Your Game
Stuck looking for a last-minute present? Any item from this collection of great strings, bags, recovery aids and collectibles will bail you out.
ByJon Levey
Published Dec 18, 2023
'Tis the season to give the tennis fan in your life the perfect gift. For the next few weeks, we're pulling together a short list of our favorites, from on-court gear and apparel, to off-court accessories.
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Babolat Pure Aero Rafa 12 Pack
Babolat Pure Aero Rafa 12-Pack
Price: $230
Website: babolat.com
With three main compartments—all with Isothermal Protection from extreme temperatures—capable of holding up to 12 frames and loads of gear, this bag can accommodate the most demanding storage needs. Matching exterior accessory pockets with internal organization on both sides of the bag offer plenty of space for additional items. A large, ventilated shoe tunnel keeps shoes and wet clothes from dirtying up other gear. Padded, adjustable shoulder straps as well as conveniently located grab handles allow for numerous carry options. The bag is made of extra-durable, waterproof fabric and is capable of standing on its own for easy entry. It’s a perfect complement for Pure Aero Rafa users, but would still suit the needs of any discerning player.
Gainful
© Copyright Lindsey Swedick Creative LLC
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Gainful
Price: $26 and up
Website: gainful.com
Gainful turns the one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition on its head. Rather than universal formulas, the company offers customized supplements to suit individual performance and lifestyle goals. Each user takes an online questionnaire to create the optimal combination of ingredients and ratios for their particular needs. The product line includes personalized protein powders, hydration mix and pre-workout drink. Additional performance boosts are available to fine-tune each recipe. Complimentary access to registered dieticians is also available to help users along the way. Buy as needed or set up automatic shipping. All the products are available in a variety of flavors and are free of gluten, soy, fillers, or any artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners. An invaluable diet addition for serious players who are serious about how they fuel their bodies.
Head Hawk Power
Head Hawk Power
Price: $16/set
Website: head.com
Released earlier this year, Hawk Power is a great choice for players seeking a friendlier, more dampened response than what's found in the polyester string category. It delivers deeper ball-pocketing and a larger sweet spot for more pop and comfort. Yet, it still delivers the depth control and last-minute, dipping ball flight that players have come to appreciate from firmer polys. The petrol-colored string is currently available in 17g (1.25 mm), with thicker options in the works. Made in the U.S. to lessen shipping costs and packaged with recycled materials, makes it more eco-friendly as well.
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Hyperice Normatec Go
Hyperice Normatec Go
Price: $349
Website: hyperice.com
The Normatec Go is a fully portable, rechargeable system—no hoses or separate support units—that provides dynamic air compression massage to the calves. There are seven levels of pressure delivered over three overlapping zones; the sensation can best be described as a rolling blood pressure cuff. It is designed to increase circulation in the entire lower half of the body, as well as reduce pain and soreness in the lower legs. They can be operated on the units or via the Hyperice smartphone app. The sleeves can be a little tricky to get a snug fit, but once in place deliver an incredibly soothing post-match rubdown.
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Ted Dimond Art
Price: $450 and up
Website: teddimondart.myshopify.com
Ted Dimond is a lifelong tennis player, whose second passion is art. Working with oil and acrylic, Dimond has painted landscapes of some of the sport’s iconic stadiums and portraits of its signature stars. Using vibrant colors, his works capture the explosiveness and athleticism of the game’s finest practitioners. Any of his pieces—he dabbles in other sports as well—would make a great gift for art and tennis memorabilia collectors.
The Master
The Master: The Long Run and Beautiful Game of Roger Federer by Christopher Clarey
Price: $12/Kindle; $22/paperback
Website: amazon.com
The bestseller by the longtime New York Times sportswriter chronicles the career of one the game’s most beloved and storied champions. Clarey uses his extensive library of Federer interviews, as well as conversations with pivotal coaches, confidants and competitors to mold a definitive biography. When the book was first published, Federer was sidelined due to injury and contemplating his future. In this recently released updated edition, the closing chapters have been revised and include fresh material to address his retirement. A must-have for the legion of Federer fans and any tennis bookshelf.
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Therabody Recovery ThermCube
Therabody RecoveryTherm Cube
Price: $149
Website: therabody.com
Hot and cold therapy have their own merits, and combining the two—contrast therapy—can bolster the restorative effects. Therabody’s new RecoveryTherm Cube puts it all together in a rechargeable, portable device that fits in the palm of your hand. It delivers optimal temperatures and duration of heat, cold or both directly to the skin to provide targeted therapy and relief. The Cube can be handheld or secured into place almost anywhere on the body with one of the two included adjustable straps. Throw it in your tennis bag or take it on the road to make sure instant treatment is always at your fingertips.
Tourna Tuff
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Tourna Tuff
Price: $50/30-pack
Website: uniquesports.us
Socks have always been one of the classic holiday gifts. Well overgrips are sort of like socks for your racquet. They get sweaty easily and require frequent changing. Tourna—the light blue grip that does not slip—has long been one of the standards in the category. Thanks to its unique properties and dry feel, it actually gets tackier when it’s wet. However, it’s not known for its resilience. Tourna Tuff was created to have a similar feel and deliver the same reliable performance as the original, but with greater longevity.
Wilson Lifestyle Racquet Bag
Wilson Lifestyle Racquet Bag
Price: $109
Website: wilson.com
The main compartment on this stylish tote is just long enough to fully enclose a racquet. It has space for several frames, plus dividers to keep additional gear separated and organized. There’s also a dedicated compartment for shoes or dirty clothes, and a smaller, fleece-lined pocket for accessories or valuables. The bag can be transported with an over-the-shoulder trap or grab handles. An indispensable piece for those weekend tennis getaways.
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Yonex PolyTour Rev
Yonex PolyTour Rev
Price: $18.50/set; $257.50/reel
Website: yonex.com
Used by several Yonex touring pros, the PolyTour Rev has an octagonal shape that grabs the ball for extra spin and total control. In addition to those sharp edges, the string is infused throughout with a silicone oil to promote sliding and snapback to further accentuate ball rotation. It has an overall firm feel, but more forgiving than many competing polyester spin strings. It’s sold in three different gauges—16 (1.30 mm), 16L (1.25 mm), 17 (1.20 mm)—and four different colors—green, orange, purple and white. If you like to grip and rip with tons of spin, the Rev will oblige.
