If you’ve ever watched a tennis pro walk onto court, you’ve probably noticed the massive racket bag slung over their shoulder big enough to look like it holds a week’s worth of supplies. But what exactly is inside? What is in a pro players bag isn’t just about racquets and towels; it’s a carefully curated set of tools, recovery aids, and backup gear that ensures they’re prepared for anything the match (or the environment) throws at them.
12 Items In A Pro Players Bag
Whether you’re an aspiring pro, a serious recreational player, or just a curious fan, understanding what is in a pro players bag can give you a deeper appreciation for the level of preparation required at the top of the sport.
1. Multiple Rackets (6 to 12)
Let’s start with the obvious. Pros usually carry anywhere from 6 to 12 rackets in their bags, all strung to specific tensions based on:
- Weather conditions (string tension changes with temperature and humidity)
- Court surface
- Opponent playing style
- Personal strategy for the match
Some rackets are strung tighter for control, others looser for more power and spin. Players switch rackets mid-match, often every 7–9 games, to maintain consistency.
Read Also: 4 Best Tennis Rackets for Beginners (2025 Guide)
This isn’t just preparation it’s precision. Having multiple rackets is an essential answer to the question: what is in a pro players bag?
2. Overgrips and Replacement Grips
Grip is everything in tennis. Sweat, rain, or even just the passage of time can wear down a grip fast. That’s why most players carry several overgrips and sometimes replacement grips.
- Overgrips: Thin wraps that go over the existing grip to add tackiness and absorb sweat.
- Replacement Grips: Thicker, foundational grips that restore the handle’s shape and feel.
Many pros regrip their rackets between matches and even during long ones if conditions demand it. It’s a tiny detail that can make a massive difference.
3. Dampeners and Vibration Control Accessories
Though small, dampeners are a standard part of what is in a pro players bag. These rubbery inserts sit between the strings to absorb vibrations and reduce the “ping” sound after ball contact.
Not all players use them, but for those who do, forgetting one can be genuinely disruptive. Most carry backups in case one flies off mid-match or breaks.
4. Towels and Wristbands
Moisture control is key, especially under the blazing sun or in intense rallies. Inside most professional bags you’ll find:
- Match towels: Used on changeovers to wipe away sweat.
- Wristbands: Absorb sweat before it reaches the hands, ensuring grip stability.
- Headbands or bandanas: To prevent sweat from dripping into the eyes.
What seems like a small item becomes mission-critical when your hand slips during a forehand winner.
5. Shoes (Primary and Backup)
A typical pro bag holds at least one extra pair of tennis shoes, sometimes two:
- Primary shoes: Already broken in and worn during practice or warm-up.
- Backup shoes: Identical or slightly different models in case of discomfort, blisters, or sudden wear-and-tear.
Court conditions (e.g. clay vs hard) can also dictate shoe type. This layer of preparedness is part of why understanding what is in a pro players bag shows how elite athletes leave nothing to chance.
6. Apparel and Extra Gear
Unexpected weather changes, sweat-soaked clothes, or a long five-set match all are reasons why pros pack extra:
- Shirts, shorts/skirts, and socks: Often changed during longer matches or between sets.
- Sweatpants and hoodies: For post-match comfort or cooler conditions.
- Wrist tape and kinesiology tape: For support and injury management.
- Spare laces and shoe insoles: Just in case.
The goal is comfort and performance at every stage of the match and that means staying dry, supported, and mobile.
7. Nutrition and Hydration Supplies
No article on what is in a pro players bag would be complete without covering food and drink. Pros often bring their own:
- Electrolyte drinks: To prevent cramping and maintain hydration.
- Energy gels or chews: Quick-release carbs to sustain energy during long matches.
- Bananas or protein bars: Natural or supplemental fuel between sets.
- Salt tablets: For players who sweat heavily.
Even the best tennis skills mean little without the energy to carry them through five grueling sets. What pros consume during play is part science, part personal preference but always intentional.
8. Recovery and Injury Prevention Tools
Another critical part of what is in a pro players bag includes tools for post-match recovery and injury prevention. These aren’t just reserved for the locker room many players use them right after practice or matches while still courtside:
- Foam rollers or mini massage balls: For muscle release and mobility.
- Resistance bands: Used to stretch or warm up specific muscle groups.
- Ice packs or cold sprays: For immediate inflammation control.
- Ankle or knee braces: For players managing chronic injuries.
Even mid-match, some players discreetly use these items during changeovers or delays. Their presence is a testament to how seriously pros manage their bodies across the season.
9. Personal Items and Lucky Charms
Tennis players are creatures of habit. What’s in a pro player’s bag often includes non-performance items that hold emotional or psychological value:
- Photos or letters from loved ones
- Lucky coins, rosaries, or religious items
- A specific brand or scent of sunscreen or lotion
- Favorite music player or headphones
These items aren’t about winning points they’re about emotional grounding. For athletes on tour for months at a time, small comforts from home go a long way toward maintaining mental balance.
10. Match Notes and Strategy Sheets
Less commonly seen, but increasingly important, are printed or handwritten match notes. These may include:
- Opponent tendencies: Serve direction, return weaknesses, favorite shots.
- Tactical reminders: Stay aggressive on second serve, exploit backhand side, etc.
- Coach’s mental cues: “Stay present,” “Play point-by-point,” etc.
In an age of data-driven sports, many players use brief notes for mental reinforcement. These aren’t always referenced during a match but are reviewed in the moments before walking onto court. So yes, even match intelligence is part of what is in a pro players bag.
11. Smart Devices and Wearables
Modern pros are tech-savvy. While some items must be stored outside during play (due to tournament rules), they’re often found in the gear bag during practice or pre-match prep:
- Smartwatches or fitness trackers: To monitor heart rate and recovery.
- Swing analyzers or sensors: For stroke analysis during warm-ups.
- Tablets or laptops: For reviewing footage or coach-led video breakdowns.
Technology plays a huge role in pre- and post-match routines. The smarter the tools, the smarter the preparation and the smarter what is in a pro players bag needs to be.
12. Rain Gear and Travel Necessities
Especially at Grand Slams where weather can be unpredictable, pros are prepared for delays:
- Rain jackets, umbrellas, and waterproof covers for their bags
- Books, notebooks, or even journals to stay mentally calm
- International plugs and chargers, since most players travel globally
At first glance, these items may seem unnecessary, but when rain delays stretch into hours, having the right comfort gear makes all the difference.
Why It Matters: The Bag Reflects the Battle
The average fan might think that a player’s talent or training is what determines success. While that’s largely true, every detail matters at the top of the game. That’s why understanding what is in a pro players bag is like reading a blueprint of their entire preparation process.
It reflects not just skill but strategy, routine, personal quirks, and professional insight. The contents of that oversized bag are part performance toolkit, part survival kit, and part emotional anchor.
In the end, the bag tells a story. A story of long hours on court, battles fought in sweltering heat, narrow five-set wins, crushing defeats, and relentless travel. So the next time you see a player walk out with that massive tennis bag, know that inside it is more than just gear it’s everything they need to be world-class.
