Tennis has been one of the most popular sports in the world ever since its inception in the late 1800s. This is because it is an incredibly fun sport. But you probably already know this, don’t you?

Whether it be Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer or Serena Williams; they all started exactly where you are; loving the sport and dedicating a lot of their time and energy to perfect the art.

But we’ll be honest; this is going to be a goliath of a task without the right tennis racquet. To cross that hurdle, you want to get the best tennis racquet for advanced players.

A little confused about the process with the overwhelming number of products in the market? Well, don’t worry because we’ve got you covered with a list of the best in the market.

Why You Need A Good Tennis Racquet

TLDR: Getting the right racquet improves your game a lot and helps you on the ergonomic side of things as well. But we suggest taking a deeper dive into the advantages of getting a good racquet.

It’s super comfortable

Most of you reading this article aren’t pros, at least we wouldn’t be making any bets that you are. Tennis, like most other recreational sports, is a pastime hobby that helps us enjoy our free time.

As such, you want to be as comfy as possible when playing so your enjoyment can be at a maximum. You will feel relaxed and moving the racquet will start to feel like less of a challenge so that you can truly immerse yourself into the game. 

It improves your game

This point is sort of interrelated with the first one. If you are more comfortable, you will obviously play a lot better. It’s not rocket science; you can give it your 100% and play with a fresh and open mind.

Not to mention; the comfort makes you want to play more often and for longer periods of time and not to be cliché but as a wise man once said “ Practice makes perfect “

Of course you don’t want to get rusty since tennis is incredibly competitive thanks to the immense number of players with 739900 people playing in 2020 in England and 17.68 million reported players in the US in 2017. Imagine these statistics on a worldwide scale.

You really need to keep your skills in check with regular training to keep up with such a large group of competitors.

It reduces injuries

Here’s a “fun” fact: The average player gets injured up to 3 times over 1000 hours of playtime. Those inverted commas really stand out now, don’t they? Nonetheless, this stat is legit.

The right racquet can help you avoid this quite easily as one of the most common types of injuries people face are lower-limb injuries and upper-limb injuries.

The perfect example of lower-limb injuries is an ankle sprain: It can be easily avoided by reducing runtime and a good length on your racquet. The upper-limb injuries include tennis shoulder and repeated strain injury; a good racquet is weighted well so these issues can be avoided as well.

The Best Tennis Racquets for You 

Now that you know why using a good racquet is important, let’s discuss our main agenda: What is the best tennis racquet for advanced players?

1.Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3

Wilson is a pretty reliable brand when it comes to tennis racquets. Only a few other companies can boast their customer appeal and quality. This consistency makes their products an easy pick for any player.

This racquet certainly lives up to that hype with great features that should satisfy any advanced player. In fact, this is a frontrunner for the best tennis racquet for experienced players. Here’s why: 

 

You can check it out here

A. Style

Let’s start with a simple feature. This racquet looks really cool. The black body with yellow and white accents really does give it a nice unique yet simplistic touch. This is a tennis racquet any fashionista would approve of and we personally think it one of the best looking on this list.

B. Hammer-head

As the name suggests, this racquet is pretty overkill. It lives up to its name with an incredibly large head much like a hammer. With the 27.5-inch length and 110 square inch head, this is one of the larger racquets on this list and so provides a stronger shot.

C. Insanely light

This racquet is for springy and active players. The light frame is proof of that. Weighing only 9 ounces, you’d be hard-pressed to find much lighter racquets.

2. HEAD Ti-S6

HEAD is perhaps Wilson’s biggest competitor in the market. Both of them are goliaths in the business and for good reason too as both of them are kings when it comes to quality control; barely any of their racquets disappoint.

Following that trend, the Ti-56 is built to cater to the needs of experienced players and is an example of how great HEAD is at making good racquets. But what makes it so special?

You can check it out here

A. Hyper Hammer 5.3 2.0?

This racquet is in direct competition with the previous entry and it basically says, “anything you can do, I can do better” and boy, does it outperform Wilson’s product. It’s both lighter at 8.9 ounces and has a larger frame. Remember, this also means the flaws are accelerated except one.

