Curious to know what the pros are playing with? Here are the tennis rackets of some of the best players at the 2024 Australian Open.
They say the equipment doesn’t matter as much as the player’s abilities do. Of course, this is true for any athlete of any sport, but in tennis, the equipment does matter to some extent. This is why professionals are picky about the rackets they use, and some of them even work with brands directly to create something perfect to their preferences.
As the year kicks off with the Australian Open, here are the tennis rackets that some of the best professionals are currently using, and will likely be playing with in the coming Grand Slams of 2024.
Coco Gauff
US Open champion Coco Gauff has been using HEAD rackets since she was just starting in the sport, and essentially, has grown up with the brand. Now, as a successful professional at 19 years old, she still plays with HEAD, using tennis rackets from their Boom Series. A line known for helping players generate explosiveness, power, and confidence, it certainly suits Gauff’s playing style, as she is known to be an aggressive player herself, with a serve that’s often challenging to return.
Aryna Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka is a force to be reckoned with on the court. Her weapon of choice? The popular Wilson Blade V8. The Wilson Blade is one of the most-used tennis rackets among professionals, as it is also used by Madison Keys, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Alex de Minaur. The former World No. 2 player Sabalenka calls this her “go-to” racket, as she trusts it to help her get through even the toughest matches.
Iga Świątek
World No. 1 Iga Świątek has been a part of the Technifibre team since 2021, and throughout the past couple of years, she has had the time to create a racket perfectly suited to her playing style — the Tempo 298 racket. Designed to help players with speed and controlled power, this surely helps the four-time Grand Slam champ achieve her signature all-court playing style and speed on the court.
Ben Shelton
Ben Shelton is one of tennis’ rising stars right now. Ever since the big impression he left at the 2023 US Open, reaching the semifinals, the 20-year-old has become the talk of the town whom other youngsters can look up to. On the court, Shelton uses the Yonex Ezone 98, a racket that has a bigger sweet spot, which helps players maintain more control without giving up power. Other talented players opt to use the Ezone 98 as well, including Nick Kyrgios.
Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz is currently the apparent heir to the tennis throne, as he’s been ranked World No. 1 and became the youngest male and first teenager to sit atop the singles rankings in the Open Era. Throughout his rise to the top, Babolat has been his trusted companion since he was 10 years old. Currently, he uses the Babolat Pure Aero 98, a racket great for precision and speed — fit for Carlos’ deep court coverage.
Novak Djokovic
Whether you’re on Novak Djokovic’s side of the GOAT debate or not, he is undeniably one of the greatest athletes of all time. The 24-time Grand Slam winner has topped the world rankings longer than any other player. And the racket brand he’s used to win 23 majors? HEAD. They are definitely lucky to have Djokovic endorsing their equipment, as he currently uses the HEAD Speed Pro. But, this racket is also suited to Novak’s style of play. As a racket built for players who enjoy playing fast, it’s perfect for Djokovic, who is as agile as they come, quick to return, and is often the pacesetter in any match.
Banner image from Carlos Alcaraz on Instagram.
Related Stories:
So You Wanna Try Tennis? These Are Your Court Essentials
5 Lessons Every Athlete Can Learn From Tennis King Novak Djokovic
Filipino Tennis Players Who Have Made It to The Grand Slam Stage