Hi {{first name |there}},
Before this week's issue: a small favor. Tennisette is still young, and we'd love your help to ensure it’s a must-read that you share with your friends. Too long, too short, not enough strategy tips, style picks too pricey: whatever it is, we want to know so we can improve! Here's an anonymous 2-minute survey. Thank you!
Today, we’re thrilled to present the first interview in a new series, The Pro Files, where we interview Tennisette readers’ favorite coaches. First up is Montana Wilson, of the Poughkeepsie Tennis Club in New York, with genius tips for recreational players, the advice she lives by, and her on-court must-haves. Know a pro who deserves the spotlight? Reply to this email or fill out this short form—we'd love to feature them!
On the fashion front, we’ve rounded up this month’s top 21 bestsellers: the dresses (on court and off!), preppy cotton sweaters, breezy tank tops, and fun accessories that Tennisette readers (who have excellent taste!) loved most this July.
And in case you missed it, this month’s most popular articles were 11 Fascinating Facts About Wimbledon, 9 Proven Ways to Perfect Your Poaching, and How to Improve Your Serve: 9 Simple Tricks.
🕵️♀️ Finally, here's this week's trivia question: The tennis bracelet is now the most-desired bracelet style in the world, with roughly 330,000 web searches a month. But the design is nearly a century old, and wasn't always called a "tennis bracelet." What was it originally called, and what did the name symbolize? Scroll down to the link list for the answer…
Welcome to the club, we’re so glad you’re here!
Team Tennisette
P.S.: volley this email to your most stylish tennis friend!🎾
Montana Wilson, Poughkeepsie Tennis Club, New York
A beloved coach at the storied Poughkeepsie Tennis Club in Dutchess County, New York, Montana has been a teaching professional for over a decade, following a standout collegiate career. She was crowned State University of New York Athletic Conference Singles Champion as a freshman and awarded the prestigious Peter J. Cahill Award in 2012 as the conference's most valuable player.
Tennisette reader, Kristin H. says, “Montana doesn’t just teach volleys—she teaches confidence, commitment, and the courage to trust your instincts. Her lessons have changed my game!”
Here are Montana’s tips for recreational players, the advice she lives by, and her on-court must-haves…
What do you love about the Poughkeepsie Tennis Club? It’s one of the few clubs in America with red clay courts, which are really cool to play on. And I love the people: it’s a private club, but has a homey, friendly, and welcoming feel.
If you could give one piece of advice to improve every club player’s game, what would it be? Recreational players always want to play up, but it’s often very useful to practice against weaker players, so that you learn how to handle “junk” balls, pushers, and lobbers. This takes true mental strength, and it’s good to practice. And—to do better at tournaments and match play, you’ve got to play as many matches as you can. Lessons and clinics aren’t enough. Finally: work on your approach shot: it’s a game-changer in matches.
Favorite tournament to attend/watch as a spectator? I love the US Open: it’s my home tournament, I go every year, and I always root for an American!
What’s your favorite hobby outside of tennis? Not sure if I should admit this, but pickleball is my new obsession! It’s easy to be good at it, and I’ve been playing inside during the winter. As I get older, I’m appreciating the value of resting my body and weightlifting for strength: I proudly just deadlifted 205 pounds! When I’m not on court, I love to read. I just finished Strangers by Belle Burden.
Any fashion recs for our readers? I’m devoted to Nike’s tennis shoes and Underarmor undershorts. I’m loving athletic gear from Wilson and Spiritual Gangster right now: I’m very into my new long-sleeved, ventilated top and cute pleated skirt!
What’s the best tennis advice you received? My longtime mentor, Chad Lookabaugh, gave me this advice, and I’ve never forgotten it: “Whatever you don’t like, they probably don’t like either.” Plus, “Don’t ever hit the ball in the net. Miss it long, they still might hit it, and your opponent has to go pick it up. If you hit it into the net, you’ve got to pick it up.”🤣
🏆If you’d like to submit a pro to be featured in Tennisette, reply to this email or fill out this short form.
July Reader Favorites: 21 Stylish Picks!
What do Tennisette readers really want? Here are this month’s top 21 bestsellers: from the ease of dresses both on and off the court to preppy cotton sweaters, breezy tank tops, and fun accessories that double as great gifts!
ON COURT
Adorable, vintage-inspired white tennis dress with cute green trim and patch pocket: $118 (on sale!).
All-in-one romper with the polish of a tennis dress: $138. High neck, adjustable bungee waist, pleated mesh shorts, and a built-in shelf bra and removable cups. Navy or white.
