Walking into a sports store in Singapore as a tennis beginner can be overwhelming. Racquets range from under $50 to over $500, and the technical specifications — head size, weight, balance, string pattern — all sound complex. This guide, informed by our coaches at Sanwa X Tennis Academy (an official Yonex partner), simplifies your decision and helps you choose the right racquet for where you are in your tennis journey.
The Most Important Factor: Head Size
For beginners, the most important racquet specification is the head size. Head size is measured in square inches: oversized (110+ sq in), midplus (95-110 sq in), and midsize (85-95 sq in). Beginners should choose a midplus to oversized head. A larger head provides a bigger sweet spot — the area of the strings that produces clean, powerful contact — which is much more forgiving for players still developing their timing and technique.
Weight and Balance
Beginner racquets should be light (250-275g strung) to allow easy swing speed and reduce fatigue during longer rallies. As your technique and arm strength develop, you can progress to heavier racquets that provide more stability and power. Balance refers to where the weight is distributed — head-heavy racquets produce more power, head-light racquets offer more control and manoeuvrability. Beginners generally benefit from head-heavy or evenly-balanced racquets.
Grip Size
Incorrect grip size causes discomfort and increases injury risk. To find your correct grip size, hold the racquet in your dominant hand with an Eastern grip. If you can fit your non-dominant index finger in the gap between your fingers and palm, the grip is correct. Too small a grip causes the hand to over-rotate; too large prevents proper wrist action.
Yonex Recommendations for Beginners in Singapore
As a Yonex partner, Sanwa X coaches regularly recommend the Yonex beginner range. Yonex racquets are particularly valued for their frame technology, which reduces shock and improves feel — important considerations for beginner players developing their technique and protecting their arm from unnecessary stress. Speak to our coaches when you book a lesson for specific model recommendations at different budget points.
Stringing: What Beginners Need to Know
Racquets bought off the shelf in Singapore typically come pre-strung at a standard tension. For beginners, this is generally fine — don’t worry about restringing until your game has developed enough to have specific preferences. When you do restring, synthetic gut at a medium tension (50-55 lbs) is a good starting point for most recreational players.
Where to Buy Tennis Racquets in Singapore
Major sports retailers in Singapore stock a good range of tennis racquets: Decathlon, Yonex Singapore, Royal Sporting House, and specialist tennis shops. For guidance specific to your level and goals, ask your Sanwa X coach — we can recommend specific models based on firsthand knowledge of how different racquets perform for different player types.
Book a Lesson and Get Expert Equipment Advice
Our coaches are always happy to advise on equipment during or after lessons. Book your first lesson at Sanwa X and bring any racquet questions — we will point you in the right direction. Book a Lesson Today →
Starting out? See our beginner tennis lessons Singapore page for more information on getting started.
Beginners should look for a lightweight racquet (250–270g) with a large head size (100–110 sq in) and a pre-strung midplus frame. Popular options include the Wilson Clash and Babolat Pure Drive Lite, available at most Singapore sports shops.
A good beginner racquet in Singapore typically costs between SGD 80 and SGD 200. Avoid very cheap unbranded frames, but there is no need to spend more than SGD 200 until you have developed a consistent technique.
Tennis racquets are available at major sporting goods retailers such as Royal Sporting House, Decathlon, and specialist tennis shops at outlets like Queensway Shopping Centre. Online platforms like Lazada and Shopee also stock a wide range.
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