It's a great calorie burner

One hour on court burns around 600 calories and because you are having so much fun you hardly notice.

It's a whole-body workout

Think about all that running, stopping, starting, jumping and crouching which gives the lower body a good workout. Then add in all that hitting which keeps your trunk, shoulders and upper back toned.

It lowers your risk of diabetes and heart disease

Playing tennis regularly improves your heart and lung health, and reduces your risk of developing diabetes and heart disease.

It exercises the grey matter

Tennis keeps your mind agile as well because you need to stay focused on the ball, judge which balls to return or leave and decide in a split second which shot to make.

It will keep you positive

Tennis players are said to be more optimistic, have greater self-esteem and are less anxious, angry and depressed than people who play other sports or lead inactive lifestyles.