Stefanos Tsitsipas' racquet

[Tennease]

https://tennisnerd.net/gear/racquets/pro-player-racquets/stefanos-tsitsipas-racquet/17305

Do you wonder what racquet and strings Stefanos Tsitsipas uses? This post deals with Stefanos Tsitsipas racquet specs. Video included!
Stefanos Tsitsipas is arguably one of the most exciting players on tour. He takes every opportunity to attack the net and plays an aggressive brand of tennis. He capped off an impressive 2019 with winning the ATP Tour finals and you can’t help wonder when his first Grand Slam title will come.

Tsitsipas has been using the Wilson Blade 98 18×20 for most of his tennis career. He is currently endorsing the latest V7 version, but most tennis nerds believe that it is the 2013 BLX version with a paint job.

Stefanos Tsitsipas Racquet Specs

The below specs of Tsitsipas racquet come from fellow tennis nerd, Miha Flisek and his website Impacting Tennis.

343 is not a massive swing weight for a pro player, but not meek either. Tsitipas has a very natural and almost classic technique on his forehand that his father Apostolos describes as being close to Del Potro’s in the video below.

Why the Blade 98?
Why is the Blade 98 a solid choice for Stefanos Tsitsipas? Well, he is an aggressive player with a more classical technique. The Blade 98 is a mix of a traditional frame but packs a bit more power than most classic racquets. The extra pop of Tsitsipas racquet (65 RA strung) will make his shots a bit more dangerous and the tight pattern will make sure he can paint the lines if needed. The racquet will also be stable and controlled on volleys, which suits his attacking play.

I wouldn’t recommend using the very stiff string Luxilon 4G at 25/25 kg (55/53 lbs) in a Blade 98 for most recreational players, but pros value control over comfort. When you have close to perfect technique and manage to hit the sweet spot over and over, a stiff string bed like that won’t bother you as much as it would for most intermediate players.

That is why it is rarely a good idea to imitate the pros. You need to find what racquet setup works for you. If you need help, we offer a racquet recommendation service here.

 

[fritzhimself]

An insider told me that Stef should now play the K-Blade frame with V9 paint.
305.6g, 32.8 cm balance, SW 308, RA 72.

 

[ThisHockeyTalk]

An insider told me that Stef should now play the K-Blade frame with V9 paint.
305.6g, 32.8 cm balance, SW 308, RA 72.

Thanks for the update on that. I did think I remember that he went to the famous (K)Blade. 72 seems like a very stiff RA.

 

[aus89]

We also saw from PST that he was testing a 99 sqinch blade

 

[ChrisJR3264]

We also saw from PST that he was testing a 99 sqinch blade

18x19 layup too.

 

[konstantinos kalfountzos]

Stefanos needs a 16x19 for more power on his "broken after the injury" one-handed backhand or use a softer cross string.

Also, need to develop an attacking/penetrating slice. His current slice is actually a deep and low drop-shot that sits up there too long and is too easy to deal with.

 

[ChrisJR3264]

Stefanos needs a 16x19 for more power on his "broken after the injury" one-handed backhand or use a softer cross string.

Also, need to develop an attacking/penetrating slice. His current slice is actually a deep and low drop-shot that sits up there too long and is too easy to deal with.

Stefanos has tried the gutoly hybrid though.

 

[konstantinos kalfountzos]

Stefanos has tried the gutoly hybrid though.

He's also played the Blade in custom 16x20 (not the Steam), but didn't work. I think it was Wimbledon and the Australian Open. Of course, he knows what's better for him.

He needs more power on his backhand. I can't believe how he managed to beat Zverev at Monte Carlo last year. His shots barely bounced past the service line. Maybe, Zverev was playing much worse, cause I closes the TV, couldn't watch it

 

[what_army]

He needs more power on his backhand. I can't believe how he managed to beat Zverev at Monte Carlo last year. His shots barely bounced past the service line. Maybe, Zverev was playing much worse, cause I closes the TV, couldn't watch it

I’ll show you how:

 

[konstantinos kalfountzos]

I’ll show you how:

Yes, I'd seen this clip. In-game his backhand seemed weaker.

