Pro's (Past and Present) That Have Swung a Wilson 6.1 [Includes major winners]

gino · Aug 18, 2016

Paintjobs are prevalent on all professional tennis circuits. Few of them are as widely disguised in different paint as the Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 "Six.One" 95 mold (16x18 and 18x20 variants).

Del Potro famously used the Hyper Pro Staff 6.1 under K-Factor paint from 2007-2015 (8 years!) and in many other paintjobs throughout his career (BLX Pro Open, Burn FST, Pro Staff 97, etc). Roberto BA, Opelka, and Dan Evans among others currently use the Wilson 6.1 95 while endorsing other Wilson frames through paintjobs.

Here, we chronicle the ATP usage of this legendary frame.

TW-Europe: "The 6.1 is a true player’s racket with a proud history on the pro tour. Compared to the Original Pro Staff 85, this stick has a thicker beam, making it play firmer and livelier than many of the classic player’s rackets. Wilson’s braided graphite layup helps the 6.1 Classic retain the amazing feel and response for which the vaunted Pro Staff franchise is known. The 6.1 Classic not only deserves a spot on your wall, but it deserves a spot in your tennis bag."

WILSON PLEASE BRING BACK THE 6.1 to the standard catalog in 16x18, 18x20, and 18x16!

This list displays former and current ATP Tennis Professionals who used the Wilson 6.1 95 mold in some capacity during competitive play. Duration of use varies wildly, with Del Potro using the same frame his whole career and Mats Wilander using the frame for only one year. Slam count ONLY references slams won with a 6.1 95 mold

*... Thanks to @macattack for the inspiration to create this thread. A special thanks to @moon shot for taking the time to organize each of the players by titles won, time period used, and general strength of talent. All of us 6.1 truthers appreciate that mate. Thanks again. Also, Thanks for the help @Arti, @Seth & @vsbabolat ).

The most famous and loyal 6.1 user of all time - Juan Martin Del Potro

Gaston Gaudio - 2004 French Open Champ (d. Enquist, Hewitt, Nalbandian, Coria)

FEDERER:

Fish

Bjorkman

Max M

Nestor

RBA

2014_US_Open_%28Tennis%29_-_Tournament_-_Roberto_Bautista_Agut_%2814914449990%29.jpg

Opelka

Kohlschreiber

Keifer

capt.vm13905311658.france_french_open_tennis_vm139.jpg

Thiem

Medvedev

Cilic

NOVAK DJOKOVIC (k6.1 pic provided by our friend moonshot):

Singles: Six.One Slams

001 Juan Martín del Potro 18x20
USO:2009
GS Finals USO:2018

002 Gaston Gaudio 18x20
RG:2004

Current users are denoted by RED TEXT
Singles: Currently Use a Six.One
013 Roberto Bautista Agut 18x20 TITLES 11 SGL
013 Reilly Opelka 16x18 TITLES 4 SGL 1 DBL
021 Leonardo Mayer 18x20 TITLES 2 SGL 1 DBL
021 Kyle Edmund 18x20 2 SGL 1 DBL
026 Lukas Rosol 18x20 TITLES 2 SGL 3 DBL
027 Daniel Evans 18x20 2 SGL
057 Dušan Lajović 18x20 TITLES: 2 SGL 2 DBL
060 Jiri Lehecka 18x20 1 SGL

Singles: previously used a Six.One
001 Novak Djokovic 16x18 Test frame in the 2007-2008 period
001 Roger Federer Mercedes Benz commercial shoot
006 Marin Cilic 16x18 PRE-TOUR 2005
007 Dominic Thiem 18x20 PRE-TOUR
007B Daniil Medvedev 18x20 2014-2016
010 Andrey Rublev 18x20 TITLES: 15 SGL 4 DBL
040 Lucas Pouille PRE-TOUR 2008
044 Steve Darcis 18x20 TITLES: 2 SGL
238 Denis Shapovalov 18x20

