Professional tennis players rarely use the racket model they promote; more often than not, it is an older model painted to look like a more recent one. In a sport measured in millimeters and fractions of seconds, it is normal for players to get used to a particular model early in their career and not want to change too frequently. On the other hand, manufacturers want to be able to showcase new models each year, explaining this unusual practice.
In this article, we will reveal the rackets hidden under the paint and used by Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Daniil Medvedev, Casper Ruud and Carlos Alcaraz.
Novak Djokovic Racket - Head Speed Legend
Size: 95 square inches
Weight: 12.7 oz
Grip Size: 4 3/8
Novak Djokovic has been part of the Head family for a long time. He started with the brand as a junior before switching to Wilson until 2008, then making a permanent return to Head. In collaboration with Djokovic, the brand developed the Speed series, named for its more aerodynamic design aimed at enabling faster swings.
For a long time, Djokovic endorsed the Head Graphene 360+ Speed Pro model, but in reality, he plays with a Head PT113B racket painted to look like the Speed Series. Unfortunately, this pro stock model, which is more akin to the Liquidmetal Radical Tour model that Djokovic used as a junior, is not available for sale.
However, the tennis brand has just launched a Novak Djokovic Signature racket, and I must admit I'm in love with the design. According the the official announcement, it will be the racket endorsed by Novak until the end of his playing career. He has been seen playing with it for the first time at the Rome Masters a few weeks ago.
The Head Speed Legend is the only all-black racket in the company's product range. The matte black finish was personally chosen by Novak Djokovic, whose logo can be seen near the handle. One has to admit that the design of the racket perfectly matches the player.
Rafael Nadal Racket - Babolat Pure Aero
Size: 100 square inches
Weight: 11.3 oz
Grip Size: 4 1/4
Just like Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal plays with an old model painted to look like a more recent one sold in stores. Although he plays with a racket painted to resemble the Babolat Pure Aero, it is actually a Pure Aero Drive model from 2005 underneath the paint. Over the years, Nadal has added weight to his rackets using lead tape, a common practice among professional players.
Similar to Djokovic, Nadal has also worked on a Signature model with Babolat. This collaboration led to the launch of the Pure Aero Rafa line, two models designed with spin in mind. The handle of the Pure Aero Rafa is stiffer than the base model, providing more power.
The second model in the series, the Pure Aero Rafa Origin, is the racket whose characteristics most closely resemble the one Nadal uses on the court. The only difference being in the weight; Nadal’s racket has been made heavier with lead tape, making it heavier than those sold in big-box and specialty stores.
Daniil Medvedev Racket - Tecnifibre T-Fight 305 Isoflex
Size: 98 square inches
Weight: 11.3 ounces / 320 g.
Grip Size: 4 3/8
Before switching to Tecnifibre, Daniil Medvedev used a Wilson Six One 95 racket. Today, he uses a Tecnifibre T-Fight 305 Isoflex racket, which he helped develop with the French equipment manufacturer. Medvedev was looking for a racket that would better facilitate his transition between offense and defense. The T-Fight 305 is a more forgiving racket than average, having a larger sweet spot.
The rumors say that it's actually a modified T-Fight Dynacore 305 model under the paint. Daniil would be playing with a 95 square inch frame that closely resembles the Wilson Six One he used.
Interestingly, when Tecnifibre went to evaluate Medvedev at the Elite Tennis Center in Cannes when he was 16, they also assessed Chinese player Zhizhen Zhang, who had better quality strokes at the time. However, it was Medvedev's mental approach to the game that tipped the scales in his favor. A good decision by the recruiters in the end.
Casper Ruud Racket - Yonex EZone 100
Size: 100 square inches
Weight: 10.6 oz / 300 g.
Like many professional players, a different model lies beneath the paint of the Yonex Ezone 100 used by the two-time French Open finalist, Casper Ruud. The Norwegian actually uses the Yonex DR100 Plus model with an extended 27.5-inch handle to give him more power. As a junior, Casper Ruud used a Babolat Aeropro Plus racket, which is similar to the Yonex racket he currently uses.
Carlos Alcaraz Racket - Babolat Pure Aero VS
Size: 98 square inches
Weight: 11.3 ounces / 320 g.
Grip Size: 4
Carlos Alcaraz is one of the few players who steps onto the court with a racket identical to what you can find in stores. Babolat is known for offering racket models used by professional players without major modifications. Dominic Thiem uses a commercial version of the Pure Strike, while Holger Rune plays with an Aero VS that is very slightly modified according to him.
Now that I can use the exact same racket as Carlos Alcaraz, all I need to become a professional tennis player is... talent.
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