As summer peeps over the hill, we’re ready to get out on the court. But no longer is tennis the only racket sport vying for our attention: pickleball, padel, and even table tennis (thank you, Marty Supreme) are gaining traction around the world.
And with the accompanying rise of athleisure, looking good on court has never been as important. Luxury brands are stepping up and offering racket sport accessories that aren’t just practical, but are statement-making pieces, too.
(An important side note before you get out your racket: no matter how you pronounce ‘padel,’ someone will say it’s wrong. Native Spanish speakers, where the sport originated, will gravely tell you to emphasise the ‘a,’ to call it ‘pah-del,’ but some US and Brit purists will solemnly say ‘paddle.’ Essentially: you do you.)
The best racket sport accessories
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Striped tennis tote, Tory Burch
Tory Burch’s tennis tote puts versatility first, with a fully removable two-racket pouch. The coated canvas bag has an adjustable shoulder strap, as well as a top handle for added flexibility. The main pouch has a zip closure as well as an extra pocket, keeping your belongings safe on active outings.
Price
$398
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Leather and mesh tennis racket bag, Brunello Cucinelli
Offering Brunello’s signature sense of understated luxe, the leather racket bag is a subtle elevation of the standard sports gear. Made in Italy, the piece features super-soft cream leather and breathable mesh, with an adjustable strap. As well as the main racket compartment, there’s an additional pocket for valuables. We’d forgive you for adopting it as your every-day bag.
Price
$3,300
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Sport holdall, Bennett Winch
Attempting to tackle the gym bag vs brief case vs racket holder conundrum, Bennett Winch launches the Sport Holdall: an all-encompassing piece of kit that covers the commute, the work out, and the weekend match with deft ease. The handmade piece has a dedicated racket section, a waterproof pouch for used gym kit, and a protective laptop or tablet sleeve. A subtle design, in either olive green, khaki, or black, makes it as fitting for the office as it is for the court. Problems? Answered.
Price
$1,950
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Pickleball paddle cover, Smythson
Be it for serious tournaments or friendly matches in the backyard, Smythson’s pickleball paddle cover adds a touch of class. Constructed from cross grain Panama lambs’ leather the cover wraps around any standard-size paddle, and comes complete with a gilt-edged scorebook. There is a black colorway, but go for the Nile blue.
Price
$715
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Padel ball case, Prada
When no ordinary padel balls will do, we direct you to Prada. Its sleek ball case uses the proprietary Re-Nylon fabric, made from re-purposed ocean fabrics, with a sports-luxe drawstring closure and the signature metallic triangle logo. Inside, the can holds three white balls, all emblazoned with the Prada logo. (There’s a similar set of tennis balls, too.)
Price
$450
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Leather table tennis set, Ferrari
In true Ferrari fashion, these table tennis rackets are peak performance. Designed for easy transportation and competitor envy, the set features two wooden bats, held in a leather cover with ruthenium buckles and an adjustable carry strap. It comes with three table tennis balls, each emblazoned with the prancing horse motif and wrapped up in a leather holster.
Price
$1,900
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Tennis racket bag, Tumi
Although best-known for its luggage, Tumi has a reliable line of sports gear, too. This no-fuss racket bag is understated, smart, and versatile. There’s space for two rackets and three balls, as well as additional compartments for clothes, valuables, and a water bottle. In the name of convenience, there’s a top handle and a shoulder strap, as well as a hook for hanging on a court fence. Make use of the monogram embossing option to make it yours.
Price
$750
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Padel holder kit, Jacob Cohen
Adding a sense of style to the traditional sports wear, Jacob Cohen’s padel holder set is crafted from Japanese-style indigo denim, with a tobacco leather trim. The holder comes with a detachable ball bag, also in that dark-wash denim. A matching dust bag completes the trio. When you’re all but guaranteed to be the most stylish person on the court, who cares if your return needs work.
Price
$1,001
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Bespoke tennis bag, Anya Hindmarch
Leave it to the queen of kooky to conjure up a tennis bag that is both fun and practical. The bespoke tennis bag is made from sturdy coated canvas with leather trims and comes in Marine – a dark blue-green – with cream trim, or creamy Natural, with red and teal details. As well as a roomy main compartment, there’s a side pocket for balls, a front racket pouch, and an inner valuables section. The star of the show, though? The option for a bold initials customization.
Price
$1,935
How we chose the best tennis accessories
Each item featured is independently selected by Elite Traveler’s editors and contributors, informed by first-hand reviews where possible and in-depth research where not. Our curation spans the world’s most luxurious brands, chosen for their uncompromising quality and exceptional craftsmanship.
