The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word BACKHANDS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
B
A
C
K
H
A
N
D
S
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "plays in court" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case plays in court = backhands.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does BACKHANDS mean?
BACKHANDS noun- A stroke made across the chest from the off-hand side to the racquet hand side; a stroke during which the back of the hand faces the shot.
- Handwriting that leans to the left
- (Ultimate Frisbee) the standard throw; a throw during which the disc begins on the off-hand side and travels across the chest to be released from the opposite side.
- The reverse side of the human hand.
- The hand towards the back of the board.
- To execute a backhand stroke or throw
- To slap with the back of one's hand