11 Nike gift ideas for tennis players

From high-performance court shoes designed for agility to a quality tennis racket for practising strokes, tennis gear is an important part of any tennis player's game. When it comes to picking out gifts for tennis lovers, it may feel like a challenge if you're not well versed in the game. What do tennis players really need, other than a racket and a tennis ball? And how do you ensure your gift is something tennis players will actually use—and love?

The simple solution: pick a tennis gift that has the stamp of approval from Nike pro tennis players like Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal and Naomi Osaka. Read on for the 11 best Nike gifts for tennis players and fans.

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Nike duffel bags are equipped to haul tennis garments, shoes, accessories, balls, towels, water bottles and other gear in an orderly fashion. The Nike Brasilia 9.5 Training Duffel Bag, for example, can serve as a tennis bag or an all-purpose gym bag for athletes who participate in multiple sports and activities. It contains several compartments (including a separate one for dirty tennis shoes or clothes) that can help keep tennis players' things organised.

For those particularly hot, humid tennis matches, athletes will want to keep sweat out of their eyes but they may not want to reach for their towel to wipe away sweat between every point. Nike tennis headbands help stop sweat and hair flyaways from impeding tennis players' vision, all while helping them stay dry and comfortable throughout the match.

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For long-locked tennis players, the intensity of a match requires a secure elastic capable of keeping hair out of their face. From scrunchies to bows to no-frills ties, Nike hair bands are a great gift idea for tennis players—and they're budget friendly.

Like headbands and hair bands, a tennis hat is a thoughtful gift idea that helps stop sweat and hair from hindering an athlete's vision on the court. Plus, hats help provide sun protection during outdoor matches.

Nike tennis hats feature design details that help increase airflow for breathability, as well as soft, sweat-wicking fabric that provides comfort and helps keep skin cool and dry. Tennis lovers are sure to appreciate a comfy hat they can wear on the court and off. And many styles are adjustable, so the athlete in your life can enjoy a personalised fit.

Particularly on cold mornings before muscles are primed to play, a jacket is a warm-up necessity for tennis players. Nike tennis jackets feature soft, stretchy fabrics that move seamlessly with a player's swing, as well as easy-on-and-off design elements, allowing athletes to quickly remove or put on the garment during play. Look for a style that's water-resistant for rainy training sessions and machine washable for easy cleaning.

Outfit the tennis lover in your life with high-performance tennis shoes that provide comfort, traction and stability on the court. Many Nike tennis shoes are designed with innovative cushioning technologies, like a Zoom Air unit, which provides responsiveness with every step.

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

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

High-performance tennis gear is first and foremost about function but showcasing some style doesn't hurt. Nike tennis skirts and dresses feature an airy, roomy design to float around the court and they are made from stretchy, moisture-wicking fabrics with built-in shorts to keep players comfortable during tough matches. NikeCourt dresses and skirts are designed with pockets or inner linings for storing tennis balls and other small essentials.

(Related: 8 essentials to complete any tennis outfit)

With perforations for breathability, sweat-wicking technology to help keep players dry and flexible designs that allow for seamless side-to-side mobility, Nike tennis shorts provide comfort, durability and versatility for athletes. Look for a pair of tennis shorts with pockets or an inner lining to store a tennis ball or two.

For the ultimate tennis lover, pick out shorts that take inspiration from top Nike tennis athletes. For example, the Rafa Men's Nike Dri-FIT ADV 18cm (approx.) Tennis Shorts were created in collaboration with Rafael Nadal, resulting in performance shorts with a top-notch fit, materials and design details to perform at the highest level.

Or, check out a pair of Naomi Osaka printed shorts on the women's side. These flowy, easy-fitting shorts are inspired by Osaka's story and Japanese roots, with a mix of subtle colours and a bold floral print.

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For hot or humid tennis matches, a sleeveless T-shirt or tank top is a must-have. A sleeveless option works well on the tennis court because it allows players to freely move their arms (and their racket). The NikeCourt Dri-FIT Slam women's tank top, for example, offers a breathable, racerback design with mesh panels and a back cut-out to help keep players feeling cool and comfortable. The tennis player in your life will thank you when it comes time to play a match in the heat.

Whether you're shopping for a tennis player who prefers a tailored polo or a loose-fitting athletic tee, you've got options. Nike tennis tops with short sleeves are lightweight and breathable, while helping protect the shoulders from the sun, making them a staple in any tennis player's wardrobe. The NikeCourt collection is full of great tennis gifts, including tops with bright pops of colour and classic, all-white options.

Words by Julia Sullivan