Roger Federer looking the part on Wimbledon’s Centre Court with his gold trimmed sport holdall in 2009
(Picture: AFP via Getty Images)One of the first things you might catch whilst watching a tennis match - be it down the local park on a lazy Sunday afternoon or enjoying the crème de la crème battling it out at Wimbledon - is when the players walk on court, they are always equipped with a bag.
Tennis isn’t all about hitting a ball like a true pro and winning everything. It’s a fun, socialable game where functional, stylish attire and equipment is key. The humble bag is central to this, where you can organise all your bits and bobs.
Mark Magrath, Head Coach at Westside Tennis Club in Surrey and former Lead Tennis Coach at All England Club, Wimbledon explains, “I currently use a large racquet bag which has the advantage of doubling as a kit bag as well. They are bulky though and with so many pockets you tend to misplace small items - I definitely need to work out which pocket is for what and stick to it! During summer, I will switch to a small holdall or rucksack”.
We have tried and tested the finest array of tennis bags to find the elite carry-on-court luggage before you hit a flurry of aces and demon groundstrokes with your friends.
Anya Hindmarch Bespoke Walton Tennis Bag
Dimensions: 52 cm x 33 cm x 21 cm
For something different, unique and exclusive, look no further than this luxurious unisex sports holdall from bespoke British designer Anya Hindmarch. The attractive bag will turn heads and hit the mark every time you are ready to play ball. It’s quite simply an exquiste example of a modern classic.
The Walton Tennis Bag has an earthy hue, is made from durable recycled canvas and leather detailing and can hold two rackets in a tailored exterior compartment. The main storage area is very spacious for extra clothes and includes a separate zipped pocket for smaller valuables.
Futher options extend to a handy detachable pouch for tennis balls with an elegant finish.
If you wish to go that little bit further, you can personalise this chic item (at an extra cost) - which makes a perfect signature gift for a loved one.
PERFECT MATCH: FASHION ICON PLAYER
Buy now £1095.00, Anya Hindmarch
Wilson Clash V2 Super Tour Backpack
Dimensions: 12 x 9 x 18.5” / 30.5 x 23 x 47 cm
This striking red and black shaped backpack has an embossed Wilson logo detail and holds up to two rackets in a protected interior compartment. There is a locking zip mechanism too to keep your equipment firmly in place.
You also have two great slip side pockets at your disposal - one is thermoguard foiled lined to keep your drink or snacks cool, the other is great for small possessions (your phone etc).
The main storage area has a padded laptop pocket and separate space for any extra gear. As a a bonus, there is a separate exterior ventilated area worked in to store away any sweaty or dirty shoes/sportswear.
The Clash V2 Super Tour Backpack fabric shell has firm hardback finish and comes with comfortable double padded shoulder straps (there ia also a chest strap to help distribute weight).
Wilson have produced an extremely classy, compact bag here with ample storage options to boot which matches the stand-out Clash racket range. Blade v8 fans will also be pleased to hear it’s available in the new lush green and black colourway.
PERFECT MATCH: RECREATIONAL & CLUB PLAYER
Buy now £80.00, Wilson
Tecnifibre RS Tour Endurance R6
Dimensions: 79 x 33 x 24cm
Tennis players who wish to carry more rackets and belongings can opt for this larger pack from Tecnifibre. It’s a superbly durable option made from tear and waterproof tarpaulin material, which will be a godsend as you’ll be surprised at how much these things can get beaten and bashed about over time.
The RS Tour Endurance 6R can transport up to six rackets in the two roomy interior zipped areas. You also have a neat side slip exterior pocket for keys and valuables.
We especially loved the smart shiny black border gloss finish and appreciated the secure ‘sling over the shoulder’ feeling whilst carry the bag.
For those of you who might be a little more serious about your game, you can happily upgrade to even bigger bag selections in the same range which hold 12 to 15 rackets respectively - as well as providing a host of additional storage solutions.
PERFECT MATCH: PERFORMANCE MATCH & PRO PLAYER
Buy now £60.00, Amazon
HEAD Coco Court Bag
Dimensions: 54 x 34 x 20
Given the seal of approval by sensation Cori ‘Coco’ Gauff, this bag has her signature tennis ball and C logo. You may have spotted it numerous times at the major tournaments that Coco has competed at. It features HEAD’s logo on the face and straps.
The holdall is extremely spacious and can hold up to four rackets. We recommend two as this will leave ample space for a spare change of clothes and whatever else you may need. If you look carefully, there’s separate shoe bag in one of the three interior mesh pockets.
For ease of carrying your equipment to and from your local park or club, you have the choice of one padded strap to sling over your shoulder or using the two shorter looped carry handles
The classy colour combo of matt black mixed in with a vibrant teal trim finish puts this offering on centre court every time and inspires us for an enjoyable social or competitive game.
