Tennis Sunglasses: Top Picks To Up Your Game

Who doesn’t want to learn to play tennis after watching the US Open and Wimbledon this year?

It feels like the sport is only becoming more popular with a new generation, thanks to new kids on the block like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

While you’re out on the court, you want to keep your eyes protected. So whether you’re a veteran player or a newbie who’s just finding your feet (or rather your backhand swing), here are some tips for choosing tennis sunglasses.

At-a-Glance Summary

This post goes through the dos and don’ts of tennis sunglasses. It includes which lenses and shapes are best for the game and which styles to skip.

Do Professionals Wear Tennis Sunglasses?

When watching Wimbledon or the US Open, you might have noticed that not many players wear sunglasses during matches. You may be wondering why that is exactly.

Some professional tennis players don’t wear sunglasses during matches because of sweat and fogging. Think about it: they’re running across the court for hours, sometimes in extreme heat. Anything that could impede performance is a no-no.

That’s why tennis players are very particular about things like clothes, shoes, and accessories. Every little thing can change how they perform, from sunglasses falling off their face to their shorts being too tight!

However, some players do wear shades, especially if they help with vision. For sun protection, others wear a hat. A lot of it comes down to personal preference and vision needs.

Should You Wear Tennis Sunglasses?

If you play tennis casually rather than professionally, you’re probably not running around rigorously for hours. And so, tennis sunglasses can be a good choice.

If you’re playing outdoors, protecting your eyes is important. Some people prefer sunglasses over hats because hats can sometimes obstruct their view or make their heads feel too warm. On Reddit, many tennis players described themselves as firmly “team sunglasses.”

Sunglasses can also improve your comfort if you have sensitive eyes. I know I can’t take a single ray of sunshine without squinting, so I need sunglasses for everything from driving to playing outdoor sports.

Best Sunglasses Shape for Playing Tennis

In general, wraparound sunglasses are a good choice for playing tennis. They hug your face and help protect your eyes from harsh rays from all angles.

Sunglasses with good nose grips are also important so they don’t slip down your face. Huge lenses also aren’t really needed; it’s not like being on a bike or on the snow where a shield shape can help block glare and debris. Instead, a lightweight medium-sized lens should do the job.

These Under Armour UA 0001/G/S sunglasses are a popular choice for outdoor sports. They adapt to light conditions and stay put on your face.

Reviewer Puck agrees they work well for outdoor sports:

“Great for golf or any sport outdoors. They sit away from your face a bit so the lenses don’t fog over on warm days from sweat or moisture.”

Which Lenses Should You Pick?

When choosing tennis sunglasses, you’ll want to look for certain lens colors. These tints can help improve your vision on the court while making sure you can actually see the ball coming at you:

• Brown lenses: This color provides a warm tint that is versatile for sunny and overcast days. They also improve visual acuity (sharpness and clarity of your vision) so you can see the ball coming more easily.
• Yellow/amber lenses: These lenses allow more light to pass through, and they can improve your vision on cloudy days or if you’re playing at dusk. So if the weather is unpredictable where you live, yellow/amber lenses can be a good choice.
• Rose-tinted lenses: Rose-tinted lenses are also popular for tennis because they can enhance contrast against green courts and blue skies, making the ball easier to track.
• Gray/black lenses: Although they are the darkest lenses, they can work well on very bright days. They provide a ‘true-tone,’ so things actually look like what they are, but some people might feel like the tint is too dark.

The Oakley RADAR EV PATH OO9208 is a great pick for tennis. The shape is comfortable, and the lenses come in several colors, including rose.

The sunglasses are also highly rated on EZContacts; they have a 4.9 out of 5 star rating from 119 reviews.

Reviewer Jose thinks they do a good job on the tennis court:

“Came in a timely manner, great price discount online, fit tight, very light… I use them for Tennis.”

FAQs

Why do I never see professional players wear tennis sunglasses?

Players including Leander Paes, Martina Hingis, and Sam Stosur (to name a few) wore tennis sunglasses during their careers. Some players prefer them for protection from the sun and debris, while others prefer minimal accessories because of constant sweating.

Can I wear regular sunglasses to play tennis?

Many fashion sunglasses are not designed with sports in mind. So, while they might look good, they’ll probably fall off your face or feel really uncomfortable while running around. Instead, it’s a good idea to try on lightweight sports sunglasses that feature nose grips and a wraparound shape for more protection.

Are polarized sunglasses good for tennis?

In general, polarized sunglasses aren’t a good idea for playing tennis. They can distort depth perception, which can make it trickier to see the ball coming at its actual speed. But if you’re a spectator, then it’s not a problem; in fact, they might help cut glare from acrylic courts!

TL;DR

• Tennis is one of those sports that once you start getting into it, you don’t look back! But it’s smart to have the right equipment, including tennis sunglasses.
• Not all professional players wear tennis sunglasses because they run around and sweat buckets, so any sunglasses might be a nuisance. However, others choose them for improved clarity and UV protection.
• Sunglasses make sense for tennis for most people because they can protect your eyes and improve performance.
• Wraparound shapes with good nose grips provide a comfortable, lightweight solution that won’t slide down your face.
• It’s typically best to avoid polarized lenses for tennis; they can distort depth perception on the court.