Singles: Retired players who used a Six.One on Tour
001 Juan Martín del Potro 18x20 TITLES: 22 SGL 1 DBL (USO 2009)
002 Gaston Gaudio 18x20 TITLES: 8 SGL 3 DBL (FO 2004)
004 Mats Wilander 16x18 briefly in 1993
004 Nicolas Kiefer 18x20 TITLES: 6 SGL 3 DBL
004 Richard Krajicek 18x20 TITLES: 17 SGL 3 DBL
006 Aaron Krickstein 18x20 TITLES: 9 SGL
007 Philipp Kohlschreiber 16x18 TITLES: 8 SGL 7 DBL
008 Mardy Fish 18x20 TITLES: 6 SGL 8 DBL
009 Alex Corretja 16x18 TITLES: 17 SGL 3 DBL
010 Magnus Norman Pattern Unknown TITLES: 12 SGL
013 Guillermo Cañas 18x20 TITLES: 7 SGL 2 DBL
016 Jarkko Nieminen 18x20 TITLES: 2 SGL 5 DBL
018 Thomaz Bellucci 18x20 TITLES: 4 SGL 1 DBL
020 Stefan Koubek 18x20 TITLES: 3 SGL 1 DBL
025 Fernando Meligeni 18x20 TITLES: 3 SGL 7 DBL
029 Fernando Vicente 16x18 TITLES: 3 SGL 2 DBL
035 Igor Kunitsyn 16x18 TITLES: 1 SGL 1 DBL
041 David Sanchez 16x18 TITLES: 2 SGL
042 Michael Berrer 18x20 TITLES: 1 DBL
069 Jesse Levine 18x20
069 Robert Kendrick 18x20 TITLES: 1 DBL

Doubles: Six.One Slams
001 Daniel Nestor 18x20
AO: 2002
RG: 2007 2010 2011 2012
WMBL: 2008 2009
USO: 2004

001 Max Mirnyi 18x20
RG: 2005 2006 2011 2012
USO: 2000 2002

001 Jonas Björkman 18x20
AO: 1998,1988,2001
RG: 2005,2006
W: 2002,2003,2004
USO: 2003

001 Mark Woodforde 12x16
AO:*1992,1997
RG:2000
WMBL:*1993,*1994,*1995,1996,1997,2000 USO:*1989,*1995,1996
...plus another five mixed doubles slams

001 Todd Woodbridge 18x20
AO: 1992,1997,2001
RG: 2000
WMBL: 1993,1994,1995,1996,1997,2000,2002,2003,2004
USO: 1995,1996,2003

001 Jim Grabb 16x18
RG:1989
USO:1992
002 Bruno Soares 18x20
AO: 2016

002 Horia Tecau 18x20
WMBL: 2015

003 Daniel Vacek 18x20
RG: 1996,1997
USO: 1997

004 Kevin Ullyett 18x20
AO: 2005
USO: 2001

004 Vasek Pospisil 18x20
WMBL: 2014

007 Simon Aspelin 18x20
USO: 2007

019 Andy Ram 18x20
AO: 2008

Current users are denoted by RED TEXT
Doubles: Currently Use a Six.One
004 Vasek Pospisil 18x20 TITLES: 6 DBL
008 Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi 18x20 TITLES: 11 DBL
057 Dušan Lajović 18x20 TITLES: 1 SGL 2 DBL

Doubles: previously used a Six.One
043 Teymuraz Gabashvili 16x18 TITLES: 1 DBL
057 Gastão Elias 16x18
038 Chris Guccione 18x20 TITLES: 5 DBL
115 Tennys Sandgren 18x20

Doubles: Retired players who used a Six.One on Tour
001 Jim Grabb 16x18 TITLES: 2 SGL 23 DBL
001 Jonas Björkman 18x20 TITLES: 6 SGL 54 DBL
001 Mark Woodforde 12x16 TITLES: 4 SGL 67 DBL
001 Jim Grabb 16x18 TITLES: 2 SGL 23 DBL
001 Todd Woodbridge 18x20 TITLES: 2 SGL 83 DBL
001 Daniel Nestor 18x20 TITLES: 91 DBL
001 Max Mirnyi 18x20 TITLES: 1 SGL 49 DBL
002 Bruno Soares 18x20 TITLES: 23 DBL
002 Horia Tecau 18x20 TITLES: 29 DBL
003 Daniel Vacek 18x20 TITLES: 25 DBL
004 Kevin Ullyett 18x20 TITLES: 34 DBL
007 Simon Aspelin 18x20 TITLES: 12 DBL
010 Dick Norman 18x20 TITLES: 4 DBL
017 Andre Sa 18x20 TITLES: 10 DBL
018 Todd Perry: 6 DBL
037 Igor Sijsling 18x20 TITLES: 1 DBL
151 Chase Buchanan 18x20

penguin · Aug 18, 2016

you should add a note next to those players (like fish and del potro) who used an extended length version.

Also, you should put a mention for those players who played the Dunlop copy- Tim Henman (16x18 plus 0.5 inches) and Greg Rusedski and others- they played with the wilson until they got sponsored...

macattack · Aug 18, 2016

Great thread. Thanks, Gino!

moon shot · Aug 18, 2016

penguin said:
you should add a note next to those players (like fish and del potro) who used an extended length version.

