Tennis, the Australian Open & Exercise in Pregnancy: Can You Still Play?
With the Australian Open lighting up Melbourne once again, tennis is everywhere — on our screens, in conversations, and for some pregnant women, on their minds.
A common question I hear at this time of year is:
“I’m pregnant… can I still play tennis?”
The short answer?
👉 For many women, yes — with a few important considerations.
Exercise in Pregnancy: The Big Picture
We now know very clearly that exercise in pregnancy is not only safe, but beneficial for most women.
Regular physical activity during pregnancy has been shown to:
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Improve cardiovascular fitness
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Reduce pregnancy aches and pains
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Lower the risk of gestational diabetes
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Improve mood and mental wellbeing
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Support healthy weight gain
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Aid postnatal recovery
The key principle is simple:
pregnancy is not the time to start extreme new exercise, but it is usually safe to continue activities your body is already used to.
So… What About Tennis? 🎾
Tennis is a dynamic, high-skill sport. It involves:
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Quick changes of direction
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Balance and coordination
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Short bursts of intensity
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Twisting through the spine
For women who were regular tennis players before pregnancy, continuing to play — particularly in early pregnancy — is often perfectly reasonable.
However, as pregnancy progresses, the body changes:
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Your centre of gravity shifts
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Joint laxity increases due to pregnancy hormones
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Balance can become less predictable
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Reaction time may slow slightly
These changes don’t mean you must stop — but they do mean you should adapt.
How to Play Tennis Safely in Pregnancy
If you’re pregnant and keen to keep playing, consider the following:
✔ Stick to social or doubles tennis
Less court coverage, fewer sudden lunges.
✔ Reduce intensity
This is not the time to chase every drop shot or go all-out for winners.
✔ Focus on steady movement rather than explosive speed
Your ligaments are more vulnerable to injury during pregnancy.
✔ Stay well hydrated and avoid overheating
Especially important during Australian summers.
✔ Listen to your body
If you feel dizzy, short of breath, or uncomfortable — stop.
✔ Modify or stop as pregnancy progresses
Many women naturally transition away from tennis in the second or third trimester as balance changes.
When Tennis May Not Be Recommended
There are situations where tennis — or higher-impact sport — may not be appropriate, including:
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Certain high-risk pregnancies
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Placenta previa
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Significant pelvic pain or instability
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Recurrent bleeding
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Advice from your obstetrician to limit impact or intensity
As always, individual advice matters.
Great Alternatives as Pregnancy Progresses
If tennis starts to feel less comfortable, there are plenty of excellent options to stay active:
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Walking
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Swimming
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Prenatal Pilates or yoga
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Strength training with modification
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Stationary cycling
The goal isn’t performance — it’s movement, strength, and wellbeing.
A Final Word (and a Nod to the Australian Open)
While the professionals are diving, sprinting, and sliding across Melbourne Park, pregnancy is a reminder that your body is already doing something extraordinary.
Exercise during pregnancy isn’t about winning matches — it’s about:
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Supporting your health
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Preparing your body for birth
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Looking after your mental wellbeing
If tennis has always been part of your life, there’s often room for it in pregnancy — just with a gentler game plan.
If you’re unsure what’s right for you, speak with your obstetrician. A personalised approach is always best.
🎾 Enjoy the Australian Open — whether you’re watching from the couch, the court, or with your feet up and a mocktail in hand.