Is it time for Nishikori to switch Racquets?

TennisHound

TennisHound

Legend
Watching Nishikori play against Nadal, he was just overpowered. While Kei can pack a wallop with his 95, he has to work twice as hard and be twice as accurate to hit the same pace and spin as Nadal. I don’t think he needs to switch to a Babolat, but his team should start thinking about a possible switch. It would be a very hard decision, but now would be the time.
 
graycrait

graycrait

Legend
He could borrow a couple of mine:
G8R916b.jpg
 
TennisHound

TennisHound

Legend
A 100” racquet would be too big of a jump, but maybe an H22.Either way, his team would need to look at the possible benefits.
 
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[d]ragon

[d]ragon

Hall of Fame
I honestly think his technique just isn't efficient, and that's why he's gotta swing so fast to generate pace. It ends up hurting him when he wastes more energy than he should hence longer matches or running out of steam in later rounds

I think trying a 98 is worth a shot for him, but only to alleviate the symptoms. Getting physically stronger might help too (not sure how much strength training he puts in currently)
 
One Handed Dynasty

One Handed Dynasty

Semi-Pro
95XL is a plenty good racquet, I’d be more inclined to see him move to a more open string pattern. He can hit great shots with pace that cross the baseline before the alleys, but that won’t get it done against top guys unless he can get more spin and use short angles as well. He’s always been a fairly one dimensional player though, he’s not likely to change it up now.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
TennisHound

TennisHound

Legend
I think Nishikori is physically strong, a slightly more forgiving racquet would only enhance his strength. IMO he hits as well as he does because of his strength. Either way, a racquet switch now, would be the right move for him.
 
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A

airdupont

Semi-Pro
He just didn’t have a good day and against Nadal you get punished. With a % of 38% first serves for example... His movement sometimes wasn’t as good either.
 
Frans Bleker

Frans Bleker

Professional
Switching rackets takes a long time to adjust. Also Nishi has totally different stroke mechanics than Nadal, a 100 might not work out for him.
 
Bender

Bender

G.O.A.T.
TBH something like a customised Pure Drive wouldn't be a bad idea, but we've seen before with David Ferrer and the Pure Drive that just because something works on paper doesn't mean that it will work in practice.
 
TennisHound

TennisHound

Legend
Frans Bleker said:
Switching rackets takes a long time to adjust. Also Nishi has totally different stroke mechanics than Nadal, a 100 might not work out for him.
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Not a 100. But a 98 might be a real possibility. There would be an adjustment period, but I doubt it would be as long as Federer’s. Wawrinka’s was seamless, with great results (granted he went from 95 to 95 but a completely different head shape and more powerful).

Like I say, he doesn’t have to switch, but does he really have anything to lose?
 
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McLovin

McLovin

Legend
TennisHound said:
Like I say, he doesn’t have to switch, but does he really have anything to lose?
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That's probably the most compelling argument in all of this. He obviously needs *something* to get him past the big guys, but then again, so do most people (especially vs Nadal on clay).

I'd like to see him hit w/ an extended Pure Drive VS. Slightly more powerful, 98 sq in, 16x19 pattern (possibly more spin?).
 
racquetreligion

racquetreligion

Hall of Fame
Yonex with its unique design is the only OS that that would suit his needs for a bit more pop
while retaining the balance, sweetspot and spin he requires for his mechanics.

However Ferrer had more stamina, more fight and then looking for more pop destroyed
his game with a lengthened Bab PD before he found a Wilson with similar Prince dynamics
which took him a while to master but showed great results till he injured himself in Auckland
and that put a toll on his usually indestructible body that compounded his decisions to retire.

Yet I also agree that its not the racquet he has problems with but his body is not able to
handle one 5 setter and a days rest. Mentally he has gotten a little better but earning
30 million in sponsorship, 30 million interviews for Japanese TV and 30 million negative
thoughts while practicing does not motivate the already hard to motivate personality
M Chang and all his past coaches have quipped on being the toughest challenge.

Likely will just be a top 10-20 journeyman, great for most players but frustrating for his fans.
 
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SeeItHitIt

SeeItHitIt

Professional
I always say it’s not the bow, it’s the Indian. Still believe that 95%. He could get more (free) power from something larger but I have to assume that he’s tried everything that’s out there and more and still swings what he swings. Yonex would be a good fit if he needs another Japanese brand name sewn to his shirt. Yonex aren’t exactly know as the go-to stock to add pop (no dissing, they’ve got a great line up but they are Pure Drive Roddick’s).
 
Eichiro

Eichiro

Rookie
Pretty sure Nishikori signed a life time contract with Wilson a few years back, I doubt he's gonna switch
 
T

TforTommy

Semi-Pro
nishikori had injuries in the past, he's been experimenting with racquet lengths and he strings very low tension with a powerful setup.

Imo his racquet isn't the issue at all. 95 inches isn't even that small either. It's give and take, i'm sure he's considered switching as someone I know has a few prototype frames when he was doing racquet testing with wilson. With his injuries it's best that he sticks with his more arm friendly 95 headsetup. He's played pretty well so far this season...
 
T

TforTommy

Semi-Pro
Lol, it's kinda funny because there's been discussion of dimitrov changing from his 93 to his 97. When he switched and had the shoulder injury he was experimenting with other frames and eventually moved 2 and from.

