Federer needs a new racquet!!!

[One hander]

Everybody here knows how changing to a 97sqin racquet has made such a huge difference for Federer, especially against Nadal. Who knows how many majors he would have won if he made the switch earlier!?! He must be kicking himself thinking about the times he cried (publicly or privately) after losing to Nadal in a major (other than the French).

He needs to go further and switch to a 100sqin racquet, like Djokovic and Nadal. HOW MANY SHOTS DID HE FRAME IN THE WIMBLEDON FINAL!! Granted, that was on grass with unpredictable bounces. However, with his attacking game, one handed backhand and tendency to take balls on the rise, he could use the few inches of headsize as he definitely frames much more shots that Nadal and Djokovic. Ironically, I would love to see him go to a Head shaped racquet, which is wider at the top of the hoop.

Of course some people might argue he might lose control, but his game is not about painting lines, except his serve. But when it comes to serve, the Head Graphene 360 Speed Pro is the most accurate serving racquet I have tried (I know Djokovic does not actually use that racquet).

 

[jmacdaununder2]

Two words: Big Bubba!!

 

[Luis88]

I don't think he was missing/framing because of the racquet. He was mentally tight at those moments. Took his eyes off the ball a fraction of a second too early. And no, his game is exactly about precision. He needs to hit spots to move his opponents around, then finishes with a super early forehand. If the racquet face is a bit too big, he needs to take a bigger swing to assure the ball have enough spin and stay in, then that would take away the element of hitting early to surprise his opponent. Just my 2cents.

 

[tennisyyw]

He needs to go further and switch to a 100sqin racquet, like Djokovic and Nadal.

Djo not using a 95in racquet?

 

[dr. godmode]

he should use the best racquet of all time, The Pure Aero Plus, but make sure Babolat doesn't give him one with too high a swing weight. You can see in the Babolat thread that , Nostradamus has posted many great players getting even better with the new Pure AEro

 

[Zoolander]

He framed one shot on match point, and you want him to change racquets?!

And djoko uses a 95, dufus! And he WON! I think by your logic that means Fed should get a smaller racquet like a 95 and then he would win finals like these. Yes?! You likey?

 

[ruervyn]

Also, have you seen a 97sq in vs a 100sq in racquet in person? The difference is very negligible.

 

[One hander]

He framed one shot on match point, and you want him to change racquets?!

And djoko uses a 95, dufus! And he WON! I think by your logic that means Fed should get a smaller racquet like a 95 and then he would win finals like these. Yes?! You likey?

Zoolander, did you actually watch the match or just the highlights and see match point? RF framed at least a dozen shots, prob at least 4-5 in first set alone. Try watching it before commenting. Real tough guy calling someone a name on the internet.

 

[One hander]

Also, have you seen a 97sq in vs a 100sq in racquet in person? The difference is very negligible.

Difference is actually pretty large. Compare the RF97 with any Wilson 100 racquet

 

[ruervyn]

Difference is actually pretty large. Compare the RF97 with any Wilson 100 racquet

so you're saying....if fed 3 extra sq inch he'd shank less? I'd like to see a RF97 side by side comparison with a Wilson 100 racquet. Let's just say Fed uses a 100 sq in racquet and keep all other variable the same, he'd still be hitting the outer edge of the frame, possibly shanking anyways or at least not clean shot. IMHO it won't make much of a difference.

 

[Deleted member 369227]

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/ten...r-racket-Wilson-US-Open-equipment-tennis-news

 

[TagUrIt]

http://www.tennisnow.com/Blogs/NET-POSTS/July-2019/Watch-Federer-Hits-With-Clash.aspx

 

[moon shot]

I vote for the Radical Tour XL OS Zebra.

 

[One hander]

This should be a no-brainer for Fed and Wilson. As he gets older, he will have to continue playing more aggressively and shortening the points. Big difference volleying with a 97 vs 100 sqin head. FOR WILSON, everyone with an RF97 will have to buy a RF100

 

[One hander]

He was actually asked the question in this press conference around 2:55.

 

[CiscoPC600]

Djokovic uses a 95 sq inch racket, and I know it's been confirmed around here, but from the naked eye it just doesn't look like other 95s... Is it just that Head measures their rackets differently?

@vsbabolat I figured you are our best bet at clarifying.. Thanks in advance.

