Hi {{first name |there}},
A vacation that includes watching great tennis? We’re there! This week, we’ve rounded up the best non-major tennis tournaments in the United States. From trips with women friends to family-friendly jaunts, we hope you find inspiration.
On the fashion front, we’re harnessing back-to-school energy to update our racquet bags and accessories for a winning new season. Speaking of accessories, the genius tinted moisturizer with SPF45 that Tennisette founder Amelia Wilson swears by was the most-clicked link in last week’s issue, closely followed by her favorite new ($37!) tennis dress!
🕵️♀️Finally, here's a tricky trivia question: In the 1870s, the woman credited with helping bring tennis to America almost didn't get the chance — U.S. customs officials seized her equipment when she arrived from Bermuda. Who was she, and what did customs agents think her tennis gear was? 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 newest tennis friend!🎾
Aryna Sabalenka, Indian Wells, 2024
The 6 Best Non-Major U.S. Tennis Tournaments to Visit
The Grand Slams get all the attention, but some of the best tennis-watching in the United States happens at smaller tournaments, where spectators can see players up close—both on practice courts and during matches—and crowds (and prices!) are infinitely more manageable.
From a mini-Wimbledon on grass in Newport, Rhode Island to the best women in the world playing on clay in Charleston, South Carolina, here are the tournaments worth building a trip around, both for exceptional tennis and off-court activities.
We’ve included hotel suggestions for each location but advise checking each tournament’s website for accommodation deals and offers. And if you’re planning to stay for more than a week, or have children with you, we recommend exploring vacation home rentals for additional space and ease.
1. BNP Paribas Open, Indian Wells, California
Late February through mid-March
Nicknamed “Tennis Paradise,” this is the largest combined ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 event outside the four Grand Slams — meaning virtually every top player in the world is there. The Indian Wells Tennis Garden was purpose-built for the fan experience, with three stadium courts that let you move freely between matches, all set against a stunning desert mountain backdrop.
Add to that the upscale on-site food, including Nobu, plus sightseeing in nearby Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park, and Indian Wells is a must-visit for any tennis fan!
Hotels
La Quinta Resort & Club
The birthplace of the BNP Paribas Open itself, founded here in 1977 before the tournament moved to its current venue — and still where many players and teams stay today. From $204/night.Sensei Porcupine Creek
An ultra-luxury wellness retreat owned by Larry Ellison — who also owns the Indian Wells Tennis Garden itself — with tennis courts built as exact replicas of the tournament's own. From $1,300/night.
2. Miami Open, Miami Gardens, Florida
Mid to late March
Miami is another combined ATP and WTA Masters 1000 event, meaning the top tier of the sport is in attendance. Paired with Indian Wells as tennis's “Sunshine Double,” Miami brings its own energy — South Florida heat, a stacked social calendar around the matches, and an electric atmosphere that's distinct from any other stop on tour.
With tournament dates often falling around spring break, and so many food, fun, and cultural activities to take advantage of in and around Miami, this is a great stop for families with children.
Hotels
JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa
The closest highly-rated hotel to the Hard Rock Stadium, with on-site tennis courts. From $241/night.Four Seasons at The Surf Club
Richard Meier-designed towers on a stretch of coastline once favored by Elizabeth Taylor, repeatedly named one of the best hotels in the world. From $1,000/night.
3. Credit One Charleston Open, Charleston, South Carolina
Late March through early April
The Charleston Open is the largest women's-only professional tennis tournament in North America, played on green clay courts — a unique surface you won't see anywhere else.
The tournament has been named WTA Tournament of the Year four years running, largely because of how accessible it makes the players — expect on-site player interviews, a “Girls & Women in Sports Night,” and a level of proximity to the athletes that bigger tournaments simply can't offer.
Given Charleston’s fabulous shopping and restaurants, we recommend this tournament as a fun location for women’s trips: get your best tennis friends together and schedule your dinners and spa appointments in advance!
The Accessories Edit: Back-to-School Season!
That back-to-school, fresh-start feeling is in the air and it’s the perfect time to harness the energy and upgrade your tennis basics to get a head start on a winning new season!
With so many options to choose from, we’ve done the research for you: scouring recommendations, bestsellers, and reviews by tennis pros and stylish players to bring you both best-in-class—and best value—options for racquet bags, socks, grips, towels, and more.
