Hi {{first name |there}},
If you’re anything like us, you’re sad the US Open excitement is over while thrilled fall is nearly here, with its promise of crisp, sunny days perfect for outdoor tennis. One tiny way to bring that electric NYC energy to your own games this season: grab a pair of the adorable, ruffled socks Coco Gauff wore throughout the tournament!
In this week’s issue, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Anna Tatishvili, a former Olympian and World No. 50, who shares the one thing every club player should practice, how to handle pushers and lobbers, and what makes tennis more fun!
On the fashion front, we’ve rounded up the very best lightweight jackets, sweaters, skirts with built-in leggings, sweatpants, water-resistant pieces, and more to help you stay winning and warm this fall.
And, in case you missed it, the most popular links in last week’s issue were the Wilson and Amazon backpacks Damla of Racquet Therapy swears by, as well as the pleated skirt, sports bras, and underwear she loves!
🕵️♀️Finally, here’s this week’s trivia question: Who was the first woman tennis player to win $1 million in prize money in one season? Scroll down to the link list for the answer…
Welcome to the club; we’re so glad you’re here.
Team Tennisette
P.S.: If you enjoy Tennisette, here’s a super-easy way to share it with friends!🎾
Anna Tatishvili
Anna Tatishvili, The River Club, New York City
Anna is the Director of Tennis at The River Club of New York, a historic, family-focused athletic and social club in the heart of Manhattan. Before that, Anna had a successful 15-year career on the WTA Tour.
After turning pro at just 15, Anna competed in every Grand Slam and won 20 professional titles, reaching World No. 50 in singles, World No. 59 in doubles, and representing her native country of Georgia at the 2012 London Olympics.
The members at The River Club adore and admire Anna, including Tennisette readers Chrissy F. and Jane O., who said:
“Anna is a dynamo. Having played on the tour herself, she brings unique insight, and her enthusiasm and fun energy are contagious. She inspires EVERY level of player to keep improving (no matter our age!).”
Here’s Anna on the secret to making tennis easier and more fun, and her number one tip for recreational players…
What’s special about The River Club?
There’s a huge amount of tennis history at the club: we have members who won Wimbledon and who established tournaments, and you can feel it: they really love tennis! The atmosphere is kind and friendly, which makes my work feel fun.
What are your best tips for recreational players?
Fundamentals are key. The better your technique, the better you will play. This is the one thing I would tell everyone to focus on. Many club players just want to play points or games. But to improve, you need to focus on technique. This is often why things go wrong. Take a lesson and ask your pro where you can improve; the bonus is that the cleaner and simpler your technique, the easier and more fun the game becomes.
Consistency, consistency, consistency. Everyone should practice consistency to cut down unforced errors. The worst mistake in tennis is hitting balls into the net: drill yourself in practice so that you don’t do this.
Say yes to everything. To improve, you must do it all: lessons, clinics, and matches. Enter all the tournaments, too. Get as much practice under pressure as you can: meet your own fears.
Play with every type of player. A lot of people only want to play with better players, but that’s not the right mindset: everyone plays their best against better players! You should be able to play with players at every single level: in matches, you will often get a ball you don’t like from the type of player you don’t like. Practice with players of all levels so you can learn to adjust and manage every situation.
It’s never too late to improve! At the club level, people often think they can no longer improve, but that’s not true! However, you do have to step outside of your comfort zone—and maybe be prepared to get worse initially—before you get better.
How should players deal with pushers and lobbers?
Don’t lose patience when you’re playing a pusher. Focus on building a point: their ball won’t have pace, so you will have to generate it. It’s easy to slow down, but you actually need to double your movement while you’re waiting for slow balls.
Use angles: a lot of the time, pushers want to stay at the baseline. Use angles to move them around and bring them into the net where they’re uncomfortable. Stay patient, accelerate on the right shots, and don’t get frustrated.
Take it out of the air. When you’re playing lobbers, it’s very effective to take their balls out of the air; this takes time away from them and puts you back in control. To prepare, practice hitting swinging volleys and overheads.
