Tennis Return
@tennisreturn.bsky.social
🎾 30 years off the court.
I’ve started this page to track my return to tennis — from choosing rackets, swapping to contact lenses, fitness, sore legs and rediscovering the joy of play. Profile pic varies.
Come along. Let’s see where this goes.
I’ve started this page to track my return to tennis — from choosing rackets, swapping to contact lenses, fitness, sore legs and rediscovering the joy of play. Profile pic varies.
Come along. Let’s see where this goes.
The lawn tennis season has arrived.
Something special about playing on grass.
#lawntennis #grasscourts
Something special about playing on grass.
#lawntennis #grasscourts
November 25, 2025 at 11:57 PM
The lawn tennis season has arrived.
Something special about playing on grass.
#lawntennis #grasscourts
Something special about playing on grass.
#lawntennis #grasscourts
After a week off because of illness I played tennis tonight.
I fatigued a little quicker than usual but that’s far better than being unwell.
I fatigued a little quicker than usual but that’s far better than being unwell.
November 20, 2025 at 11:18 AM
After a week off because of illness I played tennis tonight.
I fatigued a little quicker than usual but that’s far better than being unwell.
I fatigued a little quicker than usual but that’s far better than being unwell.
Was feeling a bit (a lot) urgh on Friday and Saturday.
Had I overdone the physical activity on Thursday?
Checked my smart watch health app.
Yep, a huge increase in activity.
Can’t say I’m totally used to this,……
Had I overdone the physical activity on Thursday?
Checked my smart watch health app.
Yep, a huge increase in activity.
Can’t say I’m totally used to this,……
November 15, 2025 at 10:14 PM
Was feeling a bit (a lot) urgh on Friday and Saturday.
Had I overdone the physical activity on Thursday?
Checked my smart watch health app.
Yep, a huge increase in activity.
Can’t say I’m totally used to this,……
Had I overdone the physical activity on Thursday?
Checked my smart watch health app.
Yep, a huge increase in activity.
Can’t say I’m totally used to this,……
Reposted by Tennis Return
#Tennis "You crushed my dreams" - Serena Williams blames father Richard for forcing her to pursue tennis over gymnastics in hilarious confession
"You crushed my dreams" - Serena Williams blames father Richard for forcing her to pursue tennis over gymnastics in hilarious confession
Serena Williams shared an entertaining story about how her dream of entering the world of gymnastics was shut down by her father, Richard Williams.
www.sportskeeda.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:48 AM
#Tennis "You crushed my dreams" - Serena Williams blames father Richard for forcing her to pursue tennis over gymnastics in hilarious confession
🎾 Tennis Fuel Plan — 7 PM Match
Timing = performance! Here’s how to eat, sip & recover for max energy, endurance & focus. #TennisFuel #MatchPrep
1/5
1/5
November 13, 2025 at 7:25 AM
🎾 Tennis Fuel Plan — 7 PM Match
Timing = performance! Here’s how to eat, sip & recover for max energy, endurance & focus. #TennisFuel #MatchPrep
1/5
1/5
New strings for the racket. Haven’t tested yet.
My brief to my pro-stringer: wanted a little more spin and more comfort.
These are Yonex poly tour rev @
1.25
Test in the morning - a social comp tomorrow night.
#tennisreturn #tennisstrings
My brief to my pro-stringer: wanted a little more spin and more comfort.
These are Yonex poly tour rev @
1.25
Test in the morning - a social comp tomorrow night.
#tennisreturn #tennisstrings
November 12, 2025 at 7:29 AM
New strings for the racket. Haven’t tested yet.
My brief to my pro-stringer: wanted a little more spin and more comfort.
These are Yonex poly tour rev @
1.25
Test in the morning - a social comp tomorrow night.
#tennisreturn #tennisstrings
My brief to my pro-stringer: wanted a little more spin and more comfort.
These are Yonex poly tour rev @
1.25
Test in the morning - a social comp tomorrow night.
#tennisreturn #tennisstrings
Today could be termed as a recovery day where I’m normally sore and a little bit difficult to get going.
But after discovering if I take branch chain amino acids an hour prior to my tennis sessions, it makes a world of difference the next day. It’s a handy know.
#TennisReturn #bcaa #recovery
But after discovering if I take branch chain amino acids an hour prior to my tennis sessions, it makes a world of difference the next day. It’s a handy know.
#TennisReturn #bcaa #recovery
November 11, 2025 at 8:02 AM
Today could be termed as a recovery day where I’m normally sore and a little bit difficult to get going.
