Tennis Rackets, Shoes and Stringing in Auckland and NZ

 Mike Wood · 23 July, 2026

Players Sports is one of New Zealand’s leading specialist tennis retailers, with an extensive range of tennis rackets, shoes, bags, balls and accessories available in Auckland and online NZ-wide.

We stock the major global tennis brands, including Wilson, Babolat, HEAD, Yonex and Tecnifibre. Our specialist tennis footwear range includes adidas, ASICS and On.

Auckland players can choose between two complementary retail experiences:

  • Our specialist Tennis Pro Shop inside the TotalCoach Tennis Centre at 69 Merton Road, St Johns

  • Our Greenlane flagship sports store at 1-7 Marewa Road, Greenlane

At St Johns, you can demo selected rackets on court and speak with experienced racket specialists. It is also the home of our expert restringing service.

At Greenlane, you can explore a large tennis range alongside specialist footwear and equipment for running, cricket, rugby, football, netball and other sports.

Why buy your tennis gear from Players Sports?

We have been serving New Zealand tennis players since 2016. Since then, our range, specialist knowledge and position within the NZ tennis market have continued to grow.

Our focus is straightforward: offer a deep selection of trusted products, practical advice and specialist services that help players make the right choice.

Players Sports offers:

  • One of New Zealand’s widest and deepest tennis ranges

  • Adult and junior tennis rackets for every playing level

  • Leading brands including Wilson, Babolat, HEAD, Yonex and Tecnifibre

  • Specialist tennis shoes from adidas, ASICS and On

  • Tennis bags, strings, grips, dampeners and accessories

  • Tennis balls by the can, multipack or bulk carton

  • Expert racket stringing in Auckland

  • On-court demos of selected rackets at St Johns

  • Exclusive and early-release racket models

  • Auckland stores and fast delivery throughout New Zealand

  • Support for individual players, coaches, schools and tennis clubs

We are NZ owned and remain closely connected to the local tennis community.

Where can you buy tennis gear in Auckland?

Players Sports Tennis Pro Shop, St Johns

Our specialist Tennis Pro Shop is inside the TotalCoach Tennis Centre at 69 Merton Road, St Johns, Auckland.

Being located beside the courts creates a practical tennis retail experience. You can compare rackets, discuss specifications with our team and, where available, demo a racket on court before deciding.

Visit the St Johns Tennis Pro Shop for:

  • Specialist tennis racket advice

  • On-court racket demos

  • Professional racket stringing

  • Replacement grips and overgrips

  • Tennis balls and accessories

  • Adult and junior rackets

  • Tennis bags and footwear

  • Help choosing strings and tension

The ability to test a racket on court is particularly useful when comparing different weights, head sizes, balances and playing characteristics.

Players Sports Greenlane Flagship Store

Our Greenlane flagship store is located at 1-7 Marewa Road, Greenlane, Auckland.

Greenlane carries an extensive selection of tennis rackets, shoes, bags, balls and accessories. It is a convenient option for players who want to compare tennis equipment with footwear or gear for several other sports in one visit.

Visit Greenlane for:

  • A large range of tennis rackets

  • Specialist tennis shoes

  • Adult and junior sizing

  • Tennis bags, balls and accessories

  • New and early-release products

  • Multi-sport shopping for individuals and families

  • Advice from a team that plays, coaches and follows sport

Rackets can also be dropped at Greenlane for transfer to our St Johns stringing team.

Which tennis racket brands do we stock?

We stock adult tennis rackets and junior models from the world’s leading manufacturers.

Wilson tennis rackets

Wilson produces some of the most recognised racket families in tennis, including Blade, Clash, Pro Staff, Ultra, Defyer and Shift.

These ranges cover different combinations of control, feel, comfort, spin and power. We also regularly receive important Wilson releases, including the Wilson Blade v10.

Babolat tennis rackets

Babolat is known for racket families such as Pure Aero, Pure Drive and Pure Strike.

Pure Aero rackets are commonly associated with spin, while Pure Drive is designed around accessible power. Pure Strike models generally suit players looking for a more controlled response.

HEAD tennis rackets

HEAD offers several clearly differentiated ranges, including Speed, Radical, Gravity, Extreme, Boom and Prestige.

That variety allows players to compare frames designed around speed, control, spin, power or feel.

Yonex tennis rackets

Yonex rackets use the brand’s distinctive isometric head shape. Major ranges include EZONE, VCORE, MUSE and PERCEPT.

EZONE generally prioritises power and comfort, VCORE focuses on spin, and PERCEPT is aimed at players seeking control and feedback.

