Hi {{first name |there}},
This week we’re sharing 9 practical tips for following one of tennis’ most common directives: “move your feet!” Because that beautiful forehand won’t help if your feet don’t get you to the ball in time…
On the fashion front, we’re serving 8 new and notable finds for a fall wardrobe refresh from Tennisette-reader-favorite brands, from tennis skirts to a cute gift idea to cult-favorite jeans!
In case you missed it, the most popular links in last week’s newsletter were this feminine tennis dress (still on sale!), this elegant, well-priced tennis dress from Quince, plus these handblown Old Fashioned tumblers featuring tennis balls, which would also make great holiday gifts!
🕵️Finally, here’s a fun trivia question to test your pop culture IQ: In which Best Picture–winning film do the two leads meet for the first time on the tennis court? Scroll down to the link list for the answer!
Welcome to the club; we’re so glad you’re here.
Team Tennisette
P.S.: Know someone who'd love Tennisette? Send it to her in one click; we've already written the email for you!🎾
9 Proven Ways to Improve Your Tennis Footwork
Along with “look at the ball,” “move your feet!” is one of the most common—and hardest to follow—instructions in tennis.
Tennis is a sport of short, sudden bursts (in a 2024 study of Australian Open matches, women players changed direction about every three seconds), and your first two or three steps decide whether you arrive early and balanced—or late and lunging. Good movement gives you time to set up, adjust your grip, and choose your shot, rather than swinging off-balance at the last second.
Here are nine tips to help you move better on court:
Start every point in the correct ready position. Keep your feet about shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and your weight on the balls of your feet so you can move in any direction. A tense, flat-footed stance costs you a split second before you move.
Time your split step to your opponent. The split step is the small hop that lands you on the balls of your feet, so you're ready to push off in any direction. The most common mistake is splitting too early, often out of habit or nerves. Landing before your opponent hits leaves you heavy-footed and guessing, because you’ve committed to a direction before you know where the ball is going. The fix is to watch your opponent’s racquet rather than the ball. Start your hop as their racquet swings forward so you’re in the air at contact and land a beat later, already reading the shot's direction.
If you only fix one step, fix your first one. Push toward the ball as soon as you read its direction; don't wait to see where it lands.
Recover after every shot. Footwork doesn't end when you hit the ball. Standing still to admire your shot (or worse, watching it land) leaves you exposed for the next one. Practice building the correct sequence into muscle memory: split, move, hit, recover.
Switch to small steps as you close in on the ball. Big, bounding strides are hard to stop, so you overrun the ball or hit when you’re off-balance. Small steps let you brake in exactly the right spot and drive up through the shot with your legs.
Time for a Fall Refresh!
We scouted Tennisette readers’ favorite brands to bring you what’s new and notable for a fall-appropriate style upgrade, on and off the court!
Tennis skirt with capri-length leggings. Tuckernuck’s new flat-front tennis skirt includes leggings with side ball pockets. Navy or white. $148
Split pleat tennis skirt. Wilson’s new skirt includes undershorts, is wildly flattering, and comes in 2 colors: a lilac check and classic off-white with red-and-blue accents (above). $98
Quarter-zip cable pullover. This preppy, washable grey cotton cable-knit sweatshirt is the perfect layer for chilly mornings on court. $178
Organic cotton fisherman’s sweater. A washable, wear-everywhere, affordable staple in 5 new, seasonal colors. We love it in taupe and brick red (above). $45
Mid-rise barrel-leg jean. Available in 14 colors, this cult-favorite ankle-length jean with a slightly curved leg flatters every body! $250
“Better-Than-Silk” maxi skirt. Skirts are having a moment, and this navy foulard-patterned, washable silk tiered maxi skirt is an easy addition to your fall wardrobe. $148
Tennis racquet needlepoint ornament. A fun stocking stuffer or end-of-year team gift! $28
Striped cashmere crewneck. Every fall closet needs a striped crewneck, like Everlane’s well-priced cabernet/coffee bean version. Sizes from XXS to XXL. $104
Diane Keaton in Annie Hall
In Case You Missed It…
🕵️TRIVIA ANSWER: Annie Hall (1977). Alvy Singer (Woody Allen) and Annie Hall (Diane Keaton) meet at an indoor tennis club in Manhattan, where Alvy’s friend Rob introduces him to his girlfriend Janet, who introduces him to Annie. The foursome play doubles, and afterward Annie awkwardly offers Alvy a ride home in her VW Bug.
American Ann Li defeated number one seed, Aryna Sabalenka, this week in Wuhan
Tournament Calendar
7 October to 18 October: Shanghai Masters, ATP 1000, Shanghai, China
12 October to 18 October: Wuhan Open, WTA 1000, Wuhan, China
19 October to 25 October: Almaty Open, ATP 250, Almaty, Kazakhstan
19 October to 25 October: Grand Prix Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, ATP 250, Lyon, France
19 October to 25 October: BNP Paribas Fortis Open, ATP 250, Brussels, Belgium
19 October to 25 October: Ningbo Open, WTA 500, Ningbo, China
