Racquets of the 90s

C

crndavid

Guest
Recently I decided that many of my favorite racquets have come from the 1990s, so I am trying to compile a list of the racquet of choice for every Grand Slam winner throughout this period. Most of this info is either unavailable or extremely difficult to find, so i thought of posting it here. Here is a list of every winner:

1999 US Open Andre Agassi
1999 Wimbledon Pete Sampras
1999 French Andre Agassi
1999 Australian Yevgeny Kafelnikov
1998 US Open Patrick Rafter
1998 Wimbledon Pete Sampras
1998 French Carlos Moya
1998 Australian Petr Korda
1997 US Open Patrick Rafter
1997 Wimbledon Pete Sampras
1997 French Gustavo Kuerten
1997 Australian Pete Sampras
1996 US Open Pete Sampras
1996 Wimbledon Richard Krajicek
1996 French Yevgeny Kafelnikov
1996 Australian Boris Becker
1995 US Open Pete Sampras
1995 Wimbledon Pete Sampras
1995 French Thomas Muster
1995 Australian Andre Agassi
1994 US Open Andre Agassi
1994 Wimbledon Pete Sampras
1994 French Sergi Bruguera
1994 Australian Pete Sampras
1993 US Open Pete Sampras
1993 Wimbledon Pete Sampras
1993 French Sergi Bruguera
1993 Australian Jim Courier
1992 US Open Stefan Edberg
1992 Wimbledon Andre Agassi
1992 French Jim Courier
1992 Australian Jim Courier
1991 US Open Stefan Edberg
1991 Wimbledon Michael Stich
1991 French Jim Courier
1991 Australian Boris Becker
1990 US Open Pete Sampras
1990 Wimbledon Stefan Edberg
1990 French Andres Gomez
1990 Australian Ivan Lendl

I am interested in completing a great collection so pictures are much appreciated.:)
 

Greg Raven

Semi-Pro
According to pro equipment logs published by the USRSA:

1999 US Open and Roland Garros: Agassi used a Head Ti.Radical
1999 AO: Kafelnikov used a Fischer Pro Classic
1997-8 US Open: Rafter used a Prince Precision Response 660
1998 RG: Moya used a Babolat Soft Drive
1998 AO: Korda used a Volkl C-10 Pro
1997 RG: Kuerten used a Head Pro Tour 630
1996 Wimbledon: Krajicek used a Yonex Super RD Tour 90
1996 RG: Kafelnikov used a Fischer Vacuum Pro 98
1996 AO: Becker used a Becker World Champion
1995 RG: Muster used a Head Pro Tour 630
1994 USO: Agassi used a Head Radical TriSys 260
1994 RG: Bruguera used a Yonex RD-7
1993 -- Bruguera used a Kneissl White Star Pro Style 35 in the season-ending championships, but I don't know what he used at RG. In the same vein, Courier is listed as using a Wilson Pro Staff Original 6.0 85 in the season-ending championships.
1991 RG: Courier is listed as using a Wilson Pro Staff
1991 USO: Edberg is listed as using a Wilson Pro Staff Classic
 
C

crndavid

Guest
starting from the bottom, i'm not sure if there's a clear consensus on what Lendl used to win the aussie
 
C

crndavid

Guest
seems like it might b 20x easier to figure out all of the racquets from 2000-2007, thanks to mr. federer, i'm guessing more than half would be wilson
 

BreakPoint

Bionic Poster
According to pro equipment logs published by the USRSA:

1999 US Open and Roland Garros: Agassi used a Head Ti.Radical
1999 AO: Kafelnikov used a Fischer Pro Classic
1997-8 US Open: Rafter used a Prince Precision Response 660
1998 RG: Moya used a Babolat Soft Drive
1998 AO: Korda used a Volkl C-10 Pro
1997 RG: Kuerten used a Head Pro Tour 630
1996 Wimbledon: Krajicek used a Yonex Super RD Tour 90
1996 RG: Kafelnikov used a Fischer Vacuum Pro 98
1996 AO: Becker used a Becker World Champion
1995 RG: Muster used a Head Pro Tour 630
1994 USO: Agassi used a Head Radical TriSys 260
1994 RG: Bruguera used a Yonex RD-7
1993 -- Bruguera used a Kneissl White Star Pro Style 35 in the season-ending championships, but I don't know what he used at RG. In the same vein, Courier is listed as using a Wilson Pro Staff Original 6.0 85 in the season-ending championships.
1991 RG: Courier is listed as using a Wilson Pro Staff
1991 USO: Edberg is listed as using a Wilson Pro Staff Classic
This, of course, does not account for all the paintjobs, but just what the player was supposedly using.
 

