Australian Open Effect: How to Prevent Common Tennis Injuries This Season

Every January, the Australian Open sparks a familiar trend. Courts across Albany Creek and North Brisbane suddenly fill with players inspired to dust off their racquets or try tennis for the first time. It is one of the great things about summer in Brisbane. More people moving, more people playing sport, and more people enjoying being active outdoors.

It is also the time of year we see a spike in tennis related injuries. Many of these injuries are preventable and often come down to doing too much too soon, wearing the wrong shoes, or ignoring early warning signs.

Whether you are a weekend social player, returning to tennis after a long break, or increasing your court time after watching the Australian Open, this guide will help you understand the most common tennis injuries we see and how to avoid them.

The Australian Open Effect on Local Courts

Every year during and after the Australian Open, tennis participation increases across Brisbane. Local clubs, social competitions and public courts around Albany Creek see a noticeable rise in bookings. We see families playing together, professionals adding tennis into their fitness routine, and retirees returning to a sport they once loved.

The problem is enthusiasm often outpaces preparation. Many players go from very little court time to multiple sessions per week. This “couch to court” approach places sudden stress on the feet, ankles and lower legs.

Occasional players are often more at risk than regular players. Regular players tend to have conditioned tissues, appropriate footwear and an understanding of recovery. New or returning players often do not.

Without proper preparation, the risk of injury rises quickly.

The Most Common Tennis Injuries We See

Tennis places unique demands on the body. The sport involves rapid acceleration, sudden stops, lateral shuffling and repeated pivoting. The lower limbs absorb most of this load.

Ankle sprains

Ankle sprains are one of the most common tennis injuries. Quick direction changes and lateral movements place the ankle at risk, particularly if footwear does not provide adequate support. A rolled ankle can happen in a split second, especially when fatigue sets in.

Plantar fasciitis

Hard court surfaces increase impact forces through the heel. Combined with inadequate footwear or poor foot mechanics, this can lead to plantar fasciitis. Morning heel pain and soreness after play are common early signs.

Achilles tendinopathy

Explosive movements, lunging and sprinting place high loads through the Achilles tendon. Poor warm ups, sudden increases in court time and stiff calf muscles all contribute.

Stress fractures

Repetitive impact through the forefoot can overload the metatarsal bones. Stress fractures are more likely when training volume increases quickly or when shoes are worn past their lifespan.

Shin splints

Hard court surfaces and repeated stopping and starting can irritate the lower leg. Shin pain that eases during play but worsens afterwards is a common presentation.

Calf strains

Sudden acceleration, particularly in players who have not built adequate calf strength, can result in muscle strains.

Knee pain

Patellofemoral pain and ITB irritation can occur due to repetitive pivoting and poor lower limb alignment.

We also see upper body injuries such as tennis elbow, shoulder issues and wrist pain. What many players do not realise is that lower limb instability often contributes to upper body overload by altering movement patterns.

The Critical Role of Tennis Footwear

One of the biggest contributors to tennis injuries is footwear. Running shoes are not designed for tennis. They lack the lateral stability required for side to side movement and increase the risk of ankle injuries.

What makes a tennis shoe different

Tennis shoes are built to handle lateral loads. They have firmer sidewalls, reinforced toe boxes for dragging, and specific tread patterns for court surfaces. Cushioning is balanced with stability to prevent excessive foot movement.

Court surface matters

Hard court shoes differ from clay or grass court shoes. Wearing the wrong shoe for the surface increases slip risk and joint stress. Most players in Albany Creek are playing on hard courts, which require good cushioning and durability.

When to replace tennis shoes

Tennis shoes often wear out before they look worn. Loss of lateral support and compressed cushioning can occur well before holes appear. If you notice instability or increased soreness, your shoes may be past their best.

Common footwear mistakes

Choosing shoes based on appearance, wearing worn out shoes, incorrect sizing, or using general trainers instead of court shoes are all common errors we see.

Orthotics and tennis

Custom foot orthotics can be beneficial for tennis players, particularly those with recurring injuries or foot posture issues. Orthotics can improve stability, reduce excessive loading and help manage conditions like plantar fasciitis.

Injury Prevention Strategies That Actually Work

Warm up properly

A warm up should be dynamic and tennis specific. Gentle jogging, lateral shuffles and mobility drills prepare the body far better than static stretching alone.

Build gradually

Increase court time slowly. Two shorter sessions per week is safer than jumping straight into long matches. Rest days are essential for recovery.

Strength matters

Calf strength, ankle stability and hip control all reduce injury risk. A simple strengthening program can make a significant difference.

Respect the surface

Hard courts are unforgiving. If you are returning to tennis, consider alternating with lower impact activity while your body adapts.

Technique counts

Poor movement mechanics increase load through the feet and ankles. Coaching can improve efficiency and reduce injury risk.

Listen to early signs

Soreness that settles is normal. Pain that worsens, lingers or alters your movement is not. Early intervention prevents long lay offs.

When to See a Podiatrist

If you notice persistent foot, ankle or lower limb pain, it is worth seeking assessment. A sports podiatry review can identify biomechanical contributors, footwear issues and early injury patterns.

At My Family Podiatry in Albany Creek, we provide biomechanical assessments, footwear advice, orthotic management, taping and targeted treatment plans for tennis players across North Brisbane.

Seeing a podiatrist early often shortens recovery time and prevents injuries from becoming chronic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common tennis injuries?

Ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, Achilles pain, shin splints and calf strains are among the most common.

Can I wear running shoes for tennis?

Running shoes are not suitable for tennis due to poor lateral support.

How do I prevent ankle sprains in tennis?

Proper court shoes, strength training and gradual load progression reduce risk.

When should I replace my tennis shoes?

When cushioning feels flat or stability feels reduced, even if they look fine.

Can orthotics help with tennis injuries?

Yes, particularly for recurrent injuries or foot posture issues.

Should I see a podiatrist before starting tennis?

A pre season assessment can identify risk factors and help prevent injury.

Final Thoughts

The Australian Open is a great source of inspiration, but it should not be the reason you end up sidelined. Tennis is a fantastic sport for fitness and longevity when approached sensibly.

With the right footwear, gradual progression and early care, most tennis injuries are preventable. If you are playing tennis in Albany Creek or across North Brisbane and want to stay pain free this season, our team at My Family Podiatry is here to help.

Book a pre season assessment or footwear consultation today and keep enjoying the sport you love.