There’s no denying it – country club fees, new racquets, top-of-the-line strings and shoes, and more all can make tennis a pretty expensive hobby. Fortunately, Tennis Express is here to help! With such a wide range of apparel, shoes, and racquets, and all the best brands, we have something for everyone – and every budget. To get geared up for performance while pinching pennies, check out our top choices for Ballin' on a Budget. And if you’re looking for a free place to play, check out my previous blog on the best public courts in Houston!

The first step in playing tennis? The racquet, of course! Tennis Express has plenty of choices for every player, at a wide range of prices. Plus, our Demo Racquets and Pre Owned Racquets are a great alternative to new sticks if you don’t mind minimal wear and tear. But if you’re looking for a new racquet, the Prince EO3 Hornet 110 is a great beginner racquet that offers power with a big sweet spot. The Hornet is Prince’s economical all-around racquet, and the lightweight but surprisingly stable frame comes in at only $99.00 – and if you love the Hornet, why not buy two to bring the price down 10 buckaroos?

Another great racquet at a low, low price is the Wilson Envy 100. Good for juniors in transition or club players who want a lightweight racquet that still gives great control and power, the Envy is only $129 at full price. But it gets even better – right now, the Envy 100 is on sale for just $99!

And, for the player looking for spin and power, the Volkl Team Speed is a great budget option. At only $109.99 on sale, the Team Speed is a tournament-level racquet at a club-level price. Plus, the eye-catching neon green and orange color choices will add a little flair to your game.

Okay, so you’ve got your racquet – now what about the string? Some lower cost racquets actually come prestrung, like the Wilson Tour BLX ($99) and the Babolat E-Sense Comp ($99), but for the frames that don’t, look to synthetic gut string for a good club-quality string that won’t run you too high. Wilson’s synthetic gut products are a great choice, and Technifibre, famous for their string technology, also has a great selection - all on great sale right now! For more information on choosing a string, see our Buyer's Guide. 

So your gear is ready – but you’ve got to find something to wear! Look to brands that are a little less known, like Reebok and K-Swiss to find great deals on high-performance apparel. For women, the Outaced Tennis Dress ($55) is cute and comfy; pair it with the Fancy Pants Women’s Single Ballpocket ($19.99) for ball storage, comfort, and coverage. Under Armour Sonic Tank ($24.99) for its breathability and sweat wicking. Reebok also makes a great skirt called the Playdry Victory ($30) – two crucial aspects of any tennis match! 

For the men, Reebok’s Short Sleeve Tennis Polo ($35) is lightweight and classic – paired with the K-Swiss Accomplish Knit Short ($35), it’s an easy, comfortable combination. The adidas Tennis Sequencials Galaxy Short ($30)is another great option, as it comes with ClimaLite technology. Match it with any of the Under Armour Heat Gear Flyweight Sleeveless Tennis Tops ($29.99) for a warm weather duo that won’t leave you disappointed.

So there you have it: plenty of options in every department, helping you play your best, and most affordable, tennis ever! And don’t forget, at Tennis Express we have a huge online clearance center to choose from, keeping you even more in the black, and our specials change all the time, bringing you great new deals and discounts. So get out there – there’s not better stress reliever than a good, hard rally!

Not on a tight budget? Check out some of our more expensive items to give as gifts to a friend or to yourself!