BreakPoint

Bionic Poster
do u think paint jobs were used as often back then?
Yes. For example, Edberg never used a real PS 6.1 Classic. His racquet was a PS 6.0 85 with a PS 6.1 Classic paintjob over it. And Agassi never used a Ti.Radical, and I doubt even a Radical Trisys 260, but more likely a custom racquet.
 

vsbabolat

G.O.A.T.
Yes. For example, Edberg never used a real PS 6.1 Classic. His racquet was a PS 6.0 85 with a PS 6.1 Classic paintjob over it. And Agassi never used a Ti.Radical, and I doubt even a Radical Trisys 260, but more likely a custom racquet.

Agassi does use the Radical Trisys 260 Oversize or at the very least that mold. The time he did not was in the 1998 Clay Court season and 1998 early round at Wimbledon Agassi used the POG. The 2003 U.S. Open when he used the Classic Midplus (660 cm2) mold with a Liquidmetal Radical paintjob. Also in 2005 during the Clay Court season when Agassi used the Liquidmetal Instinct. In 2006 in the First round loss to Henman at Queens Club he also used the Liquidmetal Instinct.
 
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NTFIII

New User
do u think paint jobs were used as often back then?
Oh, Sure PJ's existed back in the wooden frame days.
Bjorn Borg started with a Donnay Allwood painted frame, then the Borg Pro; all had steel reinforcements; custom frames. Then received an additional contract from Bancroft [USA] to use a frame painted to match their newly introduced Bancroft Borg Pro, to use in all matches played in the USA.
[Actually owned and played with both Donnay Borg Pro and Bancroft Borg Pro - clearly and obviously different shape and wood construction; thus different feel, play, response]
Also, John McEnroe used a Wilson Autograph Jack Kramer or Pro Staff for many years, then after winning at Wimbledon, got a new contract from Dunlop, using a Maxply. Look closely at the shapes, they are different [and wood construction] Do You or anyone actually think John switched his frame?! He did switch in 1984 to a graphite composite from Dunlop [it seems] (~75 s.i.), later to a larger head size [~ 85 s.i.] in the later 1980's-early 1990's, then a McEnroe Maxply 98 s.i. frame in the later 1990's. [seems to still use that size].
As stated about the numerous other players who actually used the Wilson PS Midsize-85 s.i., though some began having different PJ's later [Jim Courier, Stephan Edberg, Steffi Graf (which frame did she actually use? A Dunlop, A Wilson?), Dave Weaton, etc.] for all of the PS versions.
Ivan Lendl is another example. Used a Kneissl White Star [version w/G-80%,K{A]-20%], then got a contract with Adidas, using the same frame painted as new Adidas version, then Mizuno too. He did seem to increase the head size [from ~75 s.i. to low 80's s.i. maybe 85 later] to get some additional advantage for Wimbledon net play [as many stated then].
Boris Becker had switch from that same Kneissl frame Ivan Lendl used to a Puma [suggested by Ion Tiriac] with a 92 s.i. head, larger hoop base [somewhat egg shape], likely the same material construction [G-80%,K[A]-20%] though painted as the Puma frame Guillermo Villas version -Winner [which frame did Guillermo actually use? (G-50%-,F-50% or G-30%,F-70% or G-70%,F-30% or G-80%,F-20% or G-80%,K[A]-20% or some other?). After the Wimbledon 1985 win, Puma produced the Blue/Red Becker versions; Becker Super, then Becker Pro with different compositions and later ones with different paints after Boris got a contract with Estusa. It is well known Boris continued to use Puma made frames [not satisfied with Estusa's] painted with as the all blue Estusa Becker Pro.
There are many numerous others who also used a more classical, solid frame, painted as other frames, especially as the manufactures began producing wider beam, hollow, then stiffer frames. The sound and play of a solid frame is quite different, as is one with some weight [12 oz, 12.5 oz. or more], add the strings were still all gut. [Venus Williams still uses all gut]
Andre Agassi [mentioned above] also started with a Prince OS, then Donnay OS, then a Head OS [beginning of the Radical line via Andre].
People and players often confuse the two concepts of an actual solid frame to a 'solid playing' frame. The Head PT-'s are all hollow, though have softer flex [as players want for more feedback, feel, response and control] compared with stiff frames. They certainly use frames with enough mass-weight [min. 12-12.5 oz.] and longer length became standard for leverage [27.5 in, though Michael Chang used 28 in.].
Those who have used the frames of the different time periods have the clarity, feel, experience of them and the necessary advantages.
Someone claimed the 1990's as the "darkest" of times of racquet/racket frames has valid point(s). My take and explanation is the 1990's was the beginning of the beginning of the manufactures producing horrible, horrific wider beam, hollow frames, then stiffer ones. It became the beginning of focus in marketing to promote the power of the frames which has led to the demise of producing proper frames for the public and thus also the public's focus has shifted [sadly, incorrectly] to the power from the frame instead of from the player through proper technique, bio-mechanics and execution via the proper use and focus of the body. This has also led to players of all levels to numerous, high frequency of bodily harm, damage and injury. => Very Sad :((