PERFECT MATCH: STYLE & PERFORMANCE PLAYER
Buy now £90.00, Pro Direct Tennis
Cancha Racquet Bag
Dimensions: 73 x 33 x11cm
Cancha was founded by British professional tennis player Jack Oswald in 2018 with the specific intention of creating a bag that can stand the rigours of worldwide travel on tour. This is all while providing a pratcical and functional solution to the needs of players.
It is one tough, water resistant racket case that is built to last with the ability to clip on/off customised modular bags to store your daily items. A wet/dry bag can also be purchased.
There is one interior area with a padded divider which can fit four rackets (I actually managed to squeeze five in). Weaved into the exterior is a zipped slip pocket for your accessories. Cancha bags have four colour combinations with highlights being the Forest Green and Cardinal Red.
You also can also upsize to a larger size which can transport six rackets. Haven’t got an army of rackets like Andy Murray? Then you can easily substitute space with a change of clothes, balls and a water bottle.
PERFECT MATCH: FUNCTIONAL & ON THE MOVE PLAYER
Buy now £119.00, Cancha
Wilson Women’s Tote Tennis Bag
Dimensions: 52 x 18 x 35.5 cm
Wilson has produced an extremely versaltile, eco-frieldly Tote bag that covers all bases on and off court. It is crafted entirely from recycyled PET and comes in the stylish neutral hues of cream and forest green. However, take a peek inside and the bag is lined with a cool black and grey camouflage finish.
This fashionable over the shoulder bag holds up to two rackets and has an array of impressive interior compartments and pockets to play with. What’s more, on the front facing exterior you will find a zipped pocket plus two very handy expandable storage areas to pop a bottle and tennis balls either side.
No doubt, this would be the perfect choice for a female player who enjoys a leisurely game and wants to look on point at the same time. Other offerings are available in the same line, from a smaller backpack to a larger racket bag.
PERFECT MATCH: ECO-FRIENDLY STYLE-CONSCIOUS PLAYER
Buy now £75.00, Wilson
HEAD Kids Monster & Owl Backpacks
Dimensions: 30 x 36 x 16
These fun, colourful and practical backpacks are perfect for kids and may just be the motivation they need to get some essential excercise and fresh air on the tennis court.
They hold one racket and have space for a few extra layers and a drink. Extra storage is on hand with a zipped exterior which neatly frames the face of a cool green a blue monster or a peachy orange and green owl design.
A comfy double padded shoulder strap system has been tailored in and is especially designed for children. There is a chest buckle also included, so weight is distributed evenly across the body.
HEAD have created a great set of junior backpacks here. I only wish I had one when I was a kid.
PERFECT MATCH: FUN MINI PLAYER
Buy now £25.00, Amazon
Dunlop CX Performance Long Backpack
Dimensions: 73 x 34 x 15 cm
Most rucksacks that you see being used for tennis have the grip of your beloved racket exposed to the elements or precariously falling out when those fiddly zip locking systems annoyingly unfasten themselves.
Dunlop has turned up onto the show court adding total coverage and depth with their CX Performance Long Backpack.
The main compartment completely encases and securly hold two rackets. You can easily throw in a handy towel (rather than your match) together with a can of pristine new balls.
Running along the front facing exterior, there are three separate zipped pockets. The top area is perfect for small valuables. In the middle, is a roomy and perfect storage solution for a change of gear. Finally, the bottom compartment is specifically designed for your tennis shoes. Neatly weaved into the side of the bag, there is space for a drinking bottle.
The whole shebang is a bit like the Tardis, it’s bigger on the inside than it looks (without being too bulky) and able transport you in magical fashion ready to stun your rival when you rock up for a game. The long backpack also serves as a brilliant option for a weekend getaway to give greater bang for your buck.
PERFECT MATCH: MULTI-USE PLAYER
Buy now £59.00, Pro Direct Tennis
Babolat Wimbledon Pure 12 Racket Bag
Dimensions: 75 x 32 x 48cm
So, you want to be and look the all out professional when you step on court? How about this monster combination (73l of capacity no less) from Babolat, who have officially joined forces with Wimbledon for 2022.
From first strike, there are the tasteful and traditional colours of the All England Club together with ‘The Championships Wimbledon’ logo to fully appreciate. This beast of bag comprises of 3 large insulated storage areas, which can transport 12 bats and promises to be a quality high wearing item with optimal durability.
Within the central compartment there is a separated transparent zipped section to store any damp apparel. Two exterior pockets are also on hand. The front facing pocket has a practical hard shell to protect your beloved phone and what not. The reverse side pocket has a shoe bag with a neat clip function worked inside.
Too big? Not convinced? Well, feel free to downsize to the smaller version, but you will still feel like the number one seed on court!
PERFECT MATCH: THE SW19 FAN CLUB
Buy now £115.00, Wimbledon
