Ever heard that tennis is only for the rich? Let’s unpack that.
I’ve been around this sport my entire life, as a player and as a coach. Tennis can look expensive from the outside.
We’ve all seen the flashy country clubs, the crisp white outfits, and the glossy photos of Wimbledon stars. It’s no wonder tennis has a reputation as a “posh” sport.
But tennis doesn’t have to be expensive.
Sure, like any hobby, you can pour money into it if you want to. But if you know where to look and how to plan, you can absolutely enjoy tennis on a budget without sacrificing progress or fun.
That’s been my mission from day one. To smash down the elitist walls around tennis and make it easier, more affordable, and way more fun for everyone to play.
In this article, I’m going to give you the full playbook. You’ll get a clear breakdown of what tennis really costs, from equipment and court fees to coaching, and I’ll share some proven strategies to keep your expenses in check.
Most importantly, I’ll show you exactly how PlayYourCourt helps players of all levels save money, improve faster, and love the game without the snob factor.
Let’s get into it.
Why Tennis Has a Reputation for Being Expensive
Let’s be real, tennis has a bit of a history problem.
The sport was born in aristocratic circles, where kings and queens knocked balls around manicured lawns.
That legacy stuck, and for a long time, tennis was the playground of the elite: think velvet blazers, country clubs, and strict dress codes.
The image was clear – this was not a sport for everyone.
Fast forward to today, and while the game has opened up in huge ways, a lot of that old-school reputation lingers. Media and pop culture don’t help much either.
Look at Wimbledon, for example: the champagne, the strawberries and cream, the all-white attire, it’s tradition, yes, but it also screams luxury.
Movies and TV shows love to paint tennis as a backdrop for the rich and fabulous, reinforcing the idea that tennis is a sport for them, not for us.
And while we’ve made big strides toward inclusivity, I still hear stories all the time from players who feel like outsiders stepping onto a court for the first time.
There’s a real stigma in some places, people worry they’ll be judged for their skill level, their gear, or even just not “looking the part.”
The good news? That’s changing. Fast. And PlayYourCourt is leading the charge to make tennis truly for everyone.
What Does It Actually Cost to Play Tennis? A Full Breakdown
If you’re just stepping into tennis, gear is the first thing on your mind. Here’s the good news: you don’t need to sell your car to get started.
Equipment: How Much Should You Budget?
Racquets
Beginner racquets are available for around $20–$40, and honestly, that’s a solid starting point.
High-performance racquets used by advanced players and pros can hit $200+, but unless you’re chasing Wimbledon dreams tomorrow, you don’t need to go there – yet.
Balls
Plan to spend about $5 per can (usually 3 balls). These will last you a few sessions, but if you’re playing regularly, this becomes a recurring cost.
Shoes & Clothing
You can hit the court in your running shoes, but you really shouldn’t.
Tennis involves tons of lateral movement, and proper tennis shoes (budget around $60–$80) are key to protecting your ankles and enhancing performance.
Clothing-wise, any athletic wear works – no need for fancy gear unless you want it.
Bags & Extras
Not essential, but handy. A simple racquet bag might run you $30–$50, and extras like grips or vibration dampeners are cheap, usually $5–$10.
✅ Pro Tip: Don’t fall into the trap of thinking expensive = better. Mid-range gear is often the smartest choice for new players – it’s durable, comfortable, and way easier on your wallet.
Court Fees: Free to Premium Options
Once you’ve got your gear, the next thing is finding a place to play. Here’s the breakdown:
Public Courts
Most cities offer public courts that are either free or charge a small fee, typically $5 to $15 per hour. It’s a great way to play regularly without committing to a club.
Private Clubs
These are where costs can balloon. Expect $200–$500+ per year for a membership, plus additional court fees and dues in many cases. Great facilities, but definitely not the only option.
Wondering how to find budget-friendly courts near you?
Here’s where PlayYourCourt steps in with a Court Finder tool that makes it super easy to locate affordable, convenient courts in your area – no digging around required ✅.
Coaching: How to Get Better Without Breaking the Bank
Want to improve fast? Lessons are gold, but how do you keep the cost reasonable?
Group Lessons
Fantastic for budget-conscious players. Expect to pay around $10–$20 per session.
Plus, it’s social, you’ll meet other players at your level.
Private Coaching
One-on-one coaching is the fastest route to improvement, but it’s pricier, typically $70+ per hour depending on your location and the coach’s experience.
DIY Options
There’s a sea of free content out there (hello, YouTube), and while it’s helpful, there’s no substitute for tailored instruction. The risk with DIY? Reinforcing bad habits without realizing it.
Can I share a lesson with a friend to cut costs? Absolutely and it’s a great idea.
