Hi {{first name |there}},
The US Open has commenced, with a splashy, star-studded mixed doubles tournament, and heartfelt tribute to Roger Federer. In other news, Carlos Alcaraz is favored to win the men’s singles but has already won the unofficial title of heartthrob, with his “perfect” hair!
This week, we’re thrilled to present the second interview in our Pro Files series, where we interview Tennisette readers’ favorite coaches. You’ll meet Doug Lewis, beloved head pro at the Quogue Field Club, who has some truly indispensable advice on doubles and the mental game. 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 August’s top 15 bestsellers: the dresses (on court and off), tennis essentials, and other fun finds that Tennisette readers (who have excellent taste!) loved most.
And in case you missed it, this month’s most popular articles were:
🕵️♀️Finally, here's a US-Open-themed trivia question: During its history, the US Open has been played on 3 surfaces: grass, clay, and hard. Only one person has ever won on all three. Who was it? Scroll down to the link list for the answer!
Welcome to the club, we’re so glad you’re here!
Team Tennisette
P.S.: serve this email to your tennis team!🎾
Doug Lewis, Quogue Field Club, New York
Doug is the Director of Racquets at the Quogue Field Club, established in 1887 by the seaside on New York’s Long Island. He’s held that role for 32 years, and has coached multiple Division I athletes, national champions, and Ivy League players, earning him the honor of USPTA Middle States Professional of the Year.
Tennisette reader, Willy A, says, “Doug Lewis is more than a tennis pro. He has loved tennis his whole life and inspires that excitement in tennis players young and…not so young! His motto is “swing freely.” As an amateur it’s very easy to let tension enter the court, but that mindset helps physically and is a reminder to play for the love and fun of the game.”
Here are Doug’s tips on playing better doubles and acing the mental game, plus his favorite books on tennis…
What's special about the Quogue Field Club?
It’s got a great family feeling and I love that tennis is the main thing here even though we have a golf course, too. We have 14 courts and our members are passionate: we probably have more tennis tournaments and events during the height of our summer season, which is only about 6 weeks, than anywhere else!
What are your top tips for doubles players?
Connect with your partner after every single point. Whether it’s eye contact, a high five, a quick word or a racquet touch. It’s easy to do when you’re winning but harder and more important to do when you’re losing. When partners don’t talk, they start thinking the other is mad at them and get into their heads.
Practice your serve and return to own the opening exchange of a point. Most points in doubles are over in 4 shots, and one thing I see a lot in club matches is that the serve goes in, but the return is missed. Most club players aren’t great servers, so if you can improve your serve and hit a good return, you’re setting yourself up for success.
Hunt down the middle. Everyone worries about the alley, but it’s only 4.5 feet wide! 80% of the balls in doubles go down the middle of the court. People worry about that 20% too much.
Practice your volleys. If you can take high balls out of the air and put your forehand volleys away, you will win games.
How can players improve their mindset?
The mental game is key: in club tennis the ball is only in play approximately 10 minutes of every hour, so you have 50 minutes per hour to lose your mind!
Touch the fence. When people are losing, they speed up. I like to remind my players, “Win fast, lose slow.” I like a Brad Gilbert trick to slow things down between points: after each point, walk to the fence or net and touch it to reset.
Win “weird.” If you’re losing a match but not actually playing that badly, ask yourself: What can I do to make them play worse? Can I throw in some lobs and moonballs or take the pace off? I call it “Winning Weird.” You don’t have to play the whole match that way, but it can be a good way to change momentum in your favor.
We’re going to Wholefoods! I like to remind my club players, “We’re not going to Wimbledon, we’re going to Wholefoods!” People can get too worked up about little things during matches like bad line calls and silly errors—and then hold on to them. You must be able to flush these negative thoughts and move on. You can’t let yourself get involved in drama, especially when it spills over off the court. It’s important to keep firm boundaries and not get sucked into others’ emotions.
