5 New Year's Resolutions for Tennis Players in 2026

It’s hard to believe we’re already in the final two weeks of 2025. As the holidays approach and the year comes to a close, many of us at Cliff Drysdale Tennis and PBI Tennis are looking ahead to the New Year and the possibilities it brings, including opportunities for growth, fresh starts, and new pursuits. That reflection naturally led us to think about New Year’s resolutions for tennis players, both the players we coach and those of us who still hit the court in our free time.

Take a look at the five resolutions we’re recommending – and prioritizing – as we head into 2026.

Try a New Racquet Sport

The racquets landscape has been evolving for years, and we’ve seen it firsthand at many of our CDT and PBI properties, as well as in the communities we call home. As tennis diehards, we’ll be the first to admit that swapping a racquet for a pickleball paddle, or stepping inside the glass walls of a padel court, initially felt a bit sacrilegious. But once we took that leap, we discovered an overwhelming amount of positivity: the joy of learning a new sport, the confidence that comes from picking it up quickly thanks to years of tennis experience, and a renewed enthusiasm for tennis, the sport that started it all.

If you have the opportunity to step onto a new court in 2026, we can’t promise it will be love at first sight, but we can promise you won’t regret trying a new physical activity that connects you with even more racquet sports enthusiasts in your community.

Travel Somewhere New (Preferably With Tennis Courts)

2025 has brought notable shifts within the running community, as new apps and technology have made it easier than ever to connect with running groups and friends around the world. As interest in running continues to grow, so does the appeal of signing up for 5Ks and marathons in scenic destinations near and far—creating opportunities to travel while staying active.

That same mindset inspired our second resolution: to travel somewhere new in 2026, preferably with tennis courts. Exploring new sights, sounds, and cultures is always worthwhile, but we’re specifically encouraging you to choose destinations where you can play while you travel. Trust us, there’s nothing quite like engaging in the sport you love against the backdrop of a luxurious resort or an idyllic landscape. If you need guidance, our Travel Concierge is available to help you find the perfect next destination for your game.

Test New Off-Court Strategies for Performance

From cryotherapy and infrared saunas to athletic massage and guided stretch sessions, the wellness industry is full of tools designed to elevate your health in the New Year. That said, not every off-court investment requires a high price tag or professional oversight. Many of the habits our team is prioritizing are completely free and deliver meaningful benefits to our game, including aiming for 8,000–10,000 steps per day, stretching before and after workouts, and incorporating strength training to stay strong and injury-free on the court.

Whether you choose complimentary habits, professional treatments, or a thoughtful mix of both, investing in your health will only enhance your on-court performance and help you enjoy the sport you love for years to come.

Play With Someone New

You might assume our recommendation is simply to play with someone new to sharpen your skills, expose yourself to different styles of play, and strengthen your mental game for your next match—and you’d be half right. We also encourage you to invite a friend or family member who has never played before to join you at your next hitting session or mixer. We’re firm believers in the sense of community tennis fosters, and 2026 is the perfect time to build new friendships and deepen existing relationships on the court. Before long, they may be the hitting partner helping you prepare for your next match—or even competing right alongside you.

Pick One Skill to Improve on This Year

Tennis is a highly technical game that takes years to master, much less perfect. While we all share a passion for the game, it’s easy to grow frustrated over time—especially if you feel like you’re not improving, losing matches you think you should win, or competing below your potential.

As we head into a new year, we recommend setting a goal to improve ONE skill in your tennis game this year. Make it something measurable and realistic, like bumping up your USTA rating, attending more than three clinics per month, or improving your first serve percentage. Having one clear focus gives your training direction, and from our experience, confidence is contagious. When one part of your game starts clicking, the rest often improves too. By the end of 2026, you may be surprised at how much your on-court abilities have grown.