Now there are nothing but PJ frames used by the pros who only use Pro Stock frames.

All The Best and Much Success!
Sincerely,
:)
 

CoachVtennis

New User
I know tony... I think he did play with the maxply first then switch to the prostaff.... and i quote "they were cheaper". he might have switch back. I dont know the real time line.
 
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NTFIII

New User
I know tony... I think he did play with the maxply first then switch to the prostaff.... and i quote they were cheaper.
Hello CoachVtennis,
Did my memory confuse the videos in my brain as to which order John McEnroe started his carrier with?
Or has there been historical revisionism?!!
Seems the videos of those matches confirms John began 1982 season with a Dunlop Maxply looking frame.
Then stayed with Dunlop looking frame as he switched to an early graphite composite.
:)
 

vsbabolat

G.O.A.T.
Oh, Sure PJ's existed back in the wooden frame days.
Bjorn Borg started with a Donnay Allwood painted frame, then the Borg Pro; all had steel reinforcements; custom frames. Then received an additional contract from Bancroft [USA] to use a frame painted to match their newly introduced Bancroft Borg Pro, to use in all matches played in the USA.
[Actually owned and played with both Donnay Borg Pro and Bancroft Borg Pro - clearly and obviously different shape and wood construction; thus different feel, play, response]
Also, John McEnroe used a Wilson Autograph Jack Kramer or Pro Staff for many years, then after winning at Wimbledon, got a new contract from Dunlop, using a Maxply. Look closely at the shapes, they are different [and wood construction] Do You or anyone actually think John switched his frame?! He did switch in 1984 to a graphite composite from Dunlop [it seems] (~75 s.i.), later to a larger head size [~ 85 s.i.] in the later 1980's-early 1990's, then a McEnroe Maxply 98 s.i. frame in the later 1990's. [seems to still use that size].
As stated about the numerous other players who actually used the Wilson PS Midsize-85 s.i., though some began having different PJ's later [Jim Courier, Stephan Edberg, Steffi Graf (which frame did she actually use? A Dunlop, A Wilson?), Dave Weaton, etc.] for all of the PS versions.
Ivan Lendl is another example. Used a Kneissl White Star [version w/G-80%,K{A]-20%], then got a contract with Adidas, using the same frame painted as new Adidas version, then Mizuno too. He did seem to increase the head size [from ~75 s.i. to low 80's s.i. maybe 85 later] to get some additional advantage for Wimbledon net play [as many stated then].
Boris Becker had switch from that same Kneissl frame Ivan Lendl used to a Puma [suggested by Ion Tiriac] with a 92 s.i. head, larger hoop base [somewhat egg shape], likely the same material construction [G-80%,K[A]-20%] though painted as the Puma frame Guillermo Villas version -Winner [which frame did Guillermo actually use? (G-50%-,F-50% or G-30%,F-70% or G-70%,F-30% or G-80%,F-20% or G-80%,K[A]-20% or some other?). After the Wimbledon 1985 win, Puma produced the Blue/Red Becker versions; Becker Super, then Becker Pro with different compositions and later ones with different paints after Boris got a contract with Estusa. It is well known Boris continued to use Puma made frames [not satisfied with Estusa's] painted with as the all blue Estusa Becker Pro.
