Tennis rackets: Avoid injuries and play like a pro this Wimbledon

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Heads up: Wimbledon 2026 kicks off this Monday, June 29, and runs through Sunday, July 12. It’s that time of year when we all get the fever to grab our rackets and hit the clay courts. But before you rush out to the court, there is a crucial reminder about physical fragility in this sport: the recent case of Emma Raducanu.

The 23-year-old British tennis player is a major doubt for the tournament after being seen in a walking boot on her right foot last Wednesday, June 24, 2026, missing her key training session on Thursday the 25th. Although her team is trying to manage her workload, this leaves a clear lesson for recreational players: tennis punishes the body if you don't use the right equipment. That is why choosing the right racket and playing with good Wilson Championship tennis balls is the first step to avoiding the sidelines with an injury that costs you months of recovery.

The racket as a shield: How to avoid tennis elbow

A racket is not just a piece of graphite; it is your main shield against vibrations. If you play with a racket that is too heavy, with string tension through the roof, or worse, with a grip that isn't your size, you are buying a ticket to suffer from lateral epicondylitis (the famous tennis elbow) or acute wrist tendinitis.

The index finger test: To know if your grip size is correct, hold the racket with an eastern grip (as if you were shaking hands with the handle). There should be an exact space the width of your index finger from your other hand between your fingertips and the base of your palm. If there is extra space, the grip is too big and will strain your forearm; if your fingers touch your palm, it is too small and you will have to squeeze too hard, blowing out your tendons in the long run.

Featured product: Wilson Championship balls

You can have the best racket in the world, but if you play with old or "bald" balls that have lost their internal pressure, the impact when hitting will be very harsh, transferring all the shock directly to your arm. This is where the right balls come in.

Based on market specifications and thousands of user reviews, Wilson Championship Extra Duty balls are the gold standard for hard and clay courts in Colombia. They have an exclusive Dura-Weave felt that resists abrasion and maintains pressure for much longer than generic budget brands.

Specification	Detail
Brand	Wilson
Model	Championship Extra Duty
Ideal Surface	Clay / Hard Court
User Rating	4.8 out of 5 stars (over 14,000 reviews)

Pros and Cons: Who are they for and who are they NOT for?

Who they are for: For recreational players, academies, and club members in Colombia looking for maximum durability. They are perfect for our classic red clay courts, as the Extra Duty felt doesn't wear out as quickly with the constant friction of the clay.

Who they are NOT for: Honestly, if you play at an altitude of over 2,600 meters (like in Bogotá) and have a very competitive level, you might find them a bit "lively" or excessively fast due to the altitude. In those very specific cases, some professionals prefer "High Altitude" pressureless balls, but for 90% of mortals, the standard Wilson balls are the best all-terrain option. If you want to understand how the altitude and climate of each region of the country affect your performance on the court (and your strings), check out our guide to climates and regions of Colombia.

Import Guide to Colombia

The great advantage of buying these cans of balls on Amazon is that the total order is usually well below the VAT-exempt limit for international shipments to Colombia. This means you don't pay additional customs duties. You end up paying a much more competitive final price than if you bought them at a shopping mall sports store in Medellín or Bogotá.

Injured while playing in Colombia? What to do

If you already made the mistake of playing with the wrong equipment and have discomfort in your shoulder or elbow, you need to know how to navigate the Colombian healthcare system. I would skip the EPS (Contributory Regime) if you are looking for quick care for a recreational sports injury. The process in the EPS requires first requesting an appointment with a general practitioner, waiting weeks for a referral, and then begging for an appointment with an orthopedic specialist.

The fast and effective route is through prepaid medicine (like Sura or Colmédica) or by paying for a private consultation at specialized centers like Medsport. A sports doctor will see you in a matter of days. Also, if you are a frequent player, keep in mind that active members of the Colombian Tennis Federation (Fedecoltenis) have an accident policy with Seguros Mundial (formerly Seguros del Estado) that covers medical assistance for injuries that occur directly on the court. To report an accident, call #899 option 2 or 314 891 77 54.

In fact, according to active ads on Colombia Move (June 2026), the services section concentrates more than 57 active posts with over 7,500 recent views — a clear sign that the demand for advice on health procedures far exceeds the supply available on the platform.

Buy, sell, and community for tennis players (and expats)

If you are thinking of upgrading your equipment and want to sell your previous racket to switch to one that is friendlier to your joints, the process is very similar to how to sell your used bicycle in Colombia, where the key is to post real photos, detail the condition of the grip, specify if it has scratches on the frame, and mention how long ago you changed the strings.

For newly arrived foreigners, joining a local tennis club in Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, or intermediate cities like Ibagué is an excellent way to integrate into the community. In fact, as we mentioned in our BaseLang review, practicing sports with locals is one of the most effective methods to loosen your tongue and improve your everyday Spanish. Nothing breaks the ice faster than a good doubles match on the weekend.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you enjoy the season. Whether you decide to watch the tournament from the couch or you decide to buy your tennis balls, always do it while taking care of your body and your joints.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ When is the Wimbledon tournament played in 2026?

Wimbledon 2026 takes place from Monday, June 29 to Sunday, July 12, 2026, on the grass courts of the All England Club in London. It is the third Grand Slam of the year and the most prestigious grass-court tournament.

❓ What injury does Emma Raducanu have before Wimbledon 2026?

The British tennis player was seen wearing an orthopedic boot on her right foot on June 24, 2026, and missed her training sessions. This has raised serious doubts about her participation due to a physical discomfort that her team is trying to manage.

❓ How can an unsuitable tennis racket cause injuries?

A racket that is too heavy or has a grip that is too thin forces the forearm and wrist muscles to overexert. This often triggers lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and acute tendinitis due to poor vibration absorption.

❓ How do I know my correct grip size to avoid tennis elbow?

Hold the racket as if you were shaking hands; there should be a space the width of your index finger between your fingertips and your palm. If there is too much or too little space, the grip is not correct, which increases the risk of wrist and elbow injury.

❓ What does the Fedecoltenis accident policy cover in Colombia?

Active members of the Colombian Tennis Federation (Fedecoltenis) have a Seguros Mundial policy that covers medical expenses for acute sports accidents, disability, and additional protections. This policy does NOT cover chronic degenerative injuries or pre-existing conditions. To report an accident, call #899 option 2 or 314 891 77 54.

❓ How can I access a sports doctor in Colombia if I get injured?

The fastest way is through a private consultation or via your prepaid medicine directory (such as Sura or Colmédica). The traditional EPS system usually requires long wait times and a prior referral from a general practitioner.