Tecnifibre tennis rackets

Tecnifibre offers performance frames such as the TF-X1, T-Fight and Fire.

The range includes options for players wanting accessible power as well as more control-focused rackets for experienced competitors.

How do you choose the right tennis racket?

The right tennis racket depends on your age, strength, experience, swing and preferred style of play. There is no single model that suits every player.

The main specifications to consider are:

Racket weight

Lighter adult rackets are generally easier to swing and manoeuvre. They can suit developing players or anyone wanting a more manageable frame.

Heavier rackets may provide greater stability and control, but they normally require better preparation and more developed technique.

Head size

A larger head usually provides a bigger hitting area and easier access to power.

Smaller or more compact head sizes tend to offer experienced players greater precision, provided they consistently strike the ball well.

Balance

Head-light rackets are often easier to manoeuvre, particularly at the net. Head-heavy frames can provide more power through the ball but may feel less agile.

Evenly balanced rackets sit between these two approaches.

String pattern

An open string pattern can assist with spin and launch. A denser string pattern usually creates a more controlled and predictable response.

String type and tension also influence how the racket feels.

Grip size

The correct grip size should feel secure without forcing you to squeeze the handle. A grip that is unsuitable can affect comfort, control and technique.

Our team can help you compare grip sizes in store.

Can you demo tennis rackets before buying?

Yes. Selected tennis rackets can be tested on court through our Players Sports Tennis Pro Shop inside the TotalCoach Tennis Centre.

A demo is valuable because specifications do not tell the full story. Two rackets with similar weights and head sizes can feel noticeably different once you begin serving, returning and hitting from the baseline.

When testing a racket, consider:

  • How easily you can generate racket-head speed

  • Stability when returning faster shots

  • Control on full swings

  • Access to depth and spin

  • Comfort during off-centre contact

  • Manoeuvrability at the net

  • Confidence when serving

Testing should help narrow your decision, but the best racket is not always the one that produces the biggest first serve. It should remain comfortable and predictable across a full match.

Where can you get a tennis racket restrung in Auckland?

We provide professional tennis racket stringing in Auckland through our St Johns Tennis Pro Shop.

Our experienced team strings a high volume of tennis, squash and badminton rackets every year. We believe few, if any, NZ retailers restring more rackets annually.

A professional restring allows you to select:

  • String material

  • String thickness

  • Tension

  • Full-bed or hybrid configuration

  • Performance characteristics such as control, comfort, spin or durability

If you are unsure what to choose, tell our stringer how often you play, your current racket, your playing style and whether you have experienced any arm discomfort. We can recommend a practical starting point.

How often should you restring a tennis racket?

How often you should restring depends on playing frequency, string type and how quickly performance declines.

Strings can lose tension and responsiveness before they break. Regular players may notice reduced control, inconsistent launch or a less comfortable feel.

A useful starting point is to assess your strings several times through the season rather than waiting indefinitely for them to snap.

Which tennis shoes should you choose?

Tennis shoes are designed for the lateral movement, stopping and direction changes of the sport. Running shoes are built mainly for forward motion and are generally not the best choice for regular tennis.

We stock specialist men's and women's tennis shoes from:

  • adidas

  • ASICS

  • On

The right model depends on foot shape, court surface, movement and how much cushioning or stability you prefer.

Fit considerations for tennis shoes

A tennis shoe should hold the heel securely and support the foot during side-to-side movement. Your toes still need enough room to move without pressing hard against the front.

When trying tennis shoes:

  1. Wear the socks you normally play in.

  2. Check the fit while standing and moving.

  3. Test lateral stability, not just walking comfort.

  4. Make sure the heel does not lift excessively.

  5. Consider whether you need a wider fit.

Visiting Greenlane or St Johns allows you to compare models and sizes before buying.

What type of tennis bag do you need?

The right tennis bag depends on how many rackets you carry and how much extra gear travels with you.

Racket backpacks

A tennis backpack is compact and convenient for social players, juniors and anyone travelling with one or two rackets.

Three-racket and six-racket bags

These suit regular club players who need room for spare rackets, balls, grips, clothing and personal items.

Nine-racket and 12-racket bags

Larger bags are designed for tournament players, coaches and anyone carrying several frames. Some include separate footwear or accessory compartments.

We stock tennis bags from brands including Wilson, Babolat, HEAD, Yonex and Tecnifibre.

Where can you buy tennis balls in New Zealand?

Players Sports sells tennis balls throughout New Zealand, with options for casual hitting, coaching, club play, school programmes and competition.