Traditional Racquet Bags
This Wilson 3-racquet bag is a no-nonsense perennial favorite: from $28.99. 4 colors, zippered accessory compartment, adjustable, padded shoulder strap.
The 6-racquet bag serious players swear by: $299.95. Designed to carry everything you need for extended play: with compartments for snacks, toiletries, clothes, and shoes. 2 colors.
The stylish 2026 Roland Garros 6-racquet bag is a great deal: $59 (on sale!). Channel Parisian style in this French-Open-inspired classic!
An understated 9-racquet bag: $99 (on sale). Includes a zippered shoe pocket and adjustable straps.
Backpacks
A pro-favorite 3-racquet style in 100% recycled fabric: $224.95. Separate bottle holder, shoe compartment, and structured bottom to stand upright. Cloud blue.
Great value quilted 2-racquet backpack: From $26.99 (on sale!). Includes a bottle holder, sleeve for a 15.6-inch laptop, and ventilated shoe pocket. Many colors available.
Ultra-stylish quilted Italian leather trimmed 2-racquet bag: $295. Includes silver hardware, interior water bottle pocket, laptop sleeve, phone pocket, and matching detachable pouch! 3 colors.
Preppy Classic Bags
The classic LL Bean go-everywhere bag: $39.95 for size medium. Made in Maine. Many colors. Add a fun monogram for $10!
Canvas scalloped-detail navy and white tote: $162. Includes waterproof liner, multiple pockets, 2-racquet interior zip compartment, plus two water bottle pockets.
Well-priced nylon with striped straps 2-racquet bag: $47.99. Separate shoe compartment, bottle and ball holders, 15.6-inch laptop sleeve. Available in 2 colors.
Towels
Adorable striped tennis towels: Ultra absorbent terry cloth, made in Portugal. From $36. Personalization available from $15. Pale blue or green stripe.
Level up your game with your name on a US Open towel! $40. Available in navy or pink.
Custom tennis towels with your monogram, word, or name: $22. The perfect gift for friends and teammates! Heavyweight 100% cotton. Many color options.
Overgrip
Fun, pink and green patterned overgrip: $18 for 3-pack. For free shipping on orders over $35, click here, or use code: tennisette
Pro-approved tacky overgrip: $8.45 for 3-pack. Multicolored.
Socks
Retro-inspired striped crew socks: $28 for 3. “Find the fun” is printed on the toes!
Technical ankle support, arch-boosting socks: $35. Designed to reduce sprains and improve stability.
Maximum cushion no-show socks: $45.60 for 3. Arch support, moisture-wicking, blister-proof. Many colors.
The padded, no-show socks Tennisette founder Amelia Wilson recommends: $47.97 for 3. White.
Hats
A lightweight, glare-reducing bestselling visor: From $14.40. Sweat-wicking, adjustable fit. Many colors.
Classic baseball-style cap with ponytail holder: $30. 100% cotton. Lightweight. Many colors.
The comfortable, wide-brim visor Tennisette founder Amelia Wilson swears by: $28. Adjustable headband. 3 colors.
SHOP THE STORY (all images are clickable!)
In Case You Missed It…
🕵️♀️TRIVIA ANSWER: Mary Outerbridge. She'd learned the game from British Army officers while visiting Bermuda, and brought a set of rackets and a net back to New York — where customs agents, baffled by the strange stringed equipment, confiscated it, suspecting it might be fishing gear. Her brother, a shipping executive, used his industry connections to get everything released, and Outerbridge went on to set up one of the first tennis courts in the country at the Staten Island Cricket and Baseball Club.
A former pro player writes beautifully about the difference between inner strength and confidence: “Inner strength is not confidence and should never be mistaken for it. Confidence functions like a power booster in a video game, enhancing an already there skill set and bringing it to a next level. Confidence, however, is also fickle. Inner strength doesn’t startle and inner strength doesn’t go away. You either have it or you don’t. To be clear, that doesn’t mean that you have to be born with it. You can acquire inner strength and once it’s there, it’s not as easily lost as confidence.”
😂Favorite tennis one-liners! Who put that net there?!
Iga Świątek, 2025 Cincinnati Open Women's Champion
Tournament Calendar
Here’s the scoop on where the pros play next…
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
17 September to 20 September: Davis Cup Qualifiers, 2nd Round, multiple locations