Many coaches, including ours, encourage semi-private lessons, so you can split the cost and still get personalized feedback.
👉 Unique Advantage: PlayYourCourt’s model eliminates expensive club fees entirely by sending certified coaches directly to local courts near you.
Where Tennis Costs Add Up (and How to Avoid Them)
Here’s the honest truth: while tennis can be super affordable to start, the costs can sneak up on you, especially if you catch the competitive bug (and believe me, many do!).
Tournament Travel & Fees
If you decide to step into the tournament scene, you’re looking at entry fees that usually start around $30–$100 per event.
That doesn’t sound bad until you add in travel, hotel stays, and meals, especially if you’re playing regional or national events.
For serious junior players or adults chasing rankings, these costs can stack up fast.
Hidden Costs
Even for recreational players, there are some recurring costs to keep in mind:
- Strings: Depending on how often you play, you might need to restring your racquet a few times a year. That’s about $20–$40 per restring.
- Grips: These wear out faster than you think, budget about $5 per grip, and plan on changing them regularly for top performance.
- Gear Maintenance: Things like shoes (which wear out with court time) and ball purchases add up over time too.
5 Smart Ways to Save Money While Improving Your Game
Whether you’re brand new to tennis or leveling up your skills, saving a few bucks here and there adds up fast.
Here are my top insider tips for stretching your tennis budget without sacrificing progress:
Buy Used or Demo Racquets
You don’t need to shell out $200+ for a brand-new racquet. Look for demo racquets or gently used options, they perform just as well and often cost half as much.
Join Community Leagues
Leagues are a fantastic way to get regular play for a low, set cost. Bonus: they keep you motivated and help you meet other players who are just as eager to improve.
Use PlayYourCourt’s Video Tips Library Instead of Pricey Lessons
We get it, private lessons can add up fast. That’s why we created a library of quick-win videos that target the most common pain points (think serve consistency, topspin, footwork) so you can get expert advice anytime without the big price tag.
Split Lessons or Attend Group Clinics.
Want that personal feedback without paying full price? Share a lesson with a friend or join a group clinic. Same great coaching, smaller dent in your wallet.
Take Advantage of PlayYourCourt’s Free Trials and Discounts
Not sure if we’re the right fit yet? Jump into a 7-day free trial to explore everything we offer – risk-free. And keep an eye out for seasonal promos and discounts on memberships and coaching packages.
Tennis doesn’t have to be a money pit—you just need the right strategy.
How PlayYourCourt Makes Tennis Affordable (and Fun!)
This is where things really get exciting.
PlayYourCourt made it’s mission to break down every barrier that’s kept people from picking up a racquet, especially the financial ones.
Full-Service Game Improvement
We’re not just about finding you a partner (although yep, we do that too). We offer everything you need to improve your game:
- Private and group coaching
- Skill-building video libraries
- Interactive workshops and live challenges
- Leagues, tournaments, and player matching for practice
Community-Driven
Here’s the vibe check: no stuffy clubs, no side-eye if you’re new, and absolutely no elitist nonsense.
Whether you’ve got a yacht or a bike, you belong on the court.
We’ve built a community that’s welcoming, fun, and passionate about growing the game for everyone.
Budget-Friendly
We designed PlayYourCourt to give you max value at a fraction of the usual cost.
For less than the price of your weekly latte, you can access coaching, exclusive discounts on gear, challenges, tournaments, and so much more.
✅ Quick Stat: Our members consistently tell us they save more on lessons and gear each year than the actual cost of their membership. That’s real savings that add up, fast.
Bottom line? We’re here to make tennis more affordable, more social, and way more fun – no matter where you’re starting from.
Ready to Play More Tennis for Less?
By now, you’ve seen the truth: tennis can be pricey, but only if you stick with the old, outdated model of expensive clubs, stiff memberships, and all the extras no one really needs.
PlayYourCourt is flipping that script.
We’ve built a game-improvement powerhouse that gives you everything, coaching, leagues, partner matching, video libraries, live challenges, and gear discounts, all for less than the price of your weekly coffee run.
And unlike the traditional club model, you’re in control: play on your favorite local courts, at your convenience, with coaching and resources tailored to your goals.
Here’s what you get when you join:
- Top-rated local coaches delivered straight to your neighborhood courts.
- Game-changing video lessons and challenges that guarantee faster improvement.
- Partner matching and leagues – play as much as you want, whenever you want.
- VIP deals and gear discounts that often save you more than your membership fee.
And let’s not forget: you’re joining a community that’s fun, inclusive, and totally anti-elitist.
No yachts required, just a love of the game and a desire to improve.
👉 Explore our membership and start your 7-day free trial today.
Affordable, inclusive, fun – this is tennis, reimagined.
