Making a Racquet in June 2025
A monthly update for the Tennis Yellow lifestyle.
🎾 Welcome to June
Summer is heating up and so is the tennis world—with the Grand Slams in full swing, there’s no shortage of action! Roland Garros is serving up clay-court drama in Paris, and I’m already counting the days until Wimbledon’s crisp whites hit the grass. Whether you’re following the pros, playing a few sets yourself, or just here for the tennis fashion and dirty soda recipes (no judgment!) June’s newsletter has everything you need to stay in the loop, feel inspired, and maybe even find your next tennis treasure. Let’s dive in!
☀️ Let’s talk summer tennis style!
As the temps rise, so does the need for breezy, flattering outfits that can take you from the court to post-match smoothies. I’m loving the current wave of sporty-chic looks that blend performance with polish. Brands like Athleta, Lululemon, and Beyond Yoga are nailing the soft-and-supportive vibe, while Varley and Tuckernuck bring that elevated, prep-meets-play energy that I totally adore. Of course, you can always be certain that designs by Wilson will serve up looks that are as functional as they are fashionable. Whether you’re hitting balls or just channeling some tenniscore energy, summer is the perfect excuse to refresh your athleisure game. Check out my latest tennis looks here:
😎🎾 Fresh Looks for On and Off the Court
Summer is here and it is the season that is all about keeping it sporty, fun, and fresh—on and off the court. Think flirty skorts, breezy tanks, and crisp collars that feel just as cute at brunch as they do mid-match. Bold colors, playful prints, and retro-inspired details are making a comeback (hello, varsity stripes and vintage polos!), and I am totally here for it! Whether you’re grabbing gear from your go-to athletic brands or mixing in unexpected pieces from fashion-forward faves, summer is the perfect time to experiment with your tennis-core wardrobe. The goal? Easy, effortless outfits that keep you cool while looking hot.
Join me on my search to find all of the beautiful and cool tennis finds for home and on the court. Weekly, I publish my highlights of the week.
📚 Spotlight Read: The Life of Tennis Champion Althea Gibson
Althea Gibson’s story is a landmark chapter in both sports and civil rights history. Long before Arthur Ashe made his mark, it was Gibson who shattered tennis’s color barrier, becoming the first Black athlete to compete on the international stage in a sport that had long excluded people of color. Born in South Carolina and raised in Harlem during the Great Depression, Gibson navigated poverty, racism, and limited opportunity with remarkable resolve. In 1950, she became the first Black player to compete at the U.S. National Championships, and by 1956, she won her first Grand Slam title at the French Championships—eventually claiming five major singles titles, including Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.
Though she was often reluctant to take a public stance on racial issues, her very presence at the top of the game demanded attention and quietly challenged the social order. The Life of Tennis Champion Althea Gibson chronicles this journey with nuance and care, highlighting both her triumphs and the struggles she faced in a segregated America.
In a fitting tribute to her legacy, the USTA is honoring Althea Gibson in the official 2025 US Open poster art, celebrating her pioneering contributions to the game and her enduring influence on generations of athletes. Her story is essential reading—not just for tennis fans, but for anyone interested in the intersection of sports, history, and social change.
As a tennis player myself, I enjoyed learning about the importance of cultivating a pre-match routine and how that will help prepare your mind and body, reduce nerves and boost confidence. When playing a match, it is important to maintain focus and stay in the present moment. Avoid dwelling on past mistakes or future outcomes. After your match, that is the time to reflect honestly on your performance. This can help identify areas for growth, but don’t dwell on setbacks. Develop habits of deliberate practice, targeting specific skills like serve consistency, footwork, or rally endurance. I think that a lot of the advice given in this book pertains to success both on and off of the tennis court.
I really like how McCaw stresses the importance of mental toughness. Building a good routine will reinforce positive self-talk, visualization, and stress management. Even under pressure, these mental habits help you stay cool and calm. Prioritizing physical habits such as proper nutrition, rest, and recovery ensures your body is prepared to perform at its best. This is great advice for every area of life.
Ultimately, McCaw asserts that champions are made through daily habits of discipline, focus, and resilience. By consistently applying these principles, tennis players can develop the mental and physical habits necessary to elevate their performance, handle the pressures of competition, and achieve their goals on the court. This was a really great read and very inspiring to find a guide book that really nurtures the inner champion.
Recipe of the Month
Protein Balls
Here is my recipe and a video below if you want to follow along.
Shop for all of the ingredients here:
I hope you are having a ball in the month of April and enjoy some great tennis vibes! It is a great time to be outside for exercise while the spring air is arriving. Now call up a friend or find a wall to hit against and get out there and hit! If you have any questions or want to reach out to me, please drop me a DM at katri@tennisyellow.com
Love all,
Katri