Flattering, classic tennis dress with a half-zip front, collar, subtle back perforations and pleated skirt: $118. Bra and shorts not included. 4 colors.
The ladylike tennis dress with scoop neck and flattering side pleats that readers keep clicking on: $138. Includes bra and shorts. 4 colors available.
Genius convertible tennis dress for maximum sun protection: $128. With removable long sleeves and sweat-wicking fabric. Bra and shorts not included. 3 colors.
Skirt with full-length leggings: $89. 2 colors. Perfect for chilly mornings—or staying out of the sun!
Breezy ultralight “laser lace” pattern white tennis skirt: $49 (on sale!). With built-in shorts. Some sizes sold out.
Slightly cropped crewneck performance tank: $98. With contrast stripe at the neckline and sleeves. 3 colors. Pair with the matching skirt: $138.
Scalloped performance shorts perfect for tennis and errands: $98. 4 colors. Built-in liner.
Perforated, cropped performance tank: $88. White or black. Stand out on court, or in the gym! Pair with the matching perforated tennis skirt, which comes in 13-inch or 15-inch lengths.
Elegant racket cover (can be monogrammed): $99 (on sale!) Also comes in ivory.
OFF COURT
Stunning stars-patterned blue-and-white maxi dress: $360. Stand out at every summer event in this stunning dress with an embroidered starfish bodice and playful open back.
The easiest, breeziest, everyday mini swing dress in organic cotton gauze: $59.90. 5 colors plus a stripe! Sizes up to XL.
A summery blue striped cotton, boatneck, midi dress: $168.
Vacation-ready, patterned long-sleeve dress: $248. Flowy and feminine, and a wow every time!
Cotton denim mini dress perfect for running errands: $190. With a loose fit, stand color, and patch pockets, she’s perfect for running errands. Also comes in a fun zebra print!
Striped, red knit midi dress: $174. Flattering vertical stripes and a flowy skirt, in an uncrushable knit.
Blue checked short-sleeved, collared mini shirt dress: $268. Adorable ric-rac trim and pockets!
Hot pink and green striped cotton rollneck sweater: $168. Sizes up to XXL. A happy twist on a preppy classic!
French Open-inspired, clay-court-embroidered linen, hemstitched cocktail napkins: $80 for a set of 4.
The “Weekends Playing Tennis” scented candle is the perfect gift: $48. With coconut water and bergamot.
SHOP THE STORY (every image is clickable!)
Vintage-inspired tennis dress: $118
Weekends Playing Tennis scented candle: $48
Cotton denim mini dress: $190
Stars-patterned maxi dress: $360
Pink and green striped cotton sweater: $168
Convertible tennis dress: $128
Scalloped performance shorts: $98
Striped boatneck midi dress: $168
Linen cocktail napkins: $80 for 4
Dreamy art by @hollylowenstudio
In Case You Missed It…
🕵️♀️TRIVIA ANSWER: The tennis bracelet was originally known as an eternity bracelet. Long before Chris Evert's famous 1978 mid-match mishap gave it a sportier name, this continuous line of matched diamonds dates back to the Art Deco era of the 1920s, where it symbolized unending love — a bracelet with no beginning and no end.
Planning on attending the US Open this year? Read this exhaustive guide first: A Serious Tennis Fan’s Complete Guide to the 2026 US Open: Tickets, Tips & More.
Have you seen The Dink? It’s a new tennis vs. pickleball comedy movie on Apple TV, and is a fun, silly watch with a truly hilarious cameo by John McEnroe at the very end.
Alex Eala, Mubadala Open, Washington DC
Tournament Calendar
Are you watching the action at the Mubadala Open in Washington, DC? 21-year-old Filipina Alexandra Eala, who defeated Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon, is again on a tear: she upset defending champ Leylah Fernandez in straight sets and will face Elina Svitolina (who she also defeated at Wimbledon!) in the quarterfinals today.
Here’s the scoop on where the pros play next…
27 July to 2 August: Mubadala DC Open, ATP 500, Washington DC, United States
27 July to 1 August: Mifel Tennis Open, APT 250, Los Cabos, Mexico
2 August to 13 August: National Bank Open, ATP 1000, Montreal, Canada
13 August to 23 August: Cincinnati Open, ATP 1000, United States
23 August to 29 August: Winston-Salem Open, ATP 250, United States
30 August to 13 September: US Open, Grand Slam, New York, United States
