52 Common Tennis Injuries Every Player Should Know: An American Sports Medicine Expert Explains Prevention, Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery

Here are the most common injuries in tennis, ranging from recreational players to ATP and WTA professionals.

Upper Body Injuries

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Pain on the outside of the elbow
Caused by repetitive backhands and gripping the racket
Most common overuse injury in tennis

Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Pain on the inside of the elbow
Often linked to serves and topspin forehands

Rotator Cuff Injury

Shoulder pain and weakness
Common from repeated serving and overhead shots

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Pinching of shoulder tendons
Frequent in players with high serve volume

Labral Tear (SLAP Tear)

Injury to the cartilage around the shoulder socket
Can occur after years of powerful serving

Biceps Tendinitis

Pain in the front of the shoulder
Common in overhead athletes

Wrist Tendinitis

Pain during topspin strokes
Frequently affects modern forehand players

TFCC Injury (Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tear)

Pain on the little-finger side of the wrist
Often caused by extreme wrist motion

Hand Blisters

Common during tournaments and hot weather

Finger Sprains

Usually from falls or awkward racket contact

Lower Body Injuries

Ankle Sprain

One of the most common acute tennis injuries
Happens during quick direction changes

Achilles Tendinitis

Pain behind the ankle
Develops from repeated sprinting

Achilles Tendon Rupture

Serious injury requiring surgery in many cases

Calf Muscle Strain

Common during explosive movement

Hamstring Strain

Occurs during sprinting or lunging

Quadriceps Strain

Front thigh muscle injury

Hip Flexor Strain

Pain during serving and running

Hip Labral Tear

Common among elite players with years of high-level movement

Groin Strain

Often caused by lateral movement

Adductor Muscle Injury

Pain on the inner thigh

Knee Injuries

Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper's Knee)

Pain below the kneecap
Frequent among aggressive movers

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Pain around the kneecap

Meniscus Tear

Twisting injury
May require surgery

ACL Tear

Serious ligament injury
Can end a season

MCL Sprain

Injury to the inside of the knee

IT Band Syndrome

Pain on the outside of the knee

Foot Injuries

Plantar Fasciitis

Heel pain, especially in the morning

Stress Fracture of the Foot

Often develops gradually from overuse

Metatarsal Stress Fracture

Common in players with high training loads

Toe Sprain ("Turf Toe")

Injury to the big toe joint

Spine and Core Injuries

Lower Back Strain

The most common spinal injury in tennis

Lumbar Disc Herniation

Can cause leg pain and numbness

Spondylolysis

Stress fracture in the lower spine
Common in junior players

Abdominal Muscle Strain

Often occurs during serving

Oblique Muscle Strain

Side abdominal injury
Common among professionals

Muscle and Tendon Injuries

Muscle Cramps

Often due to dehydration or fatigue

Muscle Tears

Can affect nearly any muscle group

Tendon Tears

More common with age and repetitive use

Muscle Fatigue Syndrome

Reduced performance from accumulated workload

Overuse Injuries

Stress Fractures

Develop from repetitive impact

Chronic Tendinitis

Long-term tendon inflammation

Tendinosis

Degeneration of tendon tissue

Bursitis

Inflammation of fluid-filled sacs around joints

Skin and Nail Injuries

Blisters

Feet and hands

Toenail Bruising

Caused by repeated stopping and starting

Ingrown Toenails

Common with tight tennis shoes

Heat-Related Conditions

Heat Exhaustion

Dizziness, heavy sweating, fatigue

Heat Stroke

Medical emergency requiring immediate treatment

Dehydration

Reduces performance and increases injury risk

Eye and Facial Injuries

Eye Injury from Tennis Ball

Rare but potentially serious

Facial Cuts and Bruises

Usually from racket or ball impact

52. Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Most Common Tennis Injuries (Top 10)

Tennis Elbow
Rotator Cuff Injury
Lower Back Strain
Ankle Sprain
Wrist Tendinitis
Patellar Tendinitis
Hamstring Strain
Calf Strain
Achilles Tendinitis
Plantar Fasciitis

These injuries account for a large proportion of tennis-related medical issues, especially among competitive and recreational players. Many can be reduced through proper warm-ups, strength training, appropriate equipment, adequate recovery, and sound stroke mechanics.

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes and does not diagnose or treat an individual injury. Tennis players with persistent, severe, worsening, or function-limiting symptoms should seek evaluation from a qualified healthcare professional. Emergency symptoms require immediate medical attention.