Essential Tips to Prevent Injuries on the Tennis Court

Returning to tennis after a lengthy pause can feel invigorating. The fresh air, the sounds of nature, and a surprisingly good serve make for an uplifting experience. However, soreness often sets in the following day.

Players who have taken a winter break should anticipate some muscle and joint stiffness upon resuming play. Compared to more contact-heavy sports like basketball or soccer, casual tennis generally carries a lower risk of sudden injuries.

Nevertheless, tennis and similar racket sports involve repetitive, high-impact actions, including lunging and swinging, which can place considerable strain on the body over time.

A study analyzing five years of data from 449 amateur tennis players in Austria revealed that acute injuries peaked during the summer, particularly in June. The most frequent injuries were related to falls or twisted joints, with ankle sprains being especially common due to missteps.

The spine and upper limbs are especially vulnerable to chronic overuse injuries, highlighting the physical demands tennis places on these areas.

Below is an outline of prevalent tennis injuries along with practical advice on how to manage and prevent them.

Serving involves hyperextending the back, and every stroke requires significant rotational movement. Such stresses can cause subtle damage. For example, a 2007 British study of competitive adolescent players found that while none reported back pain, MRI scans showed spinal changes in most participants—changes typically seen in much older adults.