Tennis for Seniors and Older Adults
Also known as: tennis over 60, tennis for seniors, senior tennis, older adults tennis, tennis in your 60s, tennis in your 70s, is tennis good for older people, tennis after 60
Yes. Tennis is a good sport for seniors and for people over 60, and many play well into their 70s and beyond. It gives you exercise, movement and a social life in one. To keep it comfortable, play doubles, use an arm-friendly racquet with softer strings and always warm up. Get any new chest, heart or joint symptoms checked by a doctor.
Tennis is one of the few sports you can play for most of your life. A USTA sports cardiologist notes that people play from childhood into their 60s and 70s and beyond. He points to the exercise and the social contact as key health benefits. Rallying with friends counts as moderate exercise, and a competitive match as vigorous.
Competition is built for older players too. USTA tournaments run age divisions all the way up to 85 and over. The older divisions allow fewer matches per day.
A few changes keep tennis comfortable. Doubles covers less court than singles. A lighter racquet with softer strings, such as multifilament or natural gut, is kinder to the arm than stiff polyester. A thorough warm-up, good shoes and some strength work help protect joints.
Listen to your body. Any new chest pain, breathlessness, dizziness or joint pain should be checked by a doctor. That advice applies whether you are returning to tennis or starting for the first time.
Tips by skill level
Join a doubles group or a social clinic for your level. It's an easy, friendly way to play regularly.
Add two short strength sessions a week for legs, hips and shoulders. Strength helps you move well and protects your joints.
Example
At 67, Carol plays doubles three mornings a week. She switched to a lighter racquet with multifilament strings and warms up for ten minutes before every session.
Why it matters
Tennis can keep you active and connected for decades. A few smart choices let you keep playing comfortably as you get older.
Common mistakes
- Using a stiff racquet and polyester strings that strain the arm
- Skipping the warm-up and going straight into hard hitting
- Ignoring chest or joint symptoms because they seem minor
Frequently asked questions
Is tennis good for over-60s?
Yes. It gives you exercise and social contact, and many people play well into their 70s and beyond. Doubles and arm-friendly gear help keep it comfortable.
What racquet is best for older tennis players?
Usually a lighter frame with a larger head and softer strings, such as multifilament. It is easier to swing and kinder to the elbow.
Sources
- USTA — Q&A: A cardiologist's tips for tennis (lifelong game into the seventh and eighth decades; moderate vs high-intensity tennis; get symptoms evaluated)
- USTA Friend at Court 2026 — Table 9 (adult divisions 60–80 and 85 & over: maximum matches per day; printed p. 88)
- Tennis Warehouse — Tennis String: Material, Gauge and Tension Explained (multifilament and natural gut comfort)
Related terms
- Starting Tennis as an AdultStart with a group clinic or a few lessons with a qualified coach to learn grips, footwork and a simple serve. Use a light racquet with a larger head, and try slower, lower-bouncing balls such as the green-dot ball while you learn. Play little and often, and move into social play or a beginner league once you can keep a rally going.
- Doubles PositioningDoubles positioning is how two partners split and cover the court. Usually one is at net and one at the baseline, shifting together as the point develops.
- Tennis String TypesTennis strings come in four main types. Synthetic gut (nylon) is cheap and all-round. Multifilament is softer and plays closest to natural gut. Polyester is stiff and gives fast swingers control and spin. Natural gut is the most comfortable and holds tension best. Most beginners start with synthetic gut or multifilament.
- Tennis Warm-UpA good tennis warm-up raises your heart rate, moves your joints through the ranges you use on court, and rehearses tennis movement. Start with light jogging or skipping, then dynamic moves such as leg swings, lunges, arm circles and trunk turns. Finish with side shuffles, short sprints and shadow swings, then start hitting with mini tennis.
- Tennis ElbowTennis elbow is pain on the outside of the elbow, linked to overuse of the forearm tendons that attach there. In tennis, contributing factors can include a late, wristy one-handed backhand, tight or very stiff strings, a sudden jump in hitting or serving volume and a tight grip. If it hurts, stop playing, and see a qualified medical professional if the pain persists.
Related guides & benchmarks
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