There are many numerous others who also used a more classical, solid frame, painted as other frames, especially as the manufactures began producing wider beam, hollow, then stiffer frames. The sound and play of a solid frame is quite different, as is one with some weight [12 oz, 12.5 oz. or more], add the strings were still all gut. [Venus Williams still uses all gut]
Andre Agassi [mentioned above] also started with a Prince OS, then Donnay OS, then a Head OS [beginning of the Radical line via Andre].
People and players often confuse the two concepts of an actual solid frame to a 'solid playing' frame. The Head PT-'s are all hollow, though have softer flex [as players want for more feedback, feel, response and control] compared with stiff frames. They certainly use frames with enough mass-weight [min. 12-12.5 oz.] and longer length became standard for leverage [27.5 in, though Michael Chang used 28 in.].
Those who have used the frames of the different time periods have the clarity, feel, experience of them and the necessary advantages.
Someone claimed the 1990's as the "darkest" of times of racquet/racket frames has valid point(s). My take and explanation is the 1990's was the beginning of the beginning of the manufactures producing horrible, horrific wider beam, hollow frames, then stiffer ones. It became the beginning of focus in marketing to promote the power of the frames which has led to the demise of producing proper frames for the public and thus also the public's focus has shifted [sadly, incorrectly] to the power from the frame instead of from the player through proper technique, bio-mechanics and execution via the proper use and focus of the body. This has also led to players of all levels to numerous, high frequency of bodily harm, damage and injury. => Very Sad :((

Now there are nothing but PJ frames used by the pros who only use Pro Stock frames.

All The Best and Much Success!
Sincerely,
:)
John McEnroe 100% switched from the Jack Kramer Pro Staff to the Dunlop Maxply Fort.
The Dunlop Maxply Fort has very thick shoulders where the Wilson Jack Kramer Pro Staff doesn’t(the Wilson is straight beam so to speak)
As you can see in these photos McEnroe’s Maxply Fort shoulders are very thick compared to the rest of the hope of the racquet.
hVZt4yU.jpg

CLjQNjf.jpg


In 1983 John McEnroe switched to the Max200G which was 81sq.in. In 1998 McEnroe switched to Völkl C10 Pro. In 2003 McEroe reigned with Dunlop and introduced a Graphite Maxply McEnroe from the HM 300G mold in 2004

With Boris Becker, after he ran through his Puma Boris Becker Super he contracted HEAD to produce them for him and even sold them to the public in Europe as the Boris Becker World Champion Racquet in 1996
yvkQ2R5.jpg
 
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vsbabolat

G.O.A.T.
I know tony... I think he did play with the maxply first then switch to the prostaff.... and i quote they were cheaper.
McEnroe started his career with the Wilson Jack Kramer Pro Staff then in 1981 switched to the Dunlop Maxply Fort. In December 1981 as a 1982 Dunlop released the Maxply Fort in the spring of 1983 McEnroe switched to the the Max200G.
 