His forehand, on the other hand, is leathal.

This is my favorite Tsitsipas court-level practice clip. I don't understand why the ATP Channel etc don't post any more of these clips. They're super informative and joyful to watch.

 

[McEncock]

Yes, I'd seen this clip. In-game his backhand seemed weaker.

His forehand, on the other hand, is leathal.

This is my favorite Tsitsipas court-level practice clip. I don't understand why the ATP Channel etc don't post any more of these clips. They're super informative and joyful to watch.

pro players practice is actually what I watch the most and enjoy the most watching
Ive learned everything from those vids. Back in the days my favorite one was rog vs gasquet practice, with a net clearance few pple know federer was capable of

 

[konstantinos kalfountzos]

pro players practice is actually what I watch the most and enjoy the most watching
Ive learned everything from those vids. Back in the days my favorite one was rog vs gasquet practice, with a net clearance few pple know federer was capable of

I've also learned everything I know from these court-level groundstroke clips + got some very advanced hitting partners play me and raise my level gradually.

 

[Nate7-5]

You will take his 4g when you pry it from his cold, dead hand!

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[Trip]

@dr. godmode - Saw your comment that Stef has apparently switched frames. I was looking at photos of his United Cup match against Shevchenko, and he's definitely gone to a 16x20 (from the previous 18x20), and the mold looks different — hoop looks narrower in width vs length than previously, and the beam cross-section is less "D" shaped on its outside than before. Much more of a flat leading edge on the face, and boxier throughout. Beam width looks to still be constant-width, in the neighborhood of 21, maybe 22mm at the most (click to enlarge):

​

I've looked through all the 98-ish to 100-ish Wilson molds on RacquetFinder for 16x20's and can't really find anything that resembles it. Could it simply be the same mold, just a custom drill pattern with 16 mains, for a little more pop? Or maybe something different altogether?

Anyone have any further insights they can lend?

 

[dr. godmode]

@dr. godmode - Saw your comment that Stef has apparently switched frames. I was looking at photos of his United Cup match against Shevchenko, and he's definitely gone to a 16x20 (from the previous 18x20), and the mold looks different — hoop looks narrower in width vs length than previously, and the beam cross-section is less "D" shaped on its outside than before. Much more of a flat leading edge on the face, and boxier throughout. Beam width looks to still be constant-width, in the neighborhood of 21, maybe 22mm at the most (click to enlarge):

​

I've looked through all the 98-ish to 100-ish Wilson molds on RacquetFinder for 16x20's and can't really find anything that resembles it. Could it simply be the same mold, just a custom drill pattern with 16 mains, for a little more pop? Or maybe something different altogether?

Anyone have any further insights they can lend?

I heard it’s a full custom job. Also supposed Wilson is working on a Gravity competitor with a year drop shape. All of this is murmurings tho so don’t put too much stock into it.

 

[langley]

I heard it’s a full custom job. Also supposed Wilson is working on a Gravity competitor with a year drop shape. All of this is murmurings tho so don’t put too much stock into it.

wilson create the blade line to compete with the radical, now head release the gt98 to compete with the blade, and i guess this is next. excited to see what head will release to compete with this.

in all seriousness though stef was complaining about his backhand today saying it’s not going anywhere. (not that it ever did before but now it’s abysmal and i’m sure he’s blaming some of that on the new racquet).

 

[konstantinos kalfountzos]

@dr. godmode - Saw your comment that Stef has apparently switched frames. I was looking at photos of his United Cup match against Shevchenko, and he's definitely gone to a 16x20 (from the previous 18x20), and the mold looks different — hoop looks narrower in width vs length than previously, and the beam cross-section is less "D" shaped on its outside than before. Much more of a flat leading edge on the face, and boxier throughout. Beam width looks to still be constant-width, in the neighborhood of 21, maybe 22mm at the most (click to enlarge):

​

I've looked through all the 98-ish to 100-ish Wilson molds on RacquetFinder for 16x20's and can't really find anything that resembles it. Could it simply be the same mold, just a custom drill pattern with 16 mains, for a little more pop? Or maybe something different altogether?