But after discovering if I take branch chain amino acids an hour prior to my tennis sessions, it makes a world of difference the next day. It’s a handy know.
#TennisReturn #bcaa #recovery
But after discovering if I take branch chain amino acids an hour prior to my tennis sessions, it makes a world of difference the next day. It’s a handy know.
#TennisReturn #bcaa #recovery
Post-coaching realization: I was drenched in sweat 💦!
So good to push hard before my body says "No."
This level of perspiration is proof my fitness is improving and I'm putting in the work.
Soreness tomorrow is a win! 🎾 #TennisReturn #FitnessGoals #muststretch #bcaa #protein #carbs #bananas
So good to push hard before my body says "No."
This level of perspiration is proof my fitness is improving and I'm putting in the work.
Soreness tomorrow is a win! 🎾 #TennisReturn #FitnessGoals #muststretch #bcaa #protein #carbs #bananas
November 10, 2025 at 8:08 AM
Post-coaching realization: I was drenched in sweat 💦!
So good to push hard before my body says "No."
This level of perspiration is proof my fitness is improving and I'm putting in the work.
Soreness tomorrow is a win! 🎾 #TennisReturn #FitnessGoals #muststretch #bcaa #protein #carbs #bananas
So good to push hard before my body says "No."
This level of perspiration is proof my fitness is improving and I'm putting in the work.
Soreness tomorrow is a win! 🎾 #TennisReturn #FitnessGoals #muststretch #bcaa #protein #carbs #bananas
Time for a restring.
Dropping the tension by 2 lbs and going for a more ‘spin friendly’ string.
I’ll find out soon enough.
Dropping the tension by 2 lbs and going for a more ‘spin friendly’ string.
I’ll find out soon enough.
November 10, 2025 at 2:20 AM
Time for a restring.
Dropping the tension by 2 lbs and going for a more ‘spin friendly’ string.
I’ll find out soon enough.
Dropping the tension by 2 lbs and going for a more ‘spin friendly’ string.
I’ll find out soon enough.
Another coaching session today. Windy again.
Coach said I was improving -win.
First time I demonstrated my serve, and without working on it, she said my serve was ‘alright’ but to concentrate on one serve rather than the many that I do.
p.s. My serve has always been a strong part of my game.
Coach said I was improving -win.
First time I demonstrated my serve, and without working on it, she said my serve was ‘alright’ but to concentrate on one serve rather than the many that I do.
p.s. My serve has always been a strong part of my game.
November 10, 2025 at 2:19 AM
Another coaching session today. Windy again.
Coach said I was improving -win.
First time I demonstrated my serve, and without working on it, she said my serve was ‘alright’ but to concentrate on one serve rather than the many that I do.
p.s. My serve has always been a strong part of my game.
Coach said I was improving -win.
First time I demonstrated my serve, and without working on it, she said my serve was ‘alright’ but to concentrate on one serve rather than the many that I do.
p.s. My serve has always been a strong part of my game.
After all this time away from the game, I can’t expect every stroke that I play to be as good as it was 30 years ago.
To alleviate this, I thought a few lessons would be handy as my topspin forehand had somehow forgotten itself to history. 1/3
To alleviate this, I thought a few lessons would be handy as my topspin forehand had somehow forgotten itself to history. 1/3
November 9, 2025 at 7:21 AM
After all this time away from the game, I can’t expect every stroke that I play to be as good as it was 30 years ago.
To alleviate this, I thought a few lessons would be handy as my topspin forehand had somehow forgotten itself to history. 1/3
To alleviate this, I thought a few lessons would be handy as my topspin forehand had somehow forgotten itself to history. 1/3
Tennis Contact Lenses 8
Combining the vision trials, my rusty movement, and poor fitness meant the first two months back were tough! Glad I stuck with it—the fourth script is finally working quite well.
Combining the vision trials, my rusty movement, and poor fitness meant the first two months back were tough! Glad I stuck with it—the fourth script is finally working quite well.
November 8, 2025 at 8:02 AM
Tennis Contact Lenses 8
Combining the vision trials, my rusty movement, and poor fitness meant the first two months back were tough! Glad I stuck with it—the fourth script is finally working quite well.
Combining the vision trials, my rusty movement, and poor fitness meant the first two months back were tough! Glad I stuck with it—the fourth script is finally working quite well.
Tennis Contact Lenses 7
I persevered through many frustrating moments! I'm now on my fourth script. The fit is much better, and I have a new method for fitting them that takes no time at all.
I persevered through many frustrating moments! I'm now on my fourth script. The fit is much better, and I have a new method for fitting them that takes no time at all.