Our range includes leading tennis ball brands such as:

  • Wilson

  • HEAD

  • Tecnifibre

  • Dunlop

Customers can buy individual cans, multipacks or full cartons. Bulk carton offers are available to tennis clubs, schools, coaches and members of the general public.

Buying by the carton is often the most practical option for players who train frequently or groups that need a consistent supply. Contact our team if you need a quote for a larger order.

Do Players Sports stores receive exclusive tennis rackets?

Players Sports regularly receives exclusive racket models, limited colourways and selected early releases before they become widely available through other New Zealand retailers.

Availability varies by brand and release. Quantities may also be limited.

You can follow our latest tennis releases online or visit our Auckland stores to see current models. Our range changes throughout the season as new Wilson, Babolat, HEAD, Yonex and Tecnifibre collections arrive.

What is the Players Sports Demo & Deal Day?

Our annual Demo & Deal Day is a free Auckland tennis event held at the TotalCoach Tennis Centre, normally during October.

Players can test a broad selection of current rackets on court and compare models from leading brands. Our team is available to discuss racket specifications, strings and setup options.

The event also typically includes one-day deals across selected rackets, footwear, bags, strings and accessories. Entry to the 2026 Players Sports Demo & Deal Day is free and requires no registration.

Details for each year are confirmed closer to the event.

Can you buy Players Sports tennis gear online?

Yes. Our tennis range is available online with delivery throughout New Zealand.

Shopping online allows you to browse by:

  • Product type

  • Brand

  • Adult or junior sizing

  • Racket weight

  • Grip size

  • Price

  • Availability

Product pages include specifications to help you compare options. If you need advice before ordering, contact our team and tell us about your current racket, playing level and what you want to change.


Frequently Asked Questions - Players Sports Tennis Gear

Where is the best place to buy a tennis racket in Auckland?

Players Sports has two specialist Auckland locations for tennis rackets. Visit our Tennis Pro Shop at the TotalCoach Tennis Centre in St Johns for on-court demos and expert stringing, or explore the extensive tennis and footwear range at our Greenlane flagship store. Our full range is also available online with NZ-wide delivery.

Can I test a tennis racket before buying it?

Yes. Selected demo rackets can be tested on court through the Players Sports Tennis Pro Shop at 69 Merton Road, St Johns. Testing allows you to assess power, control, comfort, spin and manoeuvrability in real playing conditions. Contact the pro shop if you want to confirm whether a particular model is available to demo.

Does Players Sports restring tennis rackets?

Yes. We provide expert tennis racket restringing through our St Johns Tennis Pro Shop. Our experienced stringers can help select a string, tension and setup based on your racket, playing frequency and preferred feel. You can also drop your racket at our Greenlane store for transfer to the stringing team.

Which tennis racket brands does Players Sports stock?

Players Sports stocks tennis rackets from Wilson, Babolat, HEAD, Yonex and Tecnifibre. The range covers junior beginners, adult recreational players, regular club competitors and advanced tournament players. Available models include options designed around power, spin, control, comfort and manoeuvrability.

Does Players Sports sell tennis shoes in Auckland?

Yes. We stock specialist tennis shoes from adidas, ASICS and On at our Auckland stores and online. Tennis shoes provide the lateral support and court durability required for regular play. Visit Greenlane or St Johns if you want to compare sizes, fits and support levels before purchasing.

Can the public buy tennis balls by the carton?

Yes. Full cartons of tennis balls are available to the general public as well as clubs, schools and coaches. Players Sports stocks major brands including Wilson, HEAD, Tecnifibre and Dunlop. Cartons are a practical option for frequent players, coaching programmes and teams that use balls regularly.

Does Players Sports deliver tennis gear throughout New Zealand?

Yes. Players Sports delivers tennis rackets, shoes, bags, balls and accessories throughout New Zealand. Customers outside Auckland can shop the full online range and contact our team for product advice. Racket specifications, grip sizes and stringing information are provided online where applicable.


Find the right tennis gear at Players Sports

Players Sports brings together a deep tennis range, specialist advice, on-court racket demos and experienced stringing.

Visit our Tennis Pro Shop inside the TotalCoach Tennis Centre at 69 Merton Road, St Johns, or explore the range at our Greenlane flagship store at 1-7 Marewa Road.

If you are outside Auckland, shop our full tennis collection online with fast NZ-wide delivery. We are here to help New Zealand players, coaches, schools and clubs find equipment that suits the way they play.

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Written by Mike Wood
Founder & Managing Director, Players Sports
21+ years across retail and wholesale sporting goods in New Zealand

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