From who’s in the Royal Box, to the best tennis bracelets and how to beat the queues, it’s safe to say that we well and truly have Wimbledon fever. And with a week still left to go, our interest in getting stuck in has definitely been piqued.
We’re in good company, too. The latest Lawn Tennis Association figures reveal that adult participation in Britain increased by 44 per cent between 2019 and 2023, taking the total to 5.6 million players. And with even more excitement around the sport, as well as padel, since then, that number has likely grown further.
The very best of tennis rackets can range in price from under £50 to well over £250, and there’s lots to consider – frame materials, head sizes, weights, string patterns, balance points and grip sizes.
Luckily, fitness writer Zoë Griffin has tested tennis rackets on the court and found that one of the best-performing buys just so happened to be one of the most affordable options. The Babolat Eagle tennis racket comes in at less than £30, is lightweight, forgiving, and perfect for those of us looking to take up the sport. Here’s everything you need to know.
Read more: Best tennis rackets for 2026, tried and tested on the court
Babolat Eagle tennis racket
★★★★☆
What we love: Affordable, lightweight, forgiving, trusted tennis brand.
Take note: Best suited to beginners and occasional players rather than those playing regularly in clubs.
“Taking up tennis doesn't have to mean spending hundreds of pounds on your first racket. At under £30, the Babolat Eagle is an affordable way to get out on court without feeling like you've bought a toy. I found it easy to pick up and play with, particularly during gentle rallies and coaching drills where consistency matters more than outright power.
The 275g aluminium frame is ideal for beginners because it's durable and forgiving. I didn't have to think too much about the racket itself and could concentrate on getting my footwork and timing right instead. As my shots became more confident, I did notice it wasn't quite as responsive as the graphite rackets in this guide, but you wouldn’t notice that if you’re new to the sport.
Babolat has an excellent reputation in tennis, and although this is one of its more affordable models, it still feels well-made. It's not a racket you'll necessarily keep for years, but for someone trying tennis for the first time or playing socially a few times each summer, it offers everything you need at a price that's hard to argue with.”
Reviewed by Zoë Griffin
Buy now £26.99, Amazon.co.uk
Best tennis shoes for men, expert-tested by a coach on all court surfaces