 

[Povl Carstensen]

The seriousness and relevance of a thread is inversely proportional with the number of exclamation marks in the title

 

[guardian2002]

Everybody here knows how changing to a 97sqin racquet has made such a huge difference for Federer, especially against Nadal. Who knows how many majors he would have won if he made the switch earlier!?! He must be kicking himself thinking about the times he cried (publicly or privately) after losing to Nadal in a major (other than the French).

He needs to go further and switch to a 100sqin racquet, like Djokovic and Nadal. HOW MANY SHOTS DID HE FRAME IN THE WIMBLEDON FINAL!! Granted, that was on grass with unpredictable bounces. However, with his attacking game, one handed backhand and tendency to take balls on the rise, he could use the few inches of headsize as he definitely frames much more shots that Nadal and Djokovic. Ironically, I would love to see him go to a Head shaped racquet, which is wider at the top of the hoop.

Of course some people might argue he might lose control, but his game is not about painting lines, except his serve. But when it comes to serve, the Head Graphene 360 Speed Pro is the most accurate serving racquet I have tried (I know Djokovic does not actually use that racquet).

Re Nadal, looking at his specs, I don't think his racquet would be that easy to handle and it probably won't be very forgiving compared to Fed's HL sticks.

Secondly, I think at this level, the jump from 97 to 100 is not going to make much difference on its own. The jump for Fed from his previous frame to the RF97 was huge because it involved an increase to 97 from 90, an increase in beam stiffness and width, and correspondingly increase in stability, power and forgiveness.

Finally, these guys are GODs. Feel and comfort aside, they can play with any frame modified to their preferred specs.

 

[vsbabolat]

Djokovic uses a 95 sq inch racket, and I know it's been confirmed around here, but from the naked eye it just doesn't look like other 95s... Is it just that Head measures their rackets differently?

@vsbabolat I figured you are our best bet at clarifying.. Thanks in advance.

Actually for years HEAD claimed that the Radical MP that Djokovic uses was 98 the reality is its 95. I don’t think it’s measuring differently. I think it’s purely marketing.

 

[CiscoPC600]

Actually for years HEAD claimed that the Radical MP that Djokovic uses was 98 the reality is its 95. I don’t think it’s measuring differently. I think it’s purely marketing.

Weird. Why does it look so much bigger than Shapo’s racket or Murray’s for instance?

 

[vsbabolat]

Weird. Why does it look so much bigger than Shapo’s racket or Murray’s for instance?

Same exact headsize as Murray’s

 

[moon shot]

Same exact headsize as Murray’s

I think part of the equation is that when there is no frame of reference Novak appears to be a smaller human than he is whereas Andy and some others appear larger. I think this skews perception of racquet size.

 

[Dondon]

Also, have you seen a 97sq in vs a 100sq in racquet in person? The difference is very negligible.

Serena 104 racket does 122mph serves
Imagine Federer using it

 

[Povl Carstensen]

Serena 104 racket does 122mph serves
Imagine Federer using it

Yes, and a 122 racket would do 144. Imagine

 

[BH40love]

Lolol so according to ppl here they think Fed should switch to a 100 in and it will make a difference? That’s a joke how about if he wins one of those match points this topic is even more irrelevant

 

[stingstang]

Difference is actually pretty large. Compare the RF97 with any Wilson 100 racquet

Haha I just held a Six One 95 next to a Bab PA. The bab is a hair wider, the main difference (still small) seems to be right at the bottom of the hoop which you shouldn't be hitting the ball anywhere near.

 

[BH40love]

Haha I just held a Six One 95 next to a Bab PA. The bab is a hair wider, the main difference (still small) seems to be right at the bottom of the hoop which you shouldn't be hitting the ball anywhere near.

Exactly mate these ppl saying he should switch don’t realize the difference is not great lol

 

[dr325i]

Same exact headsize as Murray’s

Same grommets fit on my PT113B and PT57A

 

[wings56]

He needs 130 sq in

 

[asifallasleep]

Actually he needs to switch to the Head PT57A..................plays closer to his 90 and would give him tons more time.

 

[CiscoPC600]

Same exact headsize as Murray’s

Wait, I thought the PT57A was a 98? Now I'm confused. Shapo is for sure using a 95..

 

[vsbabolat]

Wait, I thought the PT57A was a 98? Now I'm confused. Shapo is for sure using a 95..

Nope, PT57A is really 95

 

[TheIntrovert]

Why not just go all out?