BorgCash

Legend
Oh, Sure PJ's existed back in the wooden frame days.
Bjorn Borg started with a Donnay Allwood painted frame, then the Borg Pro; all had steel reinforcements; custom frames. Then received an additional contract from Bancroft [USA] to use a frame painted to match their newly introduced Bancroft Borg Pro, to use in all matches played in the USA.
[Actually owned and played with both Donnay Borg Pro and Bancroft Borg Pro - clearly and obviously different shape and wood construction; thus different feel, play, response]
Also, John McEnroe used a Wilson Autograph Jack Kramer or Pro Staff for many years, then after winning at Wimbledon, got a new contract from Dunlop, using a Maxply. Look closely at the shapes, they are different [and wood construction] Do You or anyone actually think John switched his frame?! He did switch in 1984 to a graphite composite from Dunlop [it seems] (~75 s.i.), later to a larger head size [~ 85 s.i.] in the later 1980's-early 1990's, then a McEnroe Maxply 98 s.i. frame in the later 1990's. [seems to still use that size].
As stated about the numerous other players who actually used the Wilson PS Midsize-85 s.i., though some began having different PJ's later [Jim Courier, Stephan Edberg, Steffi Graf (which frame did she actually use? A Dunlop, A Wilson?), Dave Weaton, etc.] for all of the PS versions.
Ivan Lendl is another example. Used a Kneissl White Star [version w/G-80%,K{A]-20%], then got a contract with Adidas, using the same frame painted as new Adidas version, then Mizuno too. He did seem to increase the head size [from ~75 s.i. to low 80's s.i. maybe 85 later] to get some additional advantage for Wimbledon net play [as many stated then].
Boris Becker had switch from that same Kneissl frame Ivan Lendl used to a Puma [suggested by Ion Tiriac] with a 92 s.i. head, larger hoop base [somewhat egg shape], likely the same material construction [G-80%,K[A]-20%] though painted as the Puma frame Guillermo Villas version -Winner [which frame did Guillermo actually use? (G-50%-,F-50% or G-30%,F-70% or G-70%,F-30% or G-80%,F-20% or G-80%,K[A]-20% or some other?). After the Wimbledon 1985 win, Puma produced the Blue/Red Becker versions; Becker Super, then Becker Pro with different compositions and later ones with different paints after Boris got a contract with Estusa. It is well known Boris continued to use Puma made frames [not satisfied with Estusa's] painted with as the all blue Estusa Becker Pro.
There are many numerous others who also used a more classical, solid frame, painted as other frames, especially as the manufactures began producing wider beam, hollow, then stiffer frames. The sound and play of a solid frame is quite different, as is one with some weight [12 oz, 12.5 oz. or more], add the strings were still all gut. [Venus Williams still uses all gut]
Andre Agassi [mentioned above] also started with a Prince OS, then Donnay OS, then a Head OS [beginning of the Radical line via Andre].
People and players often confuse the two concepts of an actual solid frame to a 'solid playing' frame. The Head PT-'s are all hollow, though have softer flex [as players want for more feedback, feel, response and control] compared with stiff frames. They certainly use frames with enough mass-weight [min. 12-12.5 oz.] and longer length became standard for leverage [27.5 in, though Michael Chang used 28 in.].
Those who have used the frames of the different time periods have the clarity, feel, experience of them and the necessary advantages.
Someone claimed the 1990's as the "darkest" of times of racquet/racket frames has valid point(s). My take and explanation is the 1990's was the beginning of the beginning of the manufactures producing horrible, horrific wider beam, hollow frames, then stiffer ones. It became the beginning of focus in marketing to promote the power of the frames which has led to the demise of producing proper frames for the public and thus also the public's focus has shifted [sadly, incorrectly] to the power from the frame instead of from the player through proper technique, bio-mechanics and execution via the proper use and focus of the body. This has also led to players of all levels to numerous, high frequency of bodily harm, damage and injury. => Very Sad :((

Now there are nothing but PJ frames used by the pros who only use Pro Stock frames.

All The Best and Much Success!
Sincerely,
:)

Borg played with JK Pro Staf, then with Slazenger Challenge 1 and only after switched to Donnay Allwood. Also his Bancroft actually was Donnay with Bancroft pj.
 

