Well now, if you ask me how windy is too windy for tennis, I’d tell ya, it’s all about how the wind’s blowin’ and how it messes with your game. If you’re out there on the court and the wind’s a-blowin’ like it’s got a mind of its own, you gotta start thinkin’ about whether you can even hit the ball right! Sometimes a gentle breeze is fine, but when that wind picks up, well, things can get tricky.
Let me tell you, I’ve seen plenty of folks out there tryin’ to play when the wind’s blowin’ hard. Some folks just keep swingin’, but others, well, they’re better off sittin’ inside with a cup of tea! When that wind gets up to about 10 miles per hour (mph), it’s still doable. You might feel a bit of a breeze on your face, and the leaves on the trees will rustle, but you can still make your shots if you’re careful.
What happens when the wind gets stronger?

Now, when the wind starts blowin’ 15-20 mph, you’ll notice things changin’. That ball ain’t gonna fly straight, no sir. It’ll curve, dip, and fly outta bounds if you’re not careful. You’ll see flags flappin’ around and maybe even some dust flyin’ in the air. At this point, you gotta adjust your game. Don’t be hittin’ that ball too close to the line or you’ll see it sail right out of bounds. Extra topspin might help, but it ain’t a guarantee. If you aim a little inside the line, you might have a better chance of keepin’ it in play. Wind’ll make you work harder, that’s for sure!
When is it just too much?
When that wind gets up to about 25 mph or more, well, that’s when it starts messin’ with the game in ways you don’t want. You’ll be chasin’ that ball all over the court, and you might even find yourself missin’ easy shots. The wind’ll take the ball where you don’t want it to go, and you can’t always predict where it’ll land. It gets downright frustrating! And I tell ya, tryin’ to play tennis in those conditions can leave you more winded than you’d ever expect!
What can you do to handle the wind?
- Adjust your footwork: You gotta be ready to move fast. When the wind’s up, you can’t stand there like you’re waitin’ for a bus. You gotta stay on your toes, keep your feet light, and adjust quick.
- Change your serve: The tossin’ of the ball for your serve will have to be adjusted. Don’t throw it too high if the wind’s blowin’ strong, or you might miss it altogether!
- Use topspin: When you’re hittin’, topspin can help keep the ball from flyin’ away too much. It won’t fix everything, but it gives you a better chance of control.
Now, I don’t know about you, but I reckon if the wind’s blowin’ at 20 mph or more, it’s better to just call it a day. No need to be fightin’ the wind every time. Sometimes it’s just too much to handle, and there’s no shame in walkin’ off the court before you hurt yourself or mess up your game too bad. Wind can mess up everything—your aim, your speed, and your concentration. When it’s that windy, even the best players can struggle.
But, if you’re real determined and you like a good challenge, then maybe go ahead and play. It’ll teach you patience, improve your technique, and sharpen your focus. Maybe even help you with your mental game! But I’ll tell ya, if the wind’s above 25 mph, I wouldn’t be out there unless I really had to. It’s just not worth it at that point.

When should you pack it in?
In my opinion, once that wind hits 30 mph or more, you might as well pack up and go home. That’s just dangerous for your play, and honestly, it’s no fun anymore. The ball goes where you don’t want it, and you’re just spendin’ your energy chasin’ it down. It’s hard to focus, hard to aim, and even harder to keep your composure.
So, what’s the answer?
Well, the wind isn’t always your enemy. Sometimes, it can be used to your advantage, but it takes practice and patience to learn how to handle it. If you’re just playin’ for fun, you can handle a light breeze. But when it gets gusty, well, that’s when you have to decide if you want to keep fightin’ the wind or take a break. And if it’s too windy for you, just call it quits—there’s always another day to play!
Tags:[Tennis, Wind, Tennis Conditions, Playing in Wind, Windy Tennis, Tennis Tips, Tennis Strategy]