I think some people may speculate that a frame is longer by the look and others took that as fact. The difference in length would only be 4% so I'm not sure how that can be observed without something to scale it against. Juan Martin does wrap his grip higher which could cause confusion.

I haven't seen it reported from stringers either. @ProStringing shared some excelent photos comparing Del Potro, Edmund, and Lajovic's frame. Either they are all extended to the same length or none are since they are lining up when standing on end (if I'm observing correctly).

Below are some comparison pictures between Juan Martin’s racket and two rackets from other Wilson sponsored players, Kyle Edmund (left) and Dusan Lajovic (right):

moon shot · Aug 18, 2016

gino said:
The definitive list (thanks for the help @Arti ):

Juan Martin Del Potro: 18x20 - 2009 US Open Singles
Max Mirnyi: 16x18 - 05/06/11/12 French Open Doubles - 00/02 US Open Doubles
Gaston Gaudio 18x20 - 2005 French Open Singles
Robert Lindstedt: 16x18 - 2014 US Open Doubles
Vasek Pospisil: 18x20 - 2014 Wimbledon Doubles
Horia Tecau: 18x20 - 2015 Wimbledon Doubles
Jarkko Nieminen: 16x18
Mardy Fish: 18x20
Dominic Thiem 18x20
Philip Kohlschriber: 16x18
Igor Sijsling: 18x20
Jesse Levine: 18x20
Leonardo Mayer: 18x20
Roberto Bautista Agut: 18x20
Stephane Robert 18x20 (Only hyper pro staff through 2010)
Steve Darcis: 18x20
Thomaz Bellucci: 18x20
Kyle Edmund 18x20
Gabashvili 18x20
Lukas Rosol 18x20
Dusan Lajovic 18x20
Denis Shapovalov 18x20
Dan Evans 18x20
Robert Kendrick 18x20
Chase Buchanan 18x20
VLOGMAN 18x16 (@TW Staff)

Singles majors won: 2
Doubles majors won: 9

Great list. The scope appears to be currently men who used the Pro Staff 6.1 Classic 95 and direct descendants. If that is the case perhaps we say 95 up there somewhere, otherwise at least one guy who's frame said six.one on it from time to time named roger isn't up there. There are probably also a good number of WTA 6.1 95 on tour.

gino · Aug 18, 2016

moon shot said:
I think some people may speculate that a frame is longer by the look and others took that as fact. The difference in length would only be 4% so I'm not sure how that can be observed without something to scale it against. Juan Martin does wrap his grip higher which could cause confusion.

I haven't seen it reported from stringers either. @ProStringing shared some excelent photos comparing Del Potro, Edmund, and Lajovic's frame. Either they are all extended to the same length or none are since they are lining up when standing on end (if I'm observing correctly).

Below are some comparison pictures between Juan Martin’s racket and two rackets from other Wilson sponsored players, Kyle Edmund (left) and Dusan Lajovic (right):

Awesome photos, love the comparisons...

penguin · Aug 18, 2016

moon shot said:
I think some people may speculate that a frame is longer by the look and others took that as fact. The difference in length would only be 4% so I'm not sure how that can be observed without something to scale it against. Juan Martin does wrap his grip higher which could cause confusion.

I haven't seen it reported from stringers either. @ProStringing shared some excelent photos comparing Del Potro, Edmund, and Lajovic's frame. Either they are all extended to the same length or none are since they are lining up when standing on end (if I'm observing correctly).

Below are some comparison pictures between Juan Martin’s racket and two rackets from other Wilson sponsored players, Kyle Edmund (left) and Dusan Lajovic (right):

well actually none of these show the end of the handle where the extension would be, and the last one it looks to me like del potro's bridge could be a little higher up- not sure. Most people seemed to agree that his racquet is extended by half an inch. Didn't he endorse the K-Factor 95X rather than the regular K95 for that reason? I don't know why you think it is so unlikely that he plays with an HPS 6.1 95 stretch under the paint.
Henman is from an interview with TW where he said he had his racquets extended by a half inch.

gino · Aug 18, 2016

penguin said:
well actually none of these show the end of the handle where the extension would be, and the last one it looks to me like del potro's bridge could be a little higher up- not sure. Most people seemed to agree that his racquet is extended by half an inch. Didn't he endorse the K-Factor 95X rather than the regular K95 for that reason? I don't know why you think it is so unlikely that he plays with an HPS 6.1 95 stretch under the paint.
Henman is from an interview with TW where he said he had his racquets extended by a half inch.