CoachVtennis

New User
Hello CoachVtennis,
Did my memory confuse the videos in my brain as to which order John McEnroe started his carrier with?
Or has there been historical revisionism?!!
Seems the videos of those matches confirms John began 1982 season with a Dunlop Maxply looking frame.
Then stayed with Dunlop looking frame as he switched to an early graphite composite.
:)
Again Tony said he switched because they were cheaper. I dont know the time line or how long he played with either. IM not that old. But when ever Mac switch it was about the Money not the playability.
 

CoachVtennis

New User
Hello CoachVtennis,
Did my memory confuse the videos in my brain as to which order John McEnroe started his carrier with?
Or has there been historical revisionism?!!
Seems the videos of those matches confirms John began 1982 season with a Dunlop Maxply looking frame.
Then stayed with Dunlop looking frame as he switched to an early graphite composite.
:)
John McEnroe's racquets:

Junior years: Dunlop Maxply Fort
1976-1980: Wilson Jack Kramer Pro Staff
1981-1982: Dunlop Maxply Fort (modified)
1982-1983: Dunlop Maxply McEnroe (wood)
1983-1992: Dunlop Max 200G
Retired from ATP Tour
Senior's Tour:
Mid-to-late '90's-2001: Volkl C10 Pro
2002-2003: Volkl Quantum Tour 10 (or paintjobs)
2003-2004: Dunlop HM 200G
2005-current: Dunlop Maxply McEnroe (graphite)
 

federer777

Rookie
Agassi does use the Radical Trisys 260 Oversize or at the very least that mold. The time he did not was in the 1998 Clay Court season and 1998 early round at Wimbledon Agassi used the POG. The 2003 U.S. Open when he used the Classic Midplus (660 cm2) mold with a Liquidmetal Radical paintjob. Also in 2005 during the Clay Court season when Agassi used the Liquidmetal Instinct. In 2006 in the First round loss to Henman at Queens Club he also used the Liquidmetal Instinct.
Hi, it's me again. I want to know the instinct Agassi used was just paint job of Radical or pt161? or rather, is it 100 or 107 Head size? I remember I ever saw an Agassi's personal instinct listing on ****, but I forget its specifications, can you help me again? thanks!
 

vsbabolat

G.O.A.T.
Hi, it's me again. I want to know the instinct Agassi used was just paint job of Radical or pt161? or rather, is it 100 or 107 Head size? I remember I ever saw an Agassi's personal instinct listing on ****, but I forget its specifications, can you help me again? thanks!
Agassi really used the LM Instinct. He used it with the real LM Instinct cosmetics and then he used the LM Instinct with Flexpoint Radical paint job.
 

federer777

Rookie
Agassi really used the LM Instinct. He used it with the real LM Instinct cosmetics and then he used the LM Instinct with Flexpoint Radical paint job.
you mean pt161,right?
did he finally switch back to his radical tour with Flexpoint Radical paint job?thanks!
 

lacoster

Professional
According to pro equipment logs published by the USRSA:

1999 US Open and Roland Garros: Agassi used a Head Ti.Radical
1999 AO: Kafelnikov used a Fischer Pro Classic
1997-8 US Open: Rafter used a Prince Precision Response 660
1998 RG: Moya used a Babolat Soft Drive
1998 AO: Korda used a Volkl C-10 Pro
1997 RG: Kuerten used a Head Pro Tour 630
1996 Wimbledon: Krajicek used a Yonex Super RD Tour 90
1996 RG: Kafelnikov used a Fischer Vacuum Pro 98
1996 AO: Becker used a Becker World Champion
1995 RG: Muster used a Head Pro Tour 630
1994 USO: Agassi used a Head Radical TriSys 260
1994 RG: Bruguera used a Yonex RD-7
1993 -- Bruguera used a Kneissl White Star Pro Style 35 in the season-ending championships, but I don't know what he used at RG. In the same vein, Courier is listed as using a Wilson Pro Staff Original 6.0 85 in the season-ending championships.
1991 RG: Courier is listed as using a Wilson Pro Staff
1991 USO: Edberg is listed as using a Wilson Pro Staff Classic

Soooo many racquets that were 85-95 sq. inches back then. Everything newly marketed is 97 sq. inches or bigger nowadays.
 
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