essentials like grips, dampeners, and a water bottle, making it a no-fuss solution for players who prefer to travel light. Its minimalist style is ideal for athletes who want convenience without bulk

II. Racquets for Student Athletes

For middle/high school:

• Wilson Ultra 100 v4

The Ultra 100 v4 features a thinner beam and new frame geometry for enhanced power and stability, making it a great choice for middle and high school players looking to level up their game. It maintains the popular 100 sq in head size and 10.6-ounce unstrung weight but adds technologies like FORTYFIVE° lay-up and a Crush Zone grommet system for smoother feel and better sweet spot response

• Head Boom Team

Built from the rising Boom line, the Boom Team racquet offers lightweight maneuverability, spin potential, and all‑court versatility—ideal for developing teenage players. Its Auxetic handle construction and Morph Beam design improve feel and reduce vibration, giving students both comfort and confidence as they progress

For advanced juniors/college:

• Yonex Ezone 98

The Ezone 98 strikes a strong balance of control, comfort, and power for advanced juniors or college athletes. The 8th‑generation frame includes a wider beam at the top to expand the sweet spot, plus MINOLON vibration-dampening technology and internal VDM for a softer feel.

• Babolat Pure Aero

Designed for aggressive baseliners who thrive on spin, the Babolat Pure Aero delivers maximum topspin with its aerodynamic frame and responsive beam. Its popularity among top pros like Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz speaks to its ability to generate heavy spin while remaining stable enough for high-level play.

IV. Tennis Shoes That Hold Up

• Men`s Zoom Vapor Pro 3 Tennis Shoes

 The Nike Zoom Vapor Pro 3 is a top choice for competitive players who value speed and responsiveness. It features Zoom Air cushioning in the forefoot for quick takeoffs and a sleek, low-profile design that keeps you connected to the court. With improved durability in high-wear areas, it is built to handle the demands of serious match play.

• ASICS Gel‑Resolution X

Known for its stability and comfort, the ASICS Gel-Resolution X delivers strong support for baseline grinders and all-court players alike. It features Dynawall and Dynawrap technologies to lock in the foot during lateral movements while maintaining a responsive feel. The GEL cushioning system helps absorb shock for long training sessions or tournament weekends.

• Men`s Defiant Speed 2 Tennis Shoes

Lightweight and breathable, the Adidas Defiant Speed 2 is perfect for players looking for a fast, no-fuss shoe. It offers a secure fit with a low-to-the-ground feel that’s ideal for quick cuts and direction changes. While it’s the simplest of the three shoes listed, it still brings solid grip and comfort for players on a budget or just starting out. 

VI. Must‑Have Accessories

• Tourna Grip XL Overgrip

Tourna Grip XL is a classic choice for players who need a dry, secure feel throughout long matches or hot practice sessions. Its unique absorbent texture improves as you sweat, making it a go-to for junior and competitive players alike. The XL length fits all racquet sizes, including those with longer handles or two-handed backhands.

• Toroline Strings

Toroline offers a wide range of high-performance tennis strings designed for players of all skill levels. What sets them apart is their bold variety of colors and string types, which lets young players personalize their racquets and stand out on the court. From spin-friendly polyesters to softer, more comfortable setups, there's a string in the Toroline lineup for every playing style.

• Hydration bottles & recovery tools

Staying hydrated and recovering properly is just as important as the gear you bring to the court. Durable water bottles, foam rollers, massage balls, and resistance bands are essential accessories for active student-athletes. These tools help players warm up, cool down, and stay in top shape throughout the season.

VII. Junior & Youth‑Specific Gear

• Junior Specific Shoes

Junior tennis shoes are designed to offer the right mix of support, flexibility, and durability for growing athletes. With lightweight materials and proper cushioning, they help young players stay comfortable and confident during long practices and matches.

• Junior Specific Apparel

From moisture-wicking shirts to flexible shorts and skirts, junior tennis apparel keeps kids cool and focused on the court. Look for styles that allow a full range of motion and match team colors or personal style preferences.

Get Em' Ready with Tennis Express!

Start the school year strong with the gear that helps you play your best, on and off the court. Shop now at Tennis Express for the latest in racquets, shoes, apparel, and more; everything student-athletes need this season!

Featured image by Denis Zelenykh on Unsplash