What's better, for a player to stick with a setup they're confident and comfortable with? Or to experiment with other frames due to a tough loss against G.O.A.T clay court 11 time rolland garros winner with the risk of losing rhythm and time to adjust
 
TennisHound

TennisHound

Legend
TforTommy said:
Lol, it's kinda funny because there's been discussion of dimitrov changing from his 93 to his 97. When he switched and had the shoulder injury he was experimenting with other frames and eventually moved 2 and from.

What's better, for a player to stick with a setup they're confident and comfortable with? Or to experiment with other frames due to a tough loss against G.O.A.T clay court 11 time rolland garros winner with the risk of losing rhythm and time to adjust
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Well, I’m not sure about Dimitrov. I’m not sure if he’s having the same problems against Nadal that Nishikori is. It’s a tough call. He can keep using his 95 and stay right where he’s at - #5-15 over the next 5-10 years.
 
heninfan99

heninfan99

Talk Tennis Guru
Time for Chang to coach Zverev and teach him guts & fight and Lendl to coach Nishi to teach a champions mind set
 
TennisHound

TennisHound

Legend
BHud said:
This is TTW...of course a new racquet cures anything...:laughing:
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Look, a racquet doesn't cure everything, but at some point, I think its a good idea to look at equipment, and the type of game/ opponent your playing against. It doesn't matter if Nishikori switches racquets. He will still continue to beat most 85% of everyone, but after watching some of his matches, I think a slightly more forgiving racquet would help his game.
 
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O

One hander

Rookie
Have any of you guys actually tried the Wilson Burn or Ultra 95?? The Burn 95 is a total beast, with the sweetest plough-thru I have ever felt in a racquet. My goodness, I love hitting with that racquet esp against big hitters. Oddly enough, as mentioned in TW's review, it has one of the largest sweetspots I have seen in a racquet, even though it's just 95 sqin. If I was a pro playing 4-5 hrs everyday and with that kind of tennis muscle development, that racquet would be my top choice for sure. Great power and control, I just can't handle the swingweight, which I am sure is not a problem for pros. And this is coming from a huge Yonex Fan (DR 100 Plus and Vcore 98 Plus).
 
G

guardian2002

New User
One hander said:
Have any of you guys actually tried the Wilson Burn or Ultra 95?? The Burn 95 is a total beast, with the sweetest plough-thru I have ever felt in a racquet. My goodness, I love hitting with that racquet esp against big hitters. Oddly enough, as mentioned in TW's review, it has one of the largest sweetspots I have seen in a racquet, even though it's just 95 sqin. If I was a pro playing 4-5 hrs everyday and with that kind of tennis muscle development, that racquet would be my top choice for sure. Great power and control, I just can't handle the swingweight, which I am sure is not a problem for pros. And this is coming from a huge Yonex Fan (DR 100 Plus and Vcore 98 Plus).
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Agreed. The Wilson 95 series at 27.25 inches seems perfect for Kei's agressive all court game. More free power than say a PS or Ultra Tour for sure.

I am a big fan but dang, the guy has it tough against most of the Top-10.
 
sredna42

sredna42

Hall of Fame
What yonex would suit him best i wonder.
An sv100 would give him alot of free venom on serve and groundstrokes if i remember the feel of it aright
 
jmacdaununder2

jmacdaununder2

Legend
guardian2002 said:
Agreed. The Wilson 95 series at 27.25 inches seems perfect for Kei's agressive all court game. More free power than say a PS or Ultra Tour for sure.

I am a big fan but dang, the guy has it tough against most of the Top-10.
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Isn't Kei still using a longer than 27.25" pro stock?
 
Harry_Wild

Harry_Wild

G.O.A.T.
The old Wilson Profile would fit the OP idea perfectly! Of course it would have to get the PJ treatment to fit his endorse racquet! LOL!o_O
 
TennisHound

TennisHound

Legend
One hander said:
Have any of you guys actually tried the Wilson Burn or Ultra 95?? The Burn 95 is a total beast, with the sweetest plough-thru I have ever felt in a racquet. My goodness, I love hitting with that racquet esp against big hitters. Oddly enough, as mentioned in TW's review, it has one of the largest sweetspots I have seen in a racquet, even though it's just 95 sqin. If I was a pro playing 4-5 hrs everyday and with that kind of tennis muscle development, that racquet would be my top choice for sure. Great power and control, I just can't handle the swingweight, which I am sure is not a problem for pros. And this is coming from a huge Yonex Fan (DR 100 Plus and Vcore 98 Plus).
Click to expand...
I used the pre-CV Burn one for about 3-4 months.
 
Zoolander

Zoolander

Hall of Fame
Stop bagging Kei out for being a wimpy weakling everyone! The guy is the king of 5 setters, wins more of them than anyone else. Of course, thats because the better guys will win it in 3, but still...
 
TennisHound

TennisHound

Legend
Harry_Wild said:
The old Wilson Profile would fit the OP idea perfectly! Of course it would have to get the PJ treatment to fit his endorse racquet! LOL!o_O
Click to expand...
It’s good to see that you know how to use emojis, since most grandparents still have flip phones. You’re pretty ahead of the curve, pops. Unfortunately it sounds like you can’t read too well these days since you apparently didn’t read one word of the opening topic.

Lol st-pid
 
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TennisHound

TennisHound

Legend
Zoolander said:
Stop bagging Kei out for being a wimpy weakling everyone! The guy is the king of 5 setters, wins more of them than anyone else. Of course, thats because the better guys will win it in 3, but still...
Click to expand...
Who said he’s a weakling? He’s a strong guy.

How do you feel Kei has done against Nadal?
 
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