Anyone have any further insights they can lend?

I'm 99% sure that Stefanos used a 16x20 in last year's Australian (2024) tournaments and also in Wimbledon (2024), but would have to find photos to show for.

 

[ChrisJR3264]

I'm 99% sure that Stefanos used a 16x20 in last year's Australian (2024) tournaments and also in Wimbledon (2024), but would have to find photos to show for.

Maybe I’m misinformed but are we sure it’s not the steam? 99 sq inch. 16x20. Would need a side by side look at Badosa or even The Demon’s rackets since they both use that frame I believe.

 

[konstantinos kalfountzos]

Maybe I’m misinformed but are we sure it’s not the steam? 99 sq inch. 16x20. Would need a side by side look at Badosa or even The Demon’s rackets since they both use that frame I believe.

I think it's time on-court journalists asked about their gear. No too specific about the molds etc that could damage sales, but at least ask about weight, swingweight and strings used. It's a big shame string brands are not allowed to have their logo on the stringbed.

And by the way, the players should thank the tournament stringers here and there. They are too important to neglect. I remember Grigor having his natural gut broken 3 times in the same set, shook him off quite a lot (too much humidity).

 

[ChrisJR3264]

I think it's time on-court journalists asked about their gear. No too specific about the molds etc that could damage sales, but at least ask about weight, swingweight and strings used. It's a big shame string brands are not allowed to have their logo on the stringbed.

And by the way, the players should thank the tournament stringers here and there. They are too important to neglect. I remember Grigor having his natural gut broken 3 times in the same set, shook him off quite a lot (too much humidity).

I string rackets here from my home and I agree - the tournament stringers need more recognition and I am sure you see most thanking them off court and video.
Seeing some of the requests come in during a match and turn a racket in 15-20 minutes is impressive.

Not sure I can ever string a racket in 15 minutes. The mains are simple. I’m too ocd with the crosses fearing a missed weave so I take my time. Haha

 

[fritzhimself]

I got the information that he is now playing the right frame.

Stef-s-new-Frame hosted at ImgBB

Image Stef-s-new-Frame hosted on ImgBB

ibb.co

On the left are the data of his 18/20.

Steam 100 vs similiar rackets

I changed it and added the string patterns. They’re all 16x20 except for the Team which is 16x18. OK, I found that one. Interesting. Just don't forget you have to find the right string for the racquet you are playing. It's not like any string will work in any racquet. Then people are...

tt.tennis-warehouse.com

If it is a 16/20 frame, the assumption is that it is the Steam 98. I recently got some steams where the RA was 74.
On the other hand, I was told that he should play the K-Blade frame?

 

[lidoazndiabloboi]

Heres a side by side of the Steam 100 (left) and a Blade 98 (right). Steam 100 has a very similar look to the Blade, but is just thicker/bigger in every aspect.

Tsitsi's drill pattern looks like the 16x19 pattern, with an additional cross added.

I've seen photos online of so many different custom rackets that Wilson has built for Tsitsi, from Clash 98's, different Blade and Blade pro patterns, and also Gravity pro clones, all made with Tsitsi's logo in the throat

 

[adchris2]

Heres a side by side of the Steam 100 (left) and a Blade 98 (right). Steam 100 has a very similar look to the Blade, but is just thicker/bigger in every aspect.

Tsitsi's drill pattern looks like the 16x19 pattern, with an additional cross added.

I've seen photos online of so many different custom rackets that Wilson has built for Tsitsi, from Clash 98's, different Blade and Blade pro patterns, and also Gravity pro clones, all made with Tsitsi's logo in the throat

Seeing Stef out there with a gravity clone would be fun

 

[konstantinos kalfountzos]

Seeing Stef out there with a gravity clone would be fun

I bet "they" got some Gravity Pro painted as a Blades V8 for him to have some practice sessions, see how he feels.
No way no1, he would stick with a Gravity-shaped Wilson. It would be too obvious lol.
No way no2, he would leave Wilson for Head just for a better-suited racket.

