Tennis is one of the world’s most popular racket sports, played by millions across the globe, writes MatchPoint Competitions writer Joshua Foster.
Whether it’s on grass, clay, or hard courts, the aim is simple: hit the ball over the net into your opponent’s court in a way they can’t return it.
Played as singles (one-on-one) or doubles (two-on-two), tennis combines physical skill, strategy, and endurance, making it a sport for life.
Every point begins with a serve.
If the ball hits the net but still lands in the correct service box, it’s called a let serve, and the serve is replayed.
Tennis uses a traditional point-based scoring system:
If the score reaches 40–40, it’s called deuce. From deuce, a player must win two consecutive points, one to gain advantage, and one to win the game.
A set is won by the first player to win 6 games (with a 2-game lead). If the score reaches 6–6, a tiebreak is usually played to 7 points. A Match is typically best of 3 sets (women) or 5 sets (men in major tournaments).
In doubles, the server serves from behind the right-hand court and must hit diagonally to the opponent’s correct service box.
Once the serve is successful, the rally begins. Players can hit:
The ball must land inside the lines of the opponent’s court. A shot landing on the line is considered in.
You may also like: WIN the HEAD Speed MP Legend 2025 Racket + HEAD Tour Tennis Balls
You win a point when your opponent:
A fault occurs if:
Two consecutive faults = double fault, and the opponent wins the point.
Mastering these small details helps your game feel professional and fair
Read next: WIN 5 Hours of professional tennis coaching designed by Jamie Murray
By Jack Reece – October 22nd, 2025
Draw closes 1 November 2025, 5:30pm
Quick Highlights
What’s the prize?
Enter our latest tennis prize draw to win the HEAD Speed MP Legend 2025. a limited edition tennis racket inspired by Novak Djokovic, plus 144 HEAD Tour balls.
Paired with a full case of 12 dozen (144) HEAD Tour Tennis Balls, this bundle delivers elite-level performance, whether you’re competing or training, and as a result, gives players everything they need straight out of the box.
Why the HEAD Speed MP Legend 2025 racket stands out
The Speed MP Legend is finished in black gloss with gold detailing, designed to reflect the elegance and precision of Novak Djokovic.
Inspired by Djokovic’s golden moments on court, this is a limited-edition frame that blends performance with exclusivity.
What makes it different?
The Speed MP Legend uses Hy-Bor, a high-tech aerospace material, in the shaft to increase stability and produce a solid, consistent feel.
The result is a racket that combines the precision of a tour frame with the comfort and responsiveness that club players need.
The gold branding and Djokovic’s logo give this model its signature look – elegant, modern and unmistakably premium.
Why include 144 HEAD Tour balls?
This bundle also includes a full case (12 dozen) of HEAD’s flagship tennis balls.
Whether you train regularly or run your own sessions, this is a prize designed for serious court time.
Who is this for?
Why enter this competition?
How to enter
When does the draw close?
Entries close on 1 November 2025 at 5:30pm.
When the timer hits zero, the draw will be locked and one name will be selected.
Why this prize matters
This is more than just a racket. It has a Djokovic-inspired design, forged carbon engineering, and the flagship ball trusted by top players.
A true match-level setup for those who want to play at their best.
18+ only. Please play responsibly.
Operated by Match Point Competitions – the UK’s home of padel, tennis and pickleball prize draws.
Read next: How we choose our prizes: Premium racket sport competitions in the UK
By Matchpoint writer Jack Reece – October 16th, 2025
Draw closes 1 November 2025, 5:30 pm
The winner will receive a five-hour group coaching experience at one of the UK’s top indoor tennis venues.
This isn’t a standard coaching session, it’s a full clinic built to sharpen doubles play, crafted by Grand Slam legend Jamie Murray.
This exclusive experience is ideal for club-level players who want to take their tactical understanding and skills to the next level.
Jamie Murray is one of Britain’s most accomplished doubles players.
Known for his tactical intelligence and quick reactions on court, Jamie has built a doubles training programme used by top instructors across the country.
We’ve partnered with David Lloyd Leisure and other prestigious clubs to host these sessions. All clinics take place indoors to guarantee perfect playing conditions, rain or shine.
This isn’t about standing in line hitting balls. It’s structured, fast-paced, and focused on real match play tactics.
You’ll work on spacing, timing, returns, formations, and positioning, everything that turns good doubles players into great ones.