 

[TennisHound]

Well, Fed Djok and Nadal don’t need to worry about switching racquets. But Fed did mention Nishikori, who I feel would benefit from a different racquet.

 

[ron schaap]

Exactly mate these ppl saying he should switch don’t realize the difference is not great lol

5 % difference. I always smile when some members state they need 98inch instead of 100 inch which is only 2 % difference.

 

[ron schaap]

Serena 104 racket does 122mph serves
Imagine Federer using it

Sometimes i think she is more muscular then the GOAT and he puts more effort in variation and placement of his serves then hit them hard which explains the differences

 

[jmacdaununder2]

5 % difference. I always smile when some members state they need 98inch instead of 100 inch which is only 2 % difference.

IMO 97/98" headsize racquets often have a higher bridge than 100" headsize racquets and so produce more leverage.

 

[Dansan]

The mental hit he would take going to a 100 sq in would counter the physical size benefit. Inverse D measuring contest. Federer going to a 100 would be like finally using one of those motorized carts at the grocery store. Just kill me.

 

[ron schaap]

IMO 97/98" headsize racquets often have a higher bridge than 100" headsize racquets and so produce more leverage.

Isnt that a related to balance point and swing weight, so can easily be adapted with extra lead?
Maybe Fed is using a racquet which is just to demanding for playing 5 hard sets?
Hasnt Nole gone lighter and Murray years ago too?

 

[jmacdaununder2]

The bridge is higher/further from the hand; this puts the sweet spot further from the hand, creating more leverage.

 

[dnguyen]

he doesnt need a need racquet. he made a huge mistake by going to bigger head size. he should stick with 90sq in that worked for him.

 

[Rabbit]

@dnguyen I completely disagree with that. Federer is playing better tennis now, he's pretty much owned Nadal since changing and he's been more aggressive off his backhand. Add to that the fact that he's taking the ball earlier than ever and more inside the baseline thus robbing more time from his opponent and the change was a complete success.

To the OP @One hander , guys like you are just freaking unbelievable. Federer, at age 37, gets to the finals of Wimbledon, has two match points, and loses 13-12 (tiebreak) in the 5th and you have the temerity to say he needs a new racket change? Please! The guy is the most awesome player in Open tennis history. Nobody, and I mean nobody can compare. The way he's going, it's not unreal to expect him in the top 10, should he decide to play, in his 40s. Your "critique" of Federer's equipment choice shows both an ignorance of the game and a complete lack of perspective for just how great the man's accomplishments to date are.

 

[SeeItHitIt]

Why not just go all out?

Oh look, Serena’s stick with a PJ.

 

[dnguyen]

@dnguyen I completely disagree with that. Federer is playing better tennis now, he's pretty much owned Nadal since changing and he's been more aggressive off his backhand. Add to that the fact that he's taking the ball earlier than ever and more inside the baseline thus robbing more time from his opponent and the change was a complete success.

To the OP @One hander , guys like you are just freaking unbelievable. Federer, at age 37, gets to the finals of Wimbledon, has two match points, and loses 13-12 (tiebreak) in the 5th and you have the temerity to say he needs a new racket change? Please! The guy is the most awesome player in Open tennis history. Nobody, and I mean nobody can compare. The way he's going, it's not unreal to expect him in the top 10, should he decide to play, in his 40s. Your "critique" of Federer's equipment choice shows both an ignorance of the game and a complete lack of perspective for just how great the man's accomplishments to date are.

Why it has to be Nadal? He lost to Djoker at Wimbledon final. He shanked it at a critical point that ended the game!

 

[Rabbit]

@dnguyen

"Why it has to be Nadal?"
It's called an example. Prior to changing rackets, Federer couldn't beat Nadal. Since changing rackets, he's lost to him once...at the French. The point being, Federer's offense has improved to the point that high bounding balls to his backhand are no longer effective; i.e. Nadal.

