DO YOU STRIVE TO OWN A POWERFUL serve as Andy Roddick and Serena Williams? Or dream of hitting with great control as Roger Federer? Or maybe you yearn to hit flat, hard balls as Robin Soderling? Whomever you admire, recognize their greatest asset: their racquet. Analyze some of the tours most accomplished players and you will notice a correlation between their hitting style and racquet choice. For instance, Andy Roddick and Serena Williams swing a racquet that’s slightly longer than standard, which adds leverage and power to their strokes; Roger Federer’s racquet head is noticeably small, allowing for optimum control; and Robin Soderling chooses a stick with a closed string pattern that reduces spin. While racquet spec variances may appear insignificant, it’s often the minute differences that lead to profound results on the court. What touring pro do you wish to emulate? What hitting style do you want to develop? Check the new models on the market this season to find a great racquet. Following are a few to whet your appetite.
Style: Baseliner
Strengths: Powerful ground, strokes; serve.
Recent Improvements: Fitness.
Racquet Secifications
Head Size: 98 sq in
Length: 27 in
String Pattern: 16 x 20
Unstrung Weight: 11.3 oz
Head Balance: 6 pts HL
Beam width: 21/19 mm
MSRP: $185
Roger Federer
Weapon of Choice: WILSON SIX.ONE TOUR BLX
NOTES: Federer uses Wilson’s new BLX line, racquet technology engineered with Basalt fibers. “I know Wilson will always provide me with the best racquet for my game with the latest technology. This
change will provide me with the added feel and performance I want to further enhance my game in 2010 and beyond,” said the Swiss.
Style: All court
Strengths: Impeccable stroke mechanics; unpredictable shot selection; footwork;
confidence; court intelligence.
Recent Improvements: Inside-out drop shot; better returns to his backhand.
Racquet Secifications
Head Size: 90 sq in
Length: 27 in
String Pattern: 16 x 19
Unstrung Weight: 12.5 oz
Head Balance: 9 pts HL
Beam width: 17 mm
MSRP: $230
Bob & Mike Bryan
Weapon of Choice: Prince EXO3 Ignite Team 95
NOTES: The ATP doubles champions finished 2009 ranked World No. 1, the fifth time in seven years and matching Woodbridge-Woodforde for the most year-end No. 1 finishes with five.
Style: Doubles specialists.
Strengths: Net play; communication; tactically sound; court intelligence.
Racquet Secifications
Head Size: 95 sq in
Length: 27 in
String Pattern: 16 x 18
Unstrung Weight: 10.4 oz
Head Balance: 6 pts HL
Beam width: 22 mm
MSRP: $200
Robin Soderling
Weapon of Choice: HEAD YOUTEK Prestige MP
NOTES: Soderling swings a racquet with HEAD’s newest technology YOUTEK. Upon high speed impacts the d3o molecules stiffen allowing for more power and upon slow speed impacts (slices or drop shots) the d3o stays in its relaxed state allowing for better feel. Gilles Simon and Tommy Haas use the YOUTEK Prestige MP, as well.
Style: Baseliner.
Strengths: Hard, flat, driving ground strokes; powerful serve; controlled emotions.
Recent Improvements: Consistency with strokes; confidence.
Racquet Secifications
Head Size: 98 sq in
Length: 27 in
String Pattern: 18 x 20
Unstrung Weight: 11.3 oz
Head Balance: 7 pts HL
Beam width: 21 mm
MSRP: $225