Are there any tennis books you recommend?
August Reader Favorites: 15 Stylish Picks!
What do Tennisette readers really want? Here are this month’s top 15 bestsellers: the tennis dresses, racquet bags and accessories you snapped up in droves, plus your off-court favorites, including an adorable set of clay court napkins for the chic hostess!
ON COURT
Adorable, vintage-inspired white tennis dress with cute green trim and patch pocket: $118 (on sale!). Sizes from XXS to XXXL. Bra and undershorts not included.
Genius anti-aging tinted moisturizer/sunscreen with SPF45 that matches your skin tone, so you don’t need a different color when the seasons change! $89.
Classic collared tennis dress: $118. Half-zip front, back perforations and a flattering pleated skirt. 4 colors. Bra and undershorts sold separately.
Quilted 2-racquet backpack: from $26.98 (on sale!). Includes a bottle holder, sleeve for a 15.6-inch laptop, and ventilated shoe pocket. Many colors available.
Tennisette founder Amelia Wilson’s favorite scalloped-detail dress: $39.99. Available in many fun colors and includes a built-in bra.
Crewneck, racerback tennis dress: From $55.97. Sizes up to XXL. Bra and shorts not included. 3 colors.
Maximum cushion no-show socks: $45.60 for 3. Arch support, moisture-wicking, blister-proof. Many colors.
Scalloped performance shorts perfect for tennis plus errands: $98. 4 colors. Built-in liner. Sizes from XXS to XXXL.
Wide-band, adjustable visor: $28. Available in 3 colors.
OFF COURT
Floral patterned linen matching set with scalloped hem detail that feels just right for late summer into fall. Midi skirt: $210. Matching sleeveless top: $130.
French Open-inspired, clay-court-embroidered linen, hemstitched cocktail napkins: $80 for a set of 4.
Cotton denim mini dress perfect for busy fall days: $190. With a loose fit, stand color, and patch pockets, she’s perfect for running errands. Also comes in a fun zebra print!
Hot pink and green striped cotton rollneck sweater: $168. Sizes up to XXL. A happy twist on a preppy classic.
Linen A-line knee-length shift dress: $54. With pockets! 5 plain colors and 3 classic prints, including gingham and stripe. Sizes up to XL. Perfect for throwing on after a tennis match.
Red gingham, seersucker dress with smocked bodice and halter neck: $53.40. (on sale!) A great choice for end of summer parties!
In Case You Missed It…
🍂Dreaming of a fall foliage trip that happens to include tennis?! Racks & Raquets is hosting a tennis and mahjong retreat at the stunning Inness resort in the Hudson Valley from October 18–20. Sign up for game play, yoga and wellness, and farm-fresh meals! Lucky Tennisette readers receive $100 off the $1,650 experience fee with code TENNISSETTE100 or via this link!
If you’re interested in attending Wimbledon next year, the Public Ballot opens soon. Sign up here for more information about entering the draw to receive tickets.
🕵️♀️TRIVIA ANSWER: Jimmy Connors! In 1974, he defeated Ken Rosewall on grass, and in 1976, he defeated Bjorn Borg on clay. He then won 3 times on hard court: in 1978, he defeated Bjorn Borg (again); in 1982 he defeated Ivan Lendl, then beat Lendl again in 1983 to win his 5th and final US Open championship.
Aryna Sabalenka, 2025 US Open Women’s Singles Champion
Tournament Calendar
It’s here: the US Open is underway, with the all-Czech duo of Karolina Muchova and Jakub Mensik winning the first trophy of the event for mixed doubles. Qualifying ends on Saturday, and the main draw begins this Sunday!
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
23 September to 29 September: Chengdu Open, ATP 250, Chengdu, China
23 September to 29 September: Hangzhou Open, ATP 250, Hangzhou, China
25 September to 27 September: Laver Cup, London, United Kingdom
30 September to 6 October: China Open, ATP 500, Beijing, China
