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http://www.tennisnews.com/exclusive.php?pID=20602
Federer talks about finetuning his racket
Roger Federer quotes from interviews in Paris formally introducing his new Wilson racket, the [K] Six.One Tour
On his new [K]Factor racket, the [K] Six.One Tour:
“I think you have to stay up with the technology, which is moving so fast. I asked them [Wilson] to give me a little bit more control. I tested a couple of rackets and we have been talking for two years. I think things are slowing down in tennis. It was power time years ago, like ten years ago. Rallies were kept short. But, now, rallies are going so long that I told them I need to feel like I can hit so many balls in a row without missing. Of course, my footwork has to be there, too, because the racket can only do so much. We also worked closely on the design. They showed me many, many designs, we cut it down and I am very happy with the result and it shows.”
On the degree of change in the [K]Factor racket versus his former weapon from the nCode series:
“It wasn’t a change where you think, ‘Wow, now I have to start from scratch.’ It was something that was very close to the old one, which just made me feel more comfortable.”
On the genesis of his collaboration with Wilson:
“I already had the idea that when I played with the Sampras racket, you know the 85 (square inches), I told them that the 85 for me is just too small. I need the bigger head because I’m shanking too many balls. I asked them if they couldn’t do a 90 square inch but in the same kind of model. I eventually convinced them to do it (nCode) and it sold very well. And then the [K]Factor racket came out.”
So, I have always been very close working with Wilson and we signed a long term deal together last year for both of us. We are obviously going to stay together and work together. I like to get involved.”
On the suitability of the [K] Six.One Tour for recreational players:
“This racket you can buy in stores and play against pros. That is very good, but you can also play with it if you are a good hitter of the ball.”
On his recent slump and the new racket:
“People were saying that it was the racket which I think is a bit much. I didn’t really think about it (the slump having anything to do with the racket) at all. I’m confident in my choice.”
On his use of the rackets during the seasons:
“I always carry twelve [rackets] in my bag, which is a good number because I’ll go through 8-10 rackets during a 5 set match in case you brake one or lose one. Sometimes you are unlucky and your racket shatters. I get a batch of clay court rackets and play from Monaco all the way through the French Open. I’ll change for the grass. Get some new ones. Then, I’ll change again for the hard courts. I’ll go through about 60 or 70 rackets. The rest we auction off for charity.”
http://www.tennisnews.com/exclusive.php?pID=20602
Federer talks about finetuning his racket
Roger Federer quotes from interviews in Paris formally introducing his new Wilson racket, the [K] Six.One Tour
On his new [K]Factor racket, the [K] Six.One Tour:
“I think you have to stay up with the technology, which is moving so fast. I asked them [Wilson] to give me a little bit more control. I tested a couple of rackets and we have been talking for two years. I think things are slowing down in tennis. It was power time years ago, like ten years ago. Rallies were kept short. But, now, rallies are going so long that I told them I need to feel like I can hit so many balls in a row without missing. Of course, my footwork has to be there, too, because the racket can only do so much. We also worked closely on the design. They showed me many, many designs, we cut it down and I am very happy with the result and it shows.”
On the degree of change in the [K]Factor racket versus his former weapon from the nCode series:
“It wasn’t a change where you think, ‘Wow, now I have to start from scratch.’ It was something that was very close to the old one, which just made me feel more comfortable.”
On the genesis of his collaboration with Wilson:
“I already had the idea that when I played with the Sampras racket, you know the 85 (square inches), I told them that the 85 for me is just too small. I need the bigger head because I’m shanking too many balls. I asked them if they couldn’t do a 90 square inch but in the same kind of model. I eventually convinced them to do it (nCode) and it sold very well. And then the [K]Factor racket came out.”
So, I have always been very close working with Wilson and we signed a long term deal together last year for both of us. We are obviously going to stay together and work together. I like to get involved.”
On the suitability of the [K] Six.One Tour for recreational players:
“This racket you can buy in stores and play against pros. That is very good, but you can also play with it if you are a good hitter of the ball.”
On his recent slump and the new racket:
“People were saying that it was the racket which I think is a bit much. I didn’t really think about it (the slump having anything to do with the racket) at all. I’m confident in my choice.”
On his use of the rackets during the seasons:
“I always carry twelve [rackets] in my bag, which is a good number because I’ll go through 8-10 rackets during a 5 set match in case you brake one or lose one. Sometimes you are unlucky and your racket shatters. I get a batch of clay court rackets and play from Monaco all the way through the French Open. I’ll change for the grass. Get some new ones. Then, I’ll change again for the hard courts. I’ll go through about 60 or 70 rackets. The rest we auction off for charity.”
LOL :mrgreen:
