13 Nike gift ideas for tennis players

From tennis shoes designed for quick pivoting to a racket that helps perfect a player's backhand, tennis gear is a serious part of any tennis fanatic's game.

Picking out gifts for tennis lovers can feel like a challenge if you're not well-versed in the game. How do you ensure your purchase is a piece of tennis equipment they'll actually use—and love?

The simple solution: pick gear with the stamp of approval from Nike tennis pros like Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal and Naomi Osaka. Here are the best gifts for tennis players from Nike.

Nike tennis duffel bags are designed to haul every extra tennis garment, accessory or ball in an orderly fashion. The Nike Brasilia 9.5 Training Duffel Bag, for example, measures 63.5 centimetres (approx.) by 30.5 centimetres (approx.) by 30.5 centimetres (approx.) and contains multiple storage compartments (including a separate one for dirty shoes and/or clothes) to keep things organised.

On cold mornings before muscles are primed to play, tennis jackets are a warm-up necessity for players. (And can come in handy post-match, too!) Nike tennis jackets feature soft, stretchy fabrics to move seamlessly with a player's swing, as well as easy on-and-off design elements, allowing athletes to quickly remove and put back on the garment throughout the warm-up and match. The NikeCourt Women's Full-Zip Tennis Jacket has all of these features and is also made with Dri-FIT technology to help players stay dry and comfortable as they heat up.

Outfit the tennis pro in your life with high-performance tennis shoes that help absorb impact and provide comfort, traction and stability on the court. Many Nike tennis shoe styles are designed with innovative technologies, like an Air Zoom unit, which provides responsive cushioning with every step.

(Related: The best Nike shoes to play tennis on a hard court)

A pair of socks may not seem like the most exciting item on a tennis fan's wish list, but it's a gift that's hard to get wrong. Nike tennis socks contain all the features tennis players need in a sock: plush, sweat-wicking fabric and a supportive, sturdy design.

The NikeCourt Multiplier Max socks are an excellent sweat-wicking, supportive pair for tennis players, while the Nike Unicorn crew socks are a great selection for multi-sport endeavours.

Nike tennis shorts provide athletes comfort, durability and versatility throughout each match. While some styles offer perforations for breathability and sweat-wicking technology to keep players cool, others, like the NikeCourt Heritage Women's Mid-Rise Tennis Shorts, are made from French terry, which is great for court days that are on the cooler side. Most of Nike's tennis shorts have pockets or inner shorts that provide storage for extra tennis balls, so you can't go wrong whichever style you go with.

On the court, a breathable, lightweight, sleeveless T-shirt or tank top is a must-have. The NikeCourt Advantage Women's Dri-FIT Tennis Tank Top, for example, uses special Dri-FIT technology to draw moisture off the body and evaporate more quickly. It also has widened armholes that allow players to move through their full range of motion as they swing. The tennis player in your life will thank you when it comes time to play a match in the heat.

Whether they want a more tailored polo or a sweat-wicking, loose-fitting top to protect their shoulders from the sun, Nike tennis short-sleeve T-shirts are a no-fail gift for tennis players. The NikeCourt Dri-FIT Rafa T-Shirt (a great pick for Rafael Nadal fans), for example, is made from a soft jersey fabric, making it a wardrobe staple on and off the court.

A sweatshirt is never a bad gift idea. Sweatshirts can be worn for warm-ups and cool-downs on the court and offer warmth and comfort on rest days. If you're looking for a versatile and on-trend option, The NikeCourt Heritage Over-Oversized Crew is a great pick. The French terry sweatshirt has a dramatic, oversized fit across the chest, dropped armholes and a cropped hem, which makes it feel cosy without overwhelming the frame. Nike offers many other tennis hoodies and sweatshirts, too, so there is sure to be a style and design to complement any personal preferences.

People often talk about mid layers when dressing for activities like skiing and running, but they're an essential part of tennis players' wardrobes, too. Most of Nike's options are lightweight, sweat-wicking and stretchy, adding a layer of warmth and comfort whatever the weather. The NikeCourt Advantage Women's Dri-FIT 1/4-Zip Tennis Mid Layer pairs perfectly with all the other pieces in the NikeCourt Collection, so players can have a polished and complete look as they work on their game.

Words by Julia Sullivan, ACE-certified CPT, and Dana Leigh Smith