"He shanked it at a critical point that ended the game!"
Someone else in this thread mentioned this I believe. It wasn't a shank. Shanks don't go straight up in the air 150 feet. The ball you're referencing came off the edge of his frame. But, putting semantics aside, let's talk about that very shot, match point. Djokovic had hit a great ball, very deep in the court. And the court is.......a grass court. Grass courts are known for.....bad bounces. I don't think it reasonable to suggest a racket change considering the following (let's try this again):

• Federer is 37 (almost 38)
• He had two (2) match points in the match
• The match went 5 sets and was on a knife's edge the entire 5th set
• He lost in the first tiebreak in Wimbledon history (7-3)
• Every set Djokovic won was decided by a tiebreak

And just for hits and giggles:

• Federer beat Nadal in the semis in convincing fashion (better than ever before)
• Prior to the switch, Nadal/Federer 29/9 in head to head
• After the switch, Federer has won 7 of 8 with the one loss in the semi-finals of Roland Garros this year

Djokovic is a different story, but Federer hasn't fared that well against Djokovic since Djokovic broke into the top 5. Djokovic is just a bad matchup for Federer and two square inches isn't going to help that. Djokovic is playing with a 95...does this mean that 5 square inches of increased head size would make him unbeatable? No, it doesn't.

 

[BHud]

I'd like to see the first major championship win with a Big Bubba!

 

[dnguyen]

@dnguyen

"Why it has to be Nadal?"
It's called an example. Prior to changing rackets, Federer couldn't beat Nadal. Since changing rackets, he's lost to him once...at the French. The point being, Federer's offense has improved to the point that high bounding balls to his backhand are no longer effective; i.e. Nadal.

"He shanked it at a critical point that ended the game!"
Someone else in this thread mentioned this I believe. It wasn't a shank. Shanks don't go straight up in the air 150 feet. The ball you're referencing came off the edge of his frame. But, putting semantics aside, let's talk about that very shot, match point. Djokovic had hit a great ball, very deep in the court. And the court is.......a grass court. Grass courts are known for.....bad bounces. I don't think it reasonable to suggest a racket change considering the following (let's try this again):

• Federer is 37 (almost 38)
• He had two (2) match points in the match
• The match went 5 sets and was on a knife's edge the entire 5th set
• He lost in the first tiebreak in Wimbledon history (7-3)
• Every set Djokovic won was decided by a tiebreak

And just for hits and giggles:

• Federer beat Nadal in the semis in convincing fashion (better than ever before)
• Prior to the switch, Nadal/Federer 29/9 in head to head
• After the switch, Federer has won 7 of 8 with the one loss in the semi-finals of Roland Garros this year

Djokovic is a different story, but Federer hasn't fared that well against Djokovic since Djokovic broke into the top 5. Djokovic is just a bad matchup for Federer and two square inches isn't going to help that. Djokovic is playing with a 95...does this mean that 5 square inches of increased head size would make him unbeatable? No, it doesn't.

He just lost to him again recently, even with his bigger headsize racquet. no different. he won once by beating Robin Sodererling with his 90sq in. Only nadal get an injury, RF may have a chance to win but he's getting old.

 

[John]

Everybody here knows how changing to a 97sqin racquet has made such a huge difference for Federer, especially against Nadal. Who knows how many majors he would have won if he made the switch earlier!?! He must be kicking himself thinking about the times he cried (publicly or privately) after losing to Nadal in a major (other than the French).

He needs to go further and switch to a 100sqin racquet, like Djokovic and Nadal. HOW MANY SHOTS DID HE FRAME IN THE WIMBLEDON FINAL!! Granted, that was on grass with unpredictable bounces. However, with his attacking game, one handed backhand and tendency to take balls on the rise, he could use the few inches of headsize as he definitely frames much more shots that Nadal and Djokovic. Ironically, I would love to see him go to a Head shaped racquet, which is wider at the top of the hoop.

Of course some people might argue he might lose control, but his game is not about painting lines, except his serve. But when it comes to serve, the Head Graphene 360 Speed Pro is the most accurate serving racquet I have tried (I know Djokovic does not actually use that racquet).

Did Wilson paid you to promote larger head size or hint clash is good for fed?

 

[John]

This should be a no-brainer for Fed and Wilson. As he gets older, he will have to continue playing more aggressively and shortening the points. Big difference volleying with a 97 vs 100 sqin head. FOR WILSON, everyone with an RF97 will have to buy a RF100

Not RF1000?

 

[Rabbit]

He just lost to him again recently, even with his bigger headsize racquet. no different. he won once by beating Robin Sodererling with his 90sq in. Only nadal get an injury, RF may have a chance to win but he's getting old.

Like I said, he lost 1 of 8 going back to 2015! The 1 was the SF of RG. Geeze.....you have to be joking!