After the session, you’ll receive a digital takeaway pack with the key points covered, so you can keep improving long after the clinic ends.
You may also like: How Match Point Competitions works: The simple guide
These tennis clinics are designed for adult club level doubles players, with sessions matched to ability. If your level sits slightly outside our usual range, we can help arrange a suitable alternative.
Entries close on 1 November 2025 at 5:30pm. When the timer hits zero, the draw is locked and one winner will secure this Jamie Murray tennis coaching experience.
This is a rare chance to learn from one of Britain’s most successful doubles players, in a professional, structured environment, built for real improvement.
Serious coaching. Real tactics. Top venues.
ENTER THE COMPETITION NOW
18+ only. Please play responsibly.
Operated by Match Point Competitions, the UK’s home of padel, tennis and pickleball prize draws.
Read next: Padel bundle: WIN the Coello 2025 HEAD bundle. Play like a pro for just 95p
Match balls included: Step onto court ready to play.
This is the first prize on Match Point Competitions, and it’s a serious bundle.
Alongside it, you’ll get a Pro X L bag and three tubes of balls, everything you need in one prize.
This is the same model Coello plays with.
The HEAD Pro X L Padel Racket Bag isn’t just somewhere to store your gear.
We want the winner to be ready from day one. That’s why the prize includes three tubes of HEAD Padel Balls, no add-ons, no extra cost. Just get on court and play.
Entries close on 1 November 2025 at 5:30pm.
18+ only. Please play responsibly.
Operated by Match Point Competitions — the UK’s home of padel, tennis and pickleball prize draws.
Racket sports like tennis, padel, squash, badminton and pickleball are more than just fun activities; they are powerful tools for improving both mental health and physical fitness.
Whether you’re a beginner picking up a padel bat for the first time or a seasoned tennis player, the benefits extend far beyond the court for all walks of life.
Here MatchPoint Competitions writer Joshua Foster looks further into the benefits of playing racket sports.
Playing racket sports is a full-body workout. Quick sprints, lateral movements, and powerful swings build cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, agility, and coordination.
Unlike repetitive gym routines, the fast-paced and varied movements in sports like tennis and padel keep workouts engaging while burning calories effectively.
Racket sports are proven to release endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals.
The combination of exercise and social interaction lowers stress levels, reduces anxiety, and improves overall mood.
Concentrating on the game also provides a mental break from daily worries, promoting mindfulness and presence.
These sports require quick decision-making, strategy, and hand-eye coordination, which stimulate the brain and improve cognitive skills.
Regularly engaging in activities like padel or pickleball has been linked to better memory, sharper focus, and even reduced risk of cognitive decline with age.
You may also like: Tennis vs padel vs pickleball: What’s the difference between the sports?
Most racket sports are either doubles-based or played in a community setting.
Joining a club or group creates opportunities for social bonding, combating feelings of loneliness or isolation.
A strong support network is a key factor in maintaining long-term mental well-being.
Learning new skills, improving performance, and competing, whether casually or seriously, builds self-confidence and mental resilience.
Overcoming challenges on the court often translates into greater determination and problem-solving ability in everyday life.
For older adults, racket sports provide a safe and enjoyable way to stay active.
They improve balance, flexibility, and reaction time, helping to prevent injuries while keeping the mind sharp and engaged.
From boosting cardiovascular fitness to enhancing emotional well-being, racket sports deliver the whole health package.
A combination of physical activity, mental stimulation, and social connection, sports like tennis, padel, and pickleball are powerful allies for a healthier body and a happier mind.
Read next: Injury risks in padel: What players need to know
Tennis, padel and pickleball are all enjoying surges in popularity across the globe
But what are the main differences between the three sports? MatchPoint Competitions writer Joshua Foster takes a look here…
Players play tennis on a larger court (23.77m x 8.23m for singles) with different surfaces such as clay, grass, or hard courts.
In padel, players use a smaller, enclosed court (20m x 10m) surrounded by glass and mesh walls, which allows the ball to bounce back and create dynamic rallies.
Pickleball uses the smallest court (13.41m x 6.10m), similar in size to badminton, with a low net and no walls.
You may also like this: Soccer legend Diego Maradona’s passion for padel one of his best-kept secrets
Tennis players use strung rackets and pressurized balls. Power and spin play a big role in the ability to play the game, as well as physical conditioning.