I bet he has also tried the Alcaraz Pure Aero (VS?). He got caught talking to his dad in a practice against Carlos saying "I have to try his racket".

 

[Gerco]

So apparently Stef is a racket freak

 

[tx10is]

I think it's time on-court journalists asked about their gear. No too specific about the molds etc that could damage sales, but at least ask about weight, swingweight and strings used. It's a big shame string brands are not allowed to have their logo on the stringbed.

It's a good idea, but you would be surprised how many players don't know anything about specs. They just know how to play tennis. lol

As for tsitsipas, badosa plays with a steam so maybe he just wanted to try her racquet out.

 

[konstantinos kalfountzos]

It's a good idea, but you would be surprised how many players don't know anything about specs. They just know how to play tennis. lol

As for tsitsipas, badosa plays with a steam so maybe he just wanted to try her racquet out.

Yes, I'm pretty sure he used some of Badosa's. I'm not 100% sure he didn't use any of the 16x20 (steams) in actual match-play.

Some photos I've seen could be from training sessions.

One thing is for sure, his backhand is less than 70% in terms of power of what it used to be before the shoulder injury.

Also, I can't get my head around of the fact he hasn't fixed his backhand slice. It's actually a deep and low drop-shot. Zero penetration, impossible to hit an attacking backhand slice a la Dimitrov and the ball sits up too long and most of the time short enough for the opponent to attack it.

 

[Gerco]

Yes, I'm pretty sure he used some of Badosa's. I'm not 100% sure he didn't use any of the 16x20 (steams) in actual match-play.

Some photos I've seen could be from training sessions.

One thing is for sure, his backhand is less than 70% in terms of power of what it used to be before the shoulder injury.

Also, I can't get my head around of the fact he hasn't fixed his backhand slice. It's actually a deep and low drop-shot. Zero penetration, impossible to hit an attacking backhand slice a la Dimitrov and the ball sits up too long and most of the time short enough for the opponent to attack it.

I believe his BH slice problem is in great part due to his grip. It´s not really continental, it is more like an eastern FH. The base of his index knuckle is on bevel 3, so racket face is too open. Just my two cents.

 

[konstantinos kalfountzos]

I believe his BH slice problem is in great part due to his grip. It´s not really continental, it is more like an eastern FH. The base of his index knuckle is on bevel 3, so racket face is too open. Just my two cents.

Next time, you watch: it's a long and low-bounce drop-shot. Not a penetrating slice.

 

[adchris2]

I bet "they" got some Gravity Pro painted as a Blades V8 for him to have some practice sessions, see how he feels.
No way no1, he would stick with a Gravity-shaped Wilson. It would be too obvious lol.
No way no2, he would leave Wilson for Head just for a better-suited racket.

I bet he has also tried the Alcaraz Pure Aero (VS?). He got caught talking to his dad in a practice against Carlos saying "I have to try his racket".

not to mention gravity pro would be awful for his BH. The grav 98 would be interesting for him though

 

[langley]

not to mention gravity pro would be awful for his BH. The grav 98 would be interesting for him though

i dont necessarily buy into the thinking that 100's are inherently bad for ohbh's. Gasquet used a 100 right?

 

[Mischko]

Gasquet's one handers are 99% safe spinny shots in the middle of the court, min 2m away from any line, high above the net. Sure he hits an occasional fabulous winner, often on the counterpunch, but it's not that often. Mostly he's just grinding with it

Most one handed players play a different game with their backhand, so do most pros

 

[langley]

Gasquet's one handers are 99% safe spinny shots in the middle of the court, min 2m away from any line, high above the net. Sure he hits an occasional fabulous winner, often on the counterpunch, but it's not that often. Mostly he's just grinding with it

Most one handed players play a different game with their backhand, so do most pros

depends more on the beam width that the headsize for me. plus i really don’t know if it could make stef’s backhand any worse, but he’s proved me wrong before xD

 

[dl32]

Yes, I'm pretty sure he used some of Badosa's. I'm not 100% sure he didn't use any of the 16x20 (steams) in actual match-play.