@penguin so Heman and Rudeski both used a 6.1 mould under Dunlop paint?

vsbabolat · Aug 18, 2016

Dont forget:
Mats Wilander
Aaron KrickStein
Jared Palmer

vsbabolat · Aug 18, 2016

gino said:
@penguin so Heman and Rudeski both used a 6.1 mould under Dunlop paint?

Yes without the PWS. They both actually used them.

moon shot · Aug 18, 2016

penguin said:
well actually none of these show the end of the handle where the extension would be, and the last one it looks to me like del potro's bridge could be a little higher up- not sure. Most people seemed to agree that his racquet is extended by half an inch. Didn't he endorse the K-Factor 95X rather than the regular K95 for that reason? I don't know why you think it is so unlikely that he plays with an HPS 6.1 95 stretch under the paint.
Henman is from an interview with TW where he said he had his racquets extended by a half inch.

I started following tennis while Del Potro was out on injury, so there may be info I'm unaware of. I should have phrased it more as a question in my last post, I ask for the sake of having accurate info if we're going to compile a list.

My guess is based on photo 3 it appears to me that all three frames are standing on their butt cap on the floor, since that is how 4 and 8 appear. If that is true and one of the frames were different then the head guard and drill pattern wouldn't line up as well.

FWIW he endorsed the KSix-One 18x20 with measurements seen here of 317 swingweight and 352g unstrung.

lidoazndiabloboi · Aug 18, 2016

penguin said:
well actually none of these show the end of the handle where the extension would be, and the last one it looks to me like del potro's bridge could be a little higher up- not sure. Most people seemed to agree that his racquet is extended by half an inch. Didn't he endorse the K-Factor 95X rather than the regular K95 for that reason? I don't know why you think it is so unlikely that he plays with an HPS 6.1 95 stretch under the paint.
Henman is from an interview with TW where he said he had his racquets extended by a half inch.

In a few of the pics, the rackets seem to be set on the ground, so if it was extended, it would be more obvious from the throat pics.
Also, I'm fairly certain his rackets are standard length as I've held his rackets before.

gino · Aug 18, 2016

vsbabolat said:
Dont forget:
Mats Wilander
Aaron KrickStein
Jared Palmer

Thanks for that @vsbabolat ... Do you an idea of what string patterns?

vsbabolat · Aug 18, 2016

gino said:
Thanks for that @vsbabolat ... Do you an idea of what string patterns?

16x18

gino · Aug 18, 2016

vsbabolat said:
16x18

Gracias amigo. Did Mats win a major with a 6.1 95 mould?

vsbabolat · Aug 18, 2016

gino said:
Gracias amigo. Did Mats win a major with a 6.1 95 mould?

No, he did not play too well with it. He played with it during a comeback in 1993. All of Mats' major wins was with his trusty Rossignol F200. Which was a noodle.

gino · Aug 18, 2016

vsbabolat said:
No, he did not play too well with it. He played with it during a comeback in 1993. All of Mats' major wins was with his trusty Rossignol F200. Which was a noodle.

Just googling around I saw his PSC 6.1.. that's a bummer.

By chance his Jonas Bjorkman play with a 6.1? Or was he a pro stock/H22 guy?

vsbabolat · Aug 18, 2016

gino said:
Just googling around I saw his PSC 6.1.. that's a bummer.

By chance his Jonas Bjorkman play with a 6.1? Or was he a pro stock/H22 guy?

Yes, Jonas Bjorkman is a Pro Staff 6.1 95 guy.

Gemini · Aug 18, 2016

Richard Krajicek... Wilson PSC 6.1. Though he won Wimbledon with a Yonex.

gino · Aug 18, 2016

Gemini said:
Richard Krajicek... Wilson PSC 6.1. Though he won Wimbledon with a Yonex.

thanks for that. What was his pattern? @Gemini

Seth · Aug 18, 2016

Brad Gilbert.

Edit: Only used 6.1 as a coach.

gino · Aug 18, 2016

Seth said:
Brad Gilbert.

Edit: Only used 6.1 as a coach.

Thanks @Seth still a good edition to the list. I have Todd Martin there for the post retirement use as well

moon shot · Aug 18, 2016

gino said:
Thanks @Seth still a good edition to the list. I have Todd Martin there for the post retirement use as well

What did he use through the 90s? I see some pics of a skunk 6.2 hammer I think and some other hammers. Surely he didn't retire and change 20 pts in balance.