Padel players use solid, perforated, stringless rackets made mostly from carbon fibre, and the balls have slightly lower pressure than standard tennis balls.
Pickleball involves a paddle similar to a large table tennis bat with a perforated plastic ball called a wiffle, which makes the game much slower and more tactical.
Tennis emphasizes speed, athleticism, and endurance, with long baseline rallies and strong serves playing a role in the level of your ability.
Padel blends tennis and squash. Walls extend rallies, encouraging strategy, teamwork and clever shot placement and the ability to predict bounces from the glass and cage walls.
The “kitchen” (non-volley zone) rules encourage dinks, drop shots, and precision over brute force.
Tennis can be physically demanding and has a steeper learning curve, with many people taking years to perfect the art of playing.
Padel is easier for beginners since rallies last longer and power is less important. Many courts are available to the public, making it easier to start.
Pickleball is considered the most beginner-friendly, popular among all ages, especially seniors, with physical conditions not affecting people’s ability to play at a social level.
When comparing Tennis vs padel vs pickleball, the right choice depends on your goals.
So what do you choose?
Read next : TV personality Kem Cetinay takes on 24-hour padel challenge for charity
Premium rackets/paddles, elite coaching and sporting holidays are often priced out of reach. A £180 padel racket, a five-hour tennis clinic, or a pro level pickleball bundle – these aren’t everyday purchases for most UK players.
That’s why we built Match Point Competitions: to give every player a fair chance at the best prizes in padel, tennis and pickleball.
Head is one of the most respected names in racket sports. In padel, their rackets are trusted by Arturo Coello, current world number one and one of the most dominant players in the sport.
Our first padel prize is the HEAD Coello Team Padel Racket 2025 + HEAD Pro X L Padel Racket Bag + 3 Tubes of Head Balls
The featured Head Padel Competition retails at over £250+. For many players, that price tag makes it untouchable.
Our competition changes that, giving you the chance to play with the same equipment used at the very top of the game.
(Learn more about Head Padel: Head Official Site)
Our launch tennis prize is a five-hour doubles coaching clinic designed by Jamie Murray, a seven-time Grand Slam doubles champion and Davis Cup winner.
Run in partnership with Active Away, this clinic gives you access to training methods created by one of Britain’s most successful players.
For winners, it’s more than technique. It’s fitness, confidence and insight into what it takes to compete at the highest level.
READ MORE: How Match Point Competitions works: The simple guide
Pickleball is booming, and Diadem is one of the fastest-growing brands shaping its future.
Known for high performance paddles and innovative design, Diadem is already making waves across courts worldwide.
With our Diadem Pickleball Competition, UK players can now get their hands on this premium piece of equipment that’s normally hard to find outside of the US.
We don’t pick random products. Every prize at Match Point Competitions is chosen because it brings real value to racket sport players.
Our prizes are designed to:
READ NEXT: Match Point Competitions: Changing the game for racket sport players
Justine Henin is a legendary figure in tennis, one of the game’s true icons.
A former Belgian world No. 1 ranked for 117 weeks, she amassed seven Grand Slam titles (four French
Opens, two US Opens, one Australian Open), an Olympic gold medal, and became a symbol
of mental fortitude and technical elegance.
Today, she is a sought-after Tennis speaker, sharing her remarkable journey and lessons
from the world’s grandest courts with audiences everywhere.
Whether mentoring academy students, guiding professionals, or inspiring organisations, Justine brings the same deliberation and passion that defined her career.
In this exclusive interview with The Champions Speakers Agency, Justine opens up about her unwavering belief in dreams, the power of mental resilience, and what it takes to support the champions of tomorrow.
Justine Henin: “It is very important to me, and we can see in the time that we live right now
with this sanitary crisis that sport can have a big influence in a lot of people’s lives. It’s not
everything, and not everyone has to do sports to be happy or to be in balance, you know.
“But our philosophy is not only the high level, the top level, you know, because we know
champions – you don’t have so many champions.
“You have different kinds of goals and different kinds of stages. You can become professional, sometimes you want to become the best, and not everyone can become the most and not everyone can become professional, of course, in sport.
“Our philosophy is to guide the student and the player into his or her project, always to stay realistic but to make sure that we can contribute to the development of the player and the human being.
“It’s very important for us because we believe that sport can give a lot of things in life and bring a lot of balance, and the values that most of the time are in sport. I really defend that a lot because I think you learn – it’s an amazing school of life.