What’s the best piece of tennis advice you’ve ever received?
The Fall Layering Guide: 17 Cozy Picks
There’s a chill in the air, and your tennis sessions are no longer quite so sweaty! Fall officially arrives next week, and its crisp mornings, sunny days, and cool evenings mean one thing: it's layering season.
Here are 17 pieces to help you stay warm for everything the season brings, from tennis games to apple picking. We’ve found the very best lightweight jackets, sweaters, skirts with built-in leggings, sweatpants, water-resistant pieces, and more…
ON COURT
Ultra-stretch, full-zip hoodie with UV protection: $39.90. Smooth fabric designed for layering; the hood features a built-in “visor.” Available in 4 colors.
Sweat-wicking long-sleeve performance top: $88. 6 colors. Four-way stretch in an odor-reduction fabric.
Flattering pleated tennis skirt with built-in tights: $128. A Tennisette-reader-favorite skirt with leggings attached. 4 classic colors. Pair it with a matching cropped lightweight popover: $128. Available in 9 colors.
Here’s another “skegging” with no pleats: $89. Available in white or black. UV protection plus warmth!
Lightweight seersucker half-zip jacket in “sand”: $215. Wear it over a sweater on particularly chilly mornings or evenings!
Relaxed-fit cotton sweatshirt: $128. Crewneck, all cotton, 6 colors. Sizes from XXS to XXXL.
Water-resistant full-zip lightweight jacket: $119.99. With snappy white piping detail. Available in navy or basil.
Relaxed-fit cotton V-neck sweater: $148. Washable, available in 3 colors. Sizes XXS to XXXL.
Lightweight performance jogger: $110. Slim fit, side pockets, ultra-soft fabric, slightly cropped leg. 8 colors. Sizes from XXS to XXL.
OFF COURT
Adorable custom tennis cashmere sweater: $175-$215. Custom embroidered words or initials plus a tennis ball! 7 sweater colors to choose from, 35 thread colors.
Rugby-stripe cotton mini dress: $102 (on sale!). A preppy classic inspired by team jerseys in thick cotton. Available in 2 striped colorways.
Cozy camel wool heirloom squirrel cardigan: $168. Whipstitch detail, front pockets. Pre-order: available October 15.
Quilted tennis-ball heritage jacket: $275. A great layering piece with a classic preppy vibe! Patch pockets and a relaxed fit in a very fall-appropriate brown.
The waxed barn jacket: $325. A fall must-have! Water-repellent, waxed cotton, fully lined, with a corduroy collar. Available in 5 fun colors.
Crisp mornings and evenings call for a sharp, tailored wool blazer: $328. Herringbone pattern with suede details, relaxed fit, front patch pockets in 2 colors.
An elevated track pant with sporty side stripe: $128. Slouchy and comfortable: perfect for pulling on after a tennis game or watching the kids’ soccer from the sidelines! Elastic waist, side pockets. 2 colors.
Low-rise corduroy pants: $138 (plus 25% off everything in Madewell’s Insider Event!). Relaxed straight leg, 100% cotton, available in 3 lengths and 2 colors.
In Case You Missed It…
🍂Dreaming of a fall escape that happens to include tennis?! Racks & Raquets is bringing its signature mix of play and polished leisure to INNESS in the Hudson Valley, from October 18–20. This escape combines American Mahjong with tennis, wellness, beautiful meals, and plenty of room to slow down. There are only a few spots left, and lucky Tennisette readers get $100 off with code TENNISETTE
How to Look Put Together in Athleisure. Solving a problem many tennis players have: how to go from court to the rest of life when time is short…
🕵️♀️TRIVIA ANSWER: In 1982, Martina Navratilova became the first woman to earn over $1 million in prize money in a single season. By 1984, she'd broken $2 million in one season — more than John McEnroe, the top-earning man in tennis that year. When she retired in 2006, Navratilova had amassed over $21 million in prize money.
Elena Rybakina, 2026 US Open Champion
Tournament Calendar
17 September to 20 September: Davis Cup Qualifiers, 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