November 8, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Tennis Contact Lenses 7
I persevered through many frustrating moments! I'm now on my fourth script. The fit is much better, and I have a new method for fitting them that takes no time at all.
I persevered through many frustrating moments! I'm now on my fourth script. The fit is much better, and I have a new method for fitting them that takes no time at all.
Tennis Contact Lenses 6
My first lenses didn't fit my eye well; they moved when I blinked. This meant I was missing simple, easy balls. Combining this with poor fitness was a real challenge.
My first lenses didn't fit my eye well; they moved when I blinked. This meant I was missing simple, easy balls. Combining this with poor fitness was a real challenge.
November 8, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Tennis Contact Lenses 6
My first lenses didn't fit my eye well; they moved when I blinked. This meant I was missing simple, easy balls. Combining this with poor fitness was a real challenge.
My first lenses didn't fit my eye well; they moved when I blinked. This meant I was missing simple, easy balls. Combining this with poor fitness was a real challenge.
Tennis Contact Lenses 5
My first prescription was a "wait-and-see" situation. My brain needed time to adapt. Sometimes my vision was perfect, sometimes blurry. Consistency was lacking at the start.
My first prescription was a "wait-and-see" situation. My brain needed time to adapt. Sometimes my vision was perfect, sometimes blurry. Consistency was lacking at the start.
November 8, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Tennis Contact Lenses 5
My first prescription was a "wait-and-see" situation. My brain needed time to adapt. Sometimes my vision was perfect, sometimes blurry. Consistency was lacking at the start.
My first prescription was a "wait-and-see" situation. My brain needed time to adapt. Sometimes my vision was perfect, sometimes blurry. Consistency was lacking at the start.
Tennis Contact Lenses 4
I was given daily disposable contacts as trial. Learning to fit them was an absolute skill! I almost gave up in frustration with how many times I failed to get them in right. So frustrating!
I was given daily disposable contacts as trial. Learning to fit them was an absolute skill! I almost gave up in frustration with how many times I failed to get them in right. So frustrating!
November 8, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Tennis Contact Lenses 4
I was given daily disposable contacts as trial. Learning to fit them was an absolute skill! I almost gave up in frustration with how many times I failed to get them in right. So frustrating!
I was given daily disposable contacts as trial. Learning to fit them was an absolute skill! I almost gave up in frustration with how many times I failed to get them in right. So frustrating!
Tennis Contact Lenses 3
Playing serious tennis with glasses was a definite No. The solution? Multifocal contact lenses. The science behind how your brain adapts (Neuro-adaptation) to them is fascinating!
Playing serious tennis with glasses was a definite No. The solution? Multifocal contact lenses. The science behind how your brain adapts (Neuro-adaptation) to them is fascinating!
November 8, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Tennis Contact Lenses 3
Playing serious tennis with glasses was a definite No. The solution? Multifocal contact lenses. The science behind how your brain adapts (Neuro-adaptation) to them is fascinating!
Playing serious tennis with glasses was a definite No. The solution? Multifocal contact lenses. The science behind how your brain adapts (Neuro-adaptation) to them is fascinating!
Tennis Contact Lenses 2
As a former professional advertising photographer, I know what good vision looks like. When I returned to tennis, I quickly realized: I wasn't seeing the ball clearly anymore.
As a former professional advertising photographer, I know what good vision looks like. When I returned to tennis, I quickly realized: I wasn't seeing the ball clearly anymore.
November 8, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Tennis Contact Lenses 2
As a former professional advertising photographer, I know what good vision looks like. When I returned to tennis, I quickly realized: I wasn't seeing the ball clearly anymore.
As a former professional advertising photographer, I know what good vision looks like. When I returned to tennis, I quickly realized: I wasn't seeing the ball clearly anymore.
Tennis Contact Lenses 1
Many of us reach a stage where we need glasses (or live in denial!). I've used bifocal reading glasses for 15 years, which help me focus up close. #TennisReturn
Many of us reach a stage where we need glasses (or live in denial!). I've used bifocal reading glasses for 15 years, which help me focus up close. #TennisReturn
November 8, 2025 at 7:59 AM
Tennis Contact Lenses 1
Many of us reach a stage where we need glasses (or live in denial!). I've used bifocal reading glasses for 15 years, which help me focus up close. #TennisReturn
Many of us reach a stage where we need glasses (or live in denial!). I've used bifocal reading glasses for 15 years, which help me focus up close. #TennisReturn
Racket 11
I therefore purchased the Babolat Pure Strike 16 x 20 with the largest grip available to suit my hands with an over-grip. I let the pro-shop choose the strings and over-grip color.