“I stopped school when I was 16. I wouldn’t say that to my kids, or to the students of theacademy of course.
“It’s very good to combine because you need that security, and of course today a lot of things have to change. You can imagine your school differently than in the past, and certainly in this time right now.
“But I stopped school when I was 16, and I was a good student. But yeah, travelling for tennis, it’s been an amazing experience, and how many things I learned about myself: to be responsible, to be able to count on myself, and not finding excuses.
“In an individual sport it’s very strong – you have to face yourself.
“So, we try to work on that and many other things of course, but to become responsible adults – that’s the goal for everyone. Yes, it’s important to send messages, even if it’s small and we can’t make the difference, but we try to bring something more, to build the experience of the athletes.”
READ MORE: How Match Point Competitions works: The simple guide
Justine Henin: “When you have the chance to find a guide, as a coach or different kinds of people around you to help you in this journey, you’re very lucky. It’s been my case. I’ve always had the feeling I was in a good environment.
“There is probably a little bit of chance, but also, it’s a question of trusting the process. For me it was really important: if I go into this, I give my confidence and I trust what I put in place.
“Sometimes you have to question yourself and change or adjust things, but to trust the process is really important.
“To stay calm… I am not really calm inside. Now I’m calmer than I was in the past. My natural state is really to be anxious, but I could control that a lot during my career.
“Of course, the stress is there, the pressure is there.
“If you want to have no pressure in your life, you don’t choose sport at high level because the pressure is going to be all the time.
“You play a match and, as a competitor, you want to win, of course – and you don’t know what’s going to happen. You have to accept it.
“I was using a lot of visualisations. It was really a strong tool that I was using before matches, but not only before matches – even sometimes during long training periods.
“I used it to project myself on positive things. When I was nervous, I thought it’s normal, I’m nervous, I feel it, so I need to think it’s normal, because it is. That’s the first thing: to accept it. Then I deal with it.
“I really tried to visualise before every match only positive thing. I was scared, but while I was trying to visualise, you know – a winner in forehand or a serve-and-volley – I was seeing myself being really aggressive in my game.
“I imagined I was winning the match, even saying thank you to the umpire, to the crowd, to everyone, as the winner. I was really putting myself in something positive in my mind.
“It’s not that the stress wasn’t there anymore – it’s just that I had less energy to give to my fears. I was focused on something positive, and this is how I tried to control the fact that I was nervous.
“It was really something powerful for me during my whole career.”
This exclusive interview with Justine Henin was conducted by Chris Tompkins of The Motivational Speakers Agency.
READ NEXT: Match Point Competitions: Changing the game for racket sport players
In racket sports, the best equipment, dream trips, and pro level coaching often feel reserved for the few who can afford them.
I want to change that.
My name’s Jack Reece, and I started Match Point Competitions to give every player, from leisurely park play to serious competitors, a real shot at the prizes we all dream about.
I have stood in pro shops staring at a £250 racket, wondering if it would actually make me a better player… but knowing I couldn’t justify it.
I have watched friends miss out on once in a lifetime coaching sessions because of the price tag and seen luxury padel holidays that cost as much as a car, trips most of us can only daydream about.
For me, that never sat right. Passion for the game shouldn’t come with a barrier to entry.
Everyone deserves the chance to experience the very best of these sports, no matter their budget. All for as little as pennies.
It’s about making the unreachable suddenly within reach, giving every player a fair shot at those dream moments.
Match Point exists to make premium racket sport prizes accessible to everyone while building a strong, trusted community.
But it’s bigger than just prizes.
We want to bring people together in a community, create excitement around the sport we all love, and make the whole journey, from entering to winning, something special.
And from day one, giving back has been part of the plan.
A portion of every competition will go toward charities that matter, especially those bringing sport to children and communities who wouldn’t otherwise get the chance.
We will set donation goals and be 100% transparent about where the money goes.
We believe sharing opportunities should be part of the game, not an optional extra.
We are here to open doors that are usually shut, giving you a real chance at incredible prizes, for less than the cost of a packet of crisps.
More than that, we are creating a space where racket sport lovers can come together, celebrate every win, and make this game even more exciting.
Match Point is just getting started, but it’s already more than a competition site, it’s a movement to change how we experience this sport.
We would love to have you on the journey with us.
Together, we will make dream prizes possible, support great causes along the way, and build something truly special for UK racket sports.
Jack | Founder @ Match Point Competitions