Some photos I've seen could be from training sessions.

One thing is for sure, his backhand is less than 70% in terms of power of what it used to be before the shoulder injury.

Also, I can't get my head around of the fact he hasn't fixed his backhand slice. It's actually a deep and low drop-shot. Zero penetration, impossible to hit an attacking backhand slice a la Dimitrov and the ball sits up too long and most of the time short enough for the opponent to attack it.

Not to mention an 18/20 blade is one of the best slicing frames ever built. Makes no sense.

 

[socallefty]

Gasquet's one handers are 99% safe spinny shots in the middle of the court, min 2m away from any line, high above the net. Sure he hits an occasional fabulous winner, often on the counterpunch, but it's not that often. Mostly he's just grinding with it

Most one handed players play a different game with their backhand, so do most pros

Strange that he hits amongst the highest number of winners on tour - click on the post to see the data graph.

I don't know what is going on with Alcaraz' returning

Is there a player of his stature who's been so unsettled in his basic postion? He cycles through from well-back to inside-court and most points in between. Would have expected him to have found his a position (whatever it is) that he's most comfy with and settled to returning from there as norm, with only necessary adjustments

Instead, he seems to go through a roster of positions per mach
His best aggressive return is early taken BH inside-in. Good lot of point ending return with that one


This is for all BHs, not just the return, right?

Medvedev so low in winner rate surprises me. He hits a good lot of BH winners
The top winner rates is in line with my ideas of pointed BH aggression being a fool's game. Who are those guys?
Nice to see Gasquet still doing well. He's always had beautiful BH

 

[SpinToWin]

100s are fine for one handers.

 

[Marius_Hancu]

Interview on TC with some details on the racq
Confirmation of 16x20

 

[SpinDr.]

Not to mention an 18/20 blade is one of the best slicing frames ever built. Makes no sense.

Anyone notice that his slice is knifing way better with the Aero? Slices from a defensive position now become neutralizing if not offensive shots. I've had similar experiences going to more open patterns actually. The problem with me is that I don't always get my grip all the way continental, so the racquet face stays too open. A 16/19 will really grab the ball with that Eastern grip. Maybe he does something similar.

 

[SpinToWin]

Anyone notice that his slice is knifing way better with the Aero? Slices from a defensive position now become neutralizing if not offensive shots. I've had similar experiences going to more open patterns actually. The problem with me is that I don't always get my grip all the way continental, so the racquet face stays too open. A 16/19 will grab the ball way better with that grip. Maybe he does something similar.

Yeah I noticed the same, and I have similar experiences. I slice better with a PS X or VCore 98 than a blade 98 18x20. Something about more open patterns suits my slice swing path more.

 

[langley]

Yeah I noticed the same, and I have similar experiences. I slice better with a PS X or VCore 98 than a blade 98 18x20. Something about more open patterns suits my slice swing path more.

idk. for me 18x20 gives better attacking slice, 16x19 floats a little bit much for me.

 

[dr325i]

Have two of his personal blades in V8 PJ. Nice. Definitely feels like kBlade or the Gen after BLX.
Let me know if interested

 

[ChrisJR3264]

Have two of his personal blades in V8 PJ. Nice. Definitely feels like kBlade or the Gen after BLX.
Let me know if interested

18x19 or 18x20? I can’t remember when he was testing the 18x19

 

[dr325i]

18x19 or 18x20? I can’t remember when he was testing the 18x19

I did not know he ever tested 18x19 old blades. These WERE 18x20 but someone grabbed them

 

[ChrisJR3264]

I did not know he ever tested 18x19 old blades. These WERE 18x20 but someone grabbed them

Yeah the Rackets EU site has them but apparently it was this January before AO he was trying 18x19.

 

[Tommadman954]

What string did he use during US open this year? does anyone know?