In 1980, Yonex commitment to innovation brought exciting changes to tennis racquet manufacturing with the introduction of the R-series. The R-1 was the world's first square or "isometric" tennis racquet and the super light R-7 was the first tennis racquet to win both the French Open and Wimbledon. Following the successful use of lightweight materials to build racquets, Yonex began to explore similar applications in golf clubs. Yonex decided to introduce the world's first all-graphite head driver, the Carbonex II. This was followed by the first graphite headed iron, aptly named the Carboniron.
In 1984, Yonex became the exclusive sponsor of the All England Badminton Championships. Prince Edward honored the tournament with his presence in 1987.
In 1989, Yonex launched the A.D.X. Widebody golf club line, the first manufacturer to feature widebody club heads. In that same year, an A.D.X. driver made the Guinness Book of World Records when it was used to hit a 412 yard drive, the longest drive ever in a PGA sanctioned event.
In 1990, Yonex signed tennis star Monica Seles, the latest of many world class players to endorse Yonex racquets.
With Yonex, Monica became the youngest woman player to achieve a World #1 Ranking and has won numerous "Grand Slam" titles.
In 1992, building on the success of the isometric design in tennis, Yonex introduced the world's first isometric widebody badminton racquet, the "Isometric 500". In August 1992, Yonex was present on two fronts as badminton entered the Olympic era. On the courts, Yonex players won every gold and silver medal awarded. In addition, Yonex was the official equipment supplier to the Olympic Games in Barcelona.
In 1994, Yonex became a listed company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Yonex signed a racket contract with a 14-year-old tennis prodigy, Martina Hingis.
In 1996, Yonex Teradomari Country Club was officially opened in Japan.
In 1996, Yonex introduced its first-ever metal driver, the Super A.D.X. Titanium. Followed by the introduction of the Super A.D.X. Titanium Hybrid irons, Yonex now has a complete set of irons and woods for golfers of all levels. In 1996, Monica Seles maintained her undefeated record at the Australian Open as she captured the ladies singles title using the Yonex SRQ-500 Long. Also, in 1996, the Wimbledon men's singles final was an all-Yonex event with Richard Krajicek becoming the champion, using the new Super RD-tour. Meanwhile up and coming Yonex star, 15-year-old Martina Hingis, became the youngest ever Wimbledon Champion as she won the ladies doubles title. In January 1997, Yonex complements the titanium line with the introduction of the Super A.D.X. Titanium Senior woods and irons.
In early 1997, 16-year-old Martina Hingis wins the Australian Open with the Pro RD 70-Long and moves to #1 in the world rankings, following in the footsteps of fellow Yonex player Monica Seles. At 16 years, 6 months, she became the youngest player to achieve number one world ranking status.
In January 1999, Martina Hingis won her third consecutive Australian Open title for both singles and doubles using her Yonex racquet.
At the Sydney Olympics, Yonex racket won Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. In 2000, Yonex signed Monica Seles to a "full" contract including Tennis Racket, Shoes, and Apparel. In 2000, Yonex introduced the first V-mass series of golf clubs. The V-mass 250 featured metal head wood clubs with strategic Tungsten Weight Balance. The V-mass 250 reconfirmed Yonex's commitment to long distance through superlative technology. In 2001, Lleyton Hewitt won The U.S. Open and became the youngest number one player in history at the end of the year.