Gemini · Aug 19, 2016

gino said:
thanks for that. What was his pattern? @Gemini

18x20

vsbabolat · Aug 19, 2016

gino said:
Thanks @Seth still a good edition to the list. I have Todd Martin there for the post retirement use as well

Todd Martin used the 6.1 while he was active. Those were all paint jobs he used

gino · Aug 19, 2016

vsbabolat said:
Todd Martin used the 6.1 while he was active. Those were all paint jobs he used

thanks for that. I had no clue. Looked like he was endorsing some odd frames

Seth · Aug 19, 2016

Mahesh Bhupathi. Here he is with Mirnyi wearing the GOATest Nike shirt.

15 Majors between doubles and mixed.

2718018-mahesh-bhupathi-of-india-congratulates-gettyimages.jpg

Seth · Aug 19, 2016

Daniel Nestor.

12 Major titles between doubles and mixed.

Seth · Aug 19, 2016

Bruno Soares.

4 Major titles between doubles and mixed.

Seth · Aug 19, 2016

Reilly Opelka.

Seth · Aug 19, 2016

Eric Butorac.

Seth · Aug 19, 2016

Todd Woodbridge.

Seth · Aug 19, 2016

Paul Hanley and Simon Aspelin.

ABN+AMRO+World+Tennis+Tournament+Day+Seven+W8Cpf27Q6s9m.jpg

Seth · Aug 19, 2016

Kevin Ullyett.

gino · Aug 20, 2016

Seth said:
Mahesh Bhupathi. Here he is with Mirnyi wearing the GOATest Nike shirt.

15 Majors between doubles and mixed.

Seth said:
Daniel Nestor.

12 Major titles between doubles and mixed.

These are two I am ashamed of missing!

Thanks for posting all of these @Seth. I will add them all ASAP

jersey34tennis · Aug 20, 2016

tommy robredo dunlop is one also

penguin · Aug 21, 2016

jersey34tennis said:
tommy robredo dunlop is one also

I think he plays with Revelation Pro tour, which is obviously similar but has a different throat/ beam shape. Though for sure he could have switched to the 2c or whatever it is called at some point.

RanchDressing · Aug 21, 2016

moon shot said:
I started following tennis while Del Potro was out on injury, so there may be info I'm unaware of. I should have phrased it more as a question in my last post, I ask for the sake of having accurate info if we're going to compile a list.

My guess is based on photo 3 it appears to me that all three frames are standing on their butt cap on the floor, since that is how 4 and 8 appear. If that is true and one of the frames were different then the head guard and drill pattern wouldn't line up as well.

FWIW he endorsed the KSix-One 18x20 with measurements seen here of 317 swingweight and 352g unstrung.

That's easily a 347 likely a 350sw with 18x20 when strung. Good stuff

Seth · Aug 22, 2016

Daniel Evans

Seth · Aug 22, 2016

Patrick McEnroe. Used at the tail end of his career (at least that's what the first pic looks like) and currently.

epa000380533-usa-davis-cup-captain-patrick-mcenroe-l-watches-as-team-ff67mm.jpg

Seth · Aug 22, 2016

Mikael Tillstrom. Check out that nice McDonald's sponsor patch.

Seth · Aug 22, 2016

Michael Hill and Daniel Vacek.

Vacek won three mixed Major titles.

apr-2002-michael-hill-of-australia-and-daniel-vacek-of-the-czech-in-picture-id1007046

Seth · Aug 22, 2016

Fernando Meligeni. If you find his Instagram, you'll see he still uses the 6.1 Classic.

brasileiro-fernando-meligeni-ficou-perto-do-bronze-olimpico-nos-jogos-de-atlanta-em-1996-1338897947513_956x500.jpg

Seth · Aug 22, 2016

Jim Grabb.

Seth · Aug 22, 2016

Guillermo Canas.

Seth · Aug 22, 2016

Greg Rusedski. I know he's been mentioned, but here he is using the 6.1 Classic.

Seth · Aug 22, 2016

Here's Mardy Fish with his.

621987-mar-2001-mardy-fish-of-the-usa-reacts-to-gettyimages.jpg

Seth · Aug 22, 2016

Tiger Tim Henman.

Seth · Aug 22, 2016

Taylor Dent.

Seth · Aug 22, 2016

Stefan Koubek.

Pro's (Past and Present) That Have Swung a Wilson 6.1 [Includes major winners]

Legend

Professional

Professional

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

Legend

Professional

Legend

G.O.A.T.

G.O.A.T.

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

Legend

G.O.A.T.

Legend

G.O.A.T.

Legend

G.O.A.T.

Hall of Fame

Legend

Legend

Legend

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

G.O.A.T.

Legend

Legend

Legend

Legend

Legend

Legend

Legend

Legend

Legend

Legend

Professional

Professional

Hall of Fame

Legend

Legend

Legend

Legend

Legend

Legend

Legend

Legend

Legend

Legend

Legend

Legend

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