If you’re an advanced player, this means that you are already PLAYING either national or international events, and this also means that you need a best tennis racquet that can handle the enormous demands of your game
Your Guide
Gavin Davison
I’ve sourced several of the top advanced racquets on the market today, SEVERAL of which I have used myself over the years, and I am confident that they will serve you well on your own career path.
To see my list of recommendations, simply read on!
#1: Head Prestige MP
Allow me to introduce to you, the beast of all BEASTS.
As the legend has it, if you can tame this racquet you will wield power like never before – and I can confirm that this is TRUE.
I’ve used this racquet during my college playing days, but let me tell you, you need to have some serious wrist strength to last for several sets with this frame.
But when you catch the ball in the SWEET SPOT with the Head Prestige MP, my word, the ball absolutely flies.
It is a very stiff frame, however, so it won’t appeal to everybody.
If you are physically quite strong and love to hit with pace from the baseline, this racquet is ideal!
Key Features
- Devil red color that will strike fear into the opponents
- Very heavy frame, but can provide masses of power
- Surprisingly head light for such a vicious racquet
- Used by legends of the game including Marat Safin and Andy Murray
Specification
- Weight unstrung: 320g
- String pattern: 18 x 20
- Head size: 98 square inches
- Balance: 310mm (1.3 points head light)
- Beam width: 20mm
Pros
- One of the best frames out there for those with big groundstrokes
- Very tight string pattern for added control
- Stiff frame, meaning less flex and reduced vibration
Cons
- Absolute nightmare racquet to string, so be aware of this before purchasing
- Far too heavy for players that don’t have flawless strokes
#2: Wilson Pro Staff 97
This is the frame of choice for a certain Mr. Federer, who doesn’t really need an introduction.
He’s used a very similar frame for his ENTIRE career, and he’s racked up a grand total of 20 Grand Slams in his time.
Of course, this isn’t purely down to the racquet at all, but it certainly helps. This racquet carries considerable weight and has a very small sweet spot, but catch it right and you may find yourself emulating the GOAT!
Well, we can always hope! It’s important to note here that Federer has EFFORTLESSLY swings that require very little physical exertion on his part, which is why he is able to wield such a heavy stick.
We don’t all have this ability, so it’s important to keep this in mind.
If you are a fan of Roger Federer, or you’d just like to understand a little bit more about this racquet and why Federer is so passionate about it, I would recommend that you watch the video link below.
You can see how this racquet impacted Federer’s game, straight from the horse’s mouth, and it really does give a real glimpse into why this racquet is so good.
Key Features
- Racquet of choice for the games GOAT (arguably), Roger Federer
- Incredible pop on the ball when you catch it right
- Very small racquet head compared with others on the market
- One of the stiffest frames available today
Specification
- Weight strung: 332g
- String pattern: 16 x 19
- Head size: 97 square inches
- Balance: 320mm (7 points head light)
- Beam width: 21.5mm
Pros
- Ideal for players with established swings and fluid motions
- Suitable for those that swing rapidly towards the ball
- Slick racquet design with a thin beam
Cons
- Very small sweet spot, meaning if you don’t catch it right you won’t get much power
- Not a great frame if you prefer a slower swing path to the ball
#3: Tecnifibre ATP TFight 300
While the previous frame was the racquet of choice for the long-standing legend, Roger Federer, this frame is the choice of the up and coming legend – Danil Medvedev.
This is actually the only Tecnifibre frame that I have listed so far, but this frame is one of the greatest racquets out there for advanced players.
It’s relatively heavy, has a decent sized sweet spot, and it’s great if you like to build points from the baseline, much like Medvedev.
I have used other Tecnifibre frames before, but not this one. With that said, I’ve had practice sessions with players using this frame and they all spoke very highly of it.
This is another reason why this racquet is receiving my approval.
Before we check out the key features and specifications for this frame, take a look at why Medvedev is using this frame as well as further information about the racquet right here:
Key Features
- Used by the next-gen star, Danil Medvedev
- More main strings that what is usually seen with advanced racquets
- Suitable for players who tend to hit flatter rather than topspin
- Thin beam to provide greater feel rather than power
Specification
- Weight strung: 323g
- String pattern: 18 x 19
- Head size: 98 square inches
- Balance: 335mm (3 points head light)
- Beam width: 22.5mm
Pros
- Very solid frame for players looking for control over power
- It’s a tough frame that provides adequate flex, thanks to the ‘Xtreme touch construction’
- Good racquet for spot servers
Cons
- Not a very powerful frame, therefore only suitable if you can generate power on your own
- Not great for hitting heavy topspin from the baseline
#4: Head Speed MP X
It would seem that the top players know something that us mere mortals don’t since there is another racquet used by a top-level player – Novak Djokovic.
But please don’t get the wrong idea and think that these racquets will work WONDERS!
Yes, they are great frames, but they are often very heavy and have small sweet spots, so they truly are just for advanced players.
Advanced in this sense symbolizes that you are either at tournament level or above, and I don’t mean just small-time tournaments.
You need to be complete as a player to use this frame, and all your fundamental strokes must be in place.
Key Features
- Built for racquet head speed and pace
- Gives a great blend of spin and control
- Used by one of the greats of the game, Novak Djokovic
- Cobra black paint job, which looks great with black string!
Specification
- Weight unstrung: 300g
- String pattern: 16 x 19
- Head size: 100 square inches
- Balance: 320mm (1 point head light)
- Beam width: 23mm
Pros
- You can generate masses of head speed with this frame without too much effort
- Great racquet for baseline players
- Very stable head considering the power that you can generate
Cons
- Doesn’t provide great feel on serves or volleys
- The model will soon be outdated due to advanced technology
#5: Yonex Ezone 98
If you’re wondering if you’ve just seen double or witnessed a technical error, don’t worry – you haven’t.
This is a very similar model to the Ezone 100, but the difference is that the head size is 2 inches smaller than the previously mentioned frame.
I believe that this is a GREAT racquet, which is why the model has received two listings so far.
In my opinion, Yonex is making a really valiant effort for contending in the tennis racquet industry.
For years it has been dominated by huge brands like Wilson and Babolat, but the Yonex frames are truly crafted with care and quality.
Oh, and I almost didn’t mention the most important factor – the incredibly talented Nick Kyrgios uses this racquet.
Key Features
- Endorsed by the Australian sensation, Nick Kyrgios
- Very good racquet for players who can generate pace
- Different shaped racquet head for further control
- Not a particularly expensive frame considering the quality
Specification
- Weight strung: 323.18g
- String pattern: 16 x 19
- Head size: 98 square inches
- Balance: 325mm (6 points head light)
- Beam width: 23mm
Pros
- Racquet specs allow for great precision on groundstrokes
- Performs well for both groundstrokes and net play
- Not much flexibility on contact, ensuring the great feel
Cons
- The racquet isn’t enormously powerful
- You do need to be physically strong to wield this frame since it’s quite heavy
Like many of my recommended racquets for these categories, it is only NATURAL that some may compliment your game style, and some may not.
If you’re already a 6ft tall and physically strong player, then it doesn’t make sense to choose a powerful racquet.
If you’re 5ft tall and struggling with physical strength, then of course it does not make sense.
Be SMART about it, and seek out racquets that will compliment your game rather than hindering it.
I hope that one of these racquets mentioned above will fit the bill for you, and I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below.
