Five of the best tennis rackets
Serve up an ace like Novak Djokovic, Naomi Osaka and Carlos Alcaraz
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1. Wilson Blade 98 v8
Wilson has put new Direct Connection technology into the butt cap and handle to make this superb racket even faster in action and more stable too. As a bonus, it’s a looker, with its olive green and copper frame. Weight: 305g; intermediate/advanced.
2. Head Speed Team L
Novak Djokovic has put his name to this light racket which uses “Auxetic” materials to stiffen the frame and give more stability on groundstrokes. Weight: 265g; best for beginners/casual enthusiasts.
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3. Tecnifibre T-Fight 305 Iso
This shines for direction, control and plough-through; and for an advanced racket it delivers surprisingly little shudder to the arm. Weight: 305g.
4. Babolat Pure Aero
If you like to inject a bit of deadly spin, this 8th-gen Aero may be for you. Endorsed by Carlos Alcaraz, and aimed at players who can mix up their shots, it injects maximum sting when it comes to slice and top spin; it’s great on the serve; and it delivers real feedback. Weight: 300g; intermediate/advanced.
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5. Yonex EZone 100
Backed by Naomi Osaka and Nick Kyrgios, this lightweight tournament racket has an angular frame with a tapered design for softness. The EZone is more forgiving than Yonex’s VCore range. Weight: 300g; intermediate/advanced.
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