All sports use gloves, except tennis: why?

When observing sports involving gripping equipment, one constant emerges: gloves or mittens are the norm. Golfers use thin gloves that improve grip and protect the hand. Cyclists wear mittens to dampen handlebar vibrations and prevent numbness. Baseball players use gloves to better grip the bat and absorb the impact of a ball thrown at over 140 km/h. In gyms, weightlifters protect their palms with gloves, while rowers, CrossFit athletes, and climbers use specialized protective gear.

Tennis remains a notable exception. The official explanation lies in "feel": the tactile sensation between the hand and the grip is considered essential for adjusting the grip between the serve, forehand, and backhand. However, this argument can be nuanced. Golfers must precisely judge a putt from a few meters away; cyclists need to feel their brakes on a winding descent; baseball batsmen need to feel the rotation of the bat at the moment of impact. These athletes use gloves without sacrificing their finesse.

The absence of gloves in professional tennis is primarily a matter of culture. Tennis is a conservative sport, where etiquette and tradition have long dictated attire and accessories. Historically, wearing a glove could be perceived as a sign of weakness or amateurism. Some federations have also hesitated to authorize equipment deemed potentially advantageous. Finally, perspiration and heat have long been a problem: a glove that retains moisture makes the grip slippery.

However, technology has evolved. Cycling gloves use breathable materials and gel inserts, offering excellent grip. Innovations in mesh, textured silicone, and quick-dry fabrics could be adapted to tennis. The few past attempts, such as the glove worn by Cliff Drysdale in the 1960s, failed because overgrips and vibration dampeners seemed sufficient. Today, padel—a rapidly growing cousin of tennis—is already seeing the emergence of hand protection. Perhaps it will be the Trojan horse that changes mindsets.