ATP 500 Events: Will They Become the New Fan Favourites?
The ATP has long had a clear hierarchy about where the various level of events sit: Grand Slams at the pinnacle, followed by the nine ATP Masters 1000 tournaments as the premier non-major stops. The ATP 500’s and 250’s get shuffled down the pecking order. Yet in the last coupleContinue Reading
Tennis Balls Explained
Quick Answer A tennis ball is made from a hollow rubber core covered in a felt outer layer. Although all tennis balls may look similar, they vary in construction, speed, durability and intended use. Choosing the right tennis ball depends on your age, playing level, court surface and whether you’reContinue Reading
How to Choose a Tennis Racquet: The Complete Buying Guide
Quick Answer The best tennis racquet is the one that suits your ability, playing style and physical characteristics. When choosing a racquet, consider: Rather than looking for the “best” racquet, focus on finding the one that best matches your game. Why Choosing the Right Racquet Matters A tennis racquet isn’tContinue Reading
Hybrid Tennis Strings Explained
Quick Answer A hybrid tennis string setup uses two different types of strings in the same racquet. Typically, one string is installed in the mains (the vertical strings) and another in the crosses (the horizontal strings). Hybrid stringing allows players to combine the strengths of different strings, such as theContinue Reading
Tennis String Gauge Explained: 16 vs 17 vs 18 Gauge
Quick Answer Tennis string gauge refers to the thickness of the string. For most recreational players, 16 or 17 gauge offers the best balance between performance and durability. Embed from Getty Images What Is Tennis String Gauge? One of the easiest ways to customise your racquet is by changing theContinue Reading
Tennis Racquet Length Guide: Junior & Adult Sizes Explained
Quick Answer A standard adult tennis racquet measures 27 inches (68.6 cm) in length. Junior racquets range from 17 inches to 26 inches, with the correct size depending primarily on a player’s height, age and experience. Choosing the right racquet length makes the game easier to learn, helps develop properContinue Reading
What Is the Sweet Spot on a Tennis Racquet?
If you’ve ever watched tennis on television or spoken to an experienced player, you’ve probably heard someone say they “hit the sweet spot.” It’s one of the most common phrases in tennis, but what does it actually mean? The sweet spot isn’t a marked area on your strings. Instead, it’sContinue Reading
Tennis Racquet Frame Thickness Explained (Beam Width): Does It Matter?
When buying a new tennis racquet, you’ll probably compare the head size, weight, balance and string pattern. Another specification you’ll often see is beam width. If you’ve never heard the term before, don’t worry. Beam width simply refers to the thickness of the racquet’s frame. Although it doesn’t receive asContinue Reading
How Often Should You Restring a Tennis Racquet?
Many tennis players spend hours researching the perfect racquet, carefully choosing the right weight, head size and grip. Then they use the same strings for two years. It’s one of the most common mistakes in tennis. Unlike the racquet itself, tennis strings are a consumable item. Every time you hitContinue Reading
16×19 vs 18×20 String Pattern: What’s the Difference?
When comparing tennis racquets, you’ll usually notice a specification that looks something like 16×19 or 18×20. At first glance, these numbers don’t seem particularly important. However, they can have a noticeable impact on how a racquet performs. A racquet’s string pattern influences how the strings move, how the ball leavesContinue Reading
Tennis Racquet Stiffness Explained (RA Rating): What Does It Mean?
When comparing tennis racquets, you’ll often see a specification called the RA rating. Unlike weight or head size, it’s not immediately obvious what this number represents. Yet racquet stiffness can dramatically affect how a racquet feels and performs. A stiff racquet generally delivers more power and a crisper response. AContinue Reading