Here it is:
I therefore purchased the Babolat Pure Strike 16 x 20 with the largest grip available to suit my hands with an over-grip. I let the pro-shop choose the strings and over-grip color.
Here it is:
November 8, 2025 at 4:55 AM
Racket 11
I therefore purchased the Babolat Pure Strike 16 x 20 with the largest grip available to suit my hands with an over-grip. I let the pro-shop choose the strings and over-grip color.
Here it is:
I therefore purchased the Babolat Pure Strike 16 x 20 with the largest grip available to suit my hands with an over-grip. I let the pro-shop choose the strings and over-grip color.
Here it is:
Racket 9
I was torn between a power racket (16x19 string pattern) and a traditional control racket (18x20). It was a huge decision for me - this lasting impact on playability.
The young guy at the pro shop said to try this, it’s a little bit between the two
It was the Babolat Pure Strike 16 x 20.
I was torn between a power racket (16x19 string pattern) and a traditional control racket (18x20). It was a huge decision for me - this lasting impact on playability.
The young guy at the pro shop said to try this, it’s a little bit between the two
It was the Babolat Pure Strike 16 x 20.
November 8, 2025 at 4:53 AM
Racket 9
I was torn between a power racket (16x19 string pattern) and a traditional control racket (18x20). It was a huge decision for me - this lasting impact on playability.
The young guy at the pro shop said to try this, it’s a little bit between the two
It was the Babolat Pure Strike 16 x 20.
I was torn between a power racket (16x19 string pattern) and a traditional control racket (18x20). It was a huge decision for me - this lasting impact on playability.
The young guy at the pro shop said to try this, it’s a little bit between the two
It was the Babolat Pure Strike 16 x 20.
Racket 8
I won't name the brands I tried and rejected. Racket choice is personal, and another player might find those options perfect for their own game. Keep the focus on my needs here. Must say, that Yonex Ezone, in blue, is rather stunning, indeed.
I won't name the brands I tried and rejected. Racket choice is personal, and another player might find those options perfect for their own game. Keep the focus on my needs here. Must say, that Yonex Ezone, in blue, is rather stunning, indeed.
November 8, 2025 at 4:49 AM
Racket 8
I won't name the brands I tried and rejected. Racket choice is personal, and another player might find those options perfect for their own game. Keep the focus on my needs here. Must say, that Yonex Ezone, in blue, is rather stunning, indeed.
I won't name the brands I tried and rejected. Racket choice is personal, and another player might find those options perfect for their own game. Keep the focus on my needs here. Must say, that Yonex Ezone, in blue, is rather stunning, indeed.
Racket 7
Ultimately, I needed a control-focused racket with good spin ‘potential’. I've never lacked pace, so placement and control were the absolute key requirements for my game.
Ultimately, I needed a control-focused racket with good spin ‘potential’. I've never lacked pace, so placement and control were the absolute key requirements for my game.
November 8, 2025 at 4:47 AM
Racket 7
Ultimately, I needed a control-focused racket with good spin ‘potential’. I've never lacked pace, so placement and control were the absolute key requirements for my game.
Ultimately, I needed a control-focused racket with good spin ‘potential’. I've never lacked pace, so placement and control were the absolute key requirements for my game.
I have more posts on different tennis topics to come after this ‘rackets’ one.
November 8, 2025 at 4:45 AM
I have more posts on different tennis topics to come after this ‘rackets’ one.
Racket 6
My former rackets (2) were stiff Mizuno carbon frame, strung light and soft for control and spin, but risky for breaking strings. Strung at 2 pounds difference between the two. Now, with modern tech, I was looking for a modern equivalent, but only one racket at this stage.
My former rackets (2) were stiff Mizuno carbon frame, strung light and soft for control and spin, but risky for breaking strings. Strung at 2 pounds difference between the two. Now, with modern tech, I was looking for a modern equivalent, but only one racket at this stage.
November 8, 2025 at 4:44 AM
Racket 6
My former rackets (2) were stiff Mizuno carbon frame, strung light and soft for control and spin, but risky for breaking strings. Strung at 2 pounds difference between the two. Now, with modern tech, I was looking for a modern equivalent, but only one racket at this stage.
My former rackets (2) were stiff Mizuno carbon frame, strung light and soft for control and spin, but risky for breaking strings. Strung at 2 pounds difference between the two. Now, with modern tech, I was looking for a modern equivalent, but only one racket at this stage.