B. Balanced

Surprisingly, this racquet is incredibly well balanced. The long handle does well to counteract the huge head. The difference in dimensions may not be great but it makes a world of difference in balance. 

C. Durability

This is a unique racquet for a very good reason. The titanium and graphite frame will literally last you for ages unless it comes under great stress.

3. HEAD MicroGel Radical

HEAD strikes again with their second product in a row and what a great product it is. It is a bit of a switch-up though.

This is a different approach from the light yet huge racquets we’ve been seeing for nimble and quick players. It caters to an entirely different type of player. How so?

You can check it out here

A. Moderately sized

As opposed to the previous racquets, this is a much more balanced and well-rounded racquet. At 11 ounces, this is much heavier. The length of 27 inches and head size of 98 inches square are significantly lower as well. This makes it more fit for the average player and specialized for a specific type.

B. Push ahead!

Net players love this racquet and why wouldn’t they? This baby is made for rushing and catching them by surprise. The control and shot power added thanks to its smaller stature make it hard to counter in short range.

C. Comfortable

Another aspect that is super impressive is the gel-technology which makes a really comfortable grip even easier to hold. The feel provided by this racquet cannot be matched, the firm frame is soothing to hold and the distribution of force on impact with the ball really rounds out the complete playing experience

4. Wilson Burn 100S

Wilson is back in it with product number 2 and yet again they do not disappoint. This racquet is everything you would expect from such a reputable company and perhaps, more.

Much like the previous entry, this racquet is a huge shift from those built for nimble and quick players and made especially for net players. What makes it so great for these players?

You can check it out here

A. MicroGel Radical 2.0?

Yet again, this is in direct competition with Head’s 2nd product and we are loving this rivalry. Much like how the Ti-6 trumped hyper hammer 5.3 in every aspect, this racquet gives microgel radical a run for its money with an 11.2 ounce 27-inch frame with 100 square inch head.

B. Durable

Few other racquets can even come close to it when it comes to longevity. The graphite build is very reliable and is used in most high-quality racquets and trust us when we say this is a high-quality racquet.

C. Style

If there’s one thing Wilson knows, it’s how to build a really aesthetically pleasing racquet. Even someone who hates orange from every fiber of their soul would agree that this racquet is surprisingly good-looking.  The orange accents seamlessly fit in with the black frame.

5. Babolat 2019 Pure Aero

HEAD and Wilson may be the best brands in the market but they aren’t the only ones. Babolat is another company that has been in the game since 1875.

Yes, you read that right. They have been in the business for almost a hundred and fifty years! That is more than Wilson who has only been in the business since 1913 and the relatively brand new HEAD who just opened their doors in 1950.  What did so many years of experience bring?

You can check it out here

A. Nadal

This racquet is the choice of Rafael Nadal. You don’t need much more to be convinced of its quality, do you? This racquet is good enough for a 20-time grand slam winner, it should more than suffice for you. Unless you think you’re better than the Spaniard.

B. Style

If it isn’t Rafa’s endorsement, you should consider this racquet for its awesome color scheme. We have been a long-term admirer of black and yellow and so the look of this racquet is right up our alley and Wiz Khalifa’s too, we assume.

C. Balance

Endorsements and aesthetics aside, this racquet is actually really practical as well. The ergonomics and dimensions of this racquet are perfect for those who love spin; it quite literally glides when taking shots. The 100 square inch face is good enough to make shots and 27.25 length reaches just about anything.

6. Wilson Roger Federer Pro Staff

Messi v Ronaldo? Lebron v Jordan? Among the long list of great battles between all-time legends in sports, Nadal v Federer holds a special and revered spot. Both these players are legends and these two racquets take advantage of their influence pretty cleverly.

Wilson’s third and last entry into the list is sure to take you by storm as it is not only one of the best in the market but it has a feature that makes it stand out quite a bit. What is this feature?

You can check it out here

A. Federer

This racquet was designed by none other than arguably the greatest player in the history of the game-Roger Federer. Who challenges his throne? You guessed it; Rafael Nadal. In fact, they are level in grand slam tournaments. The rivalry really is a sight to see. Naturally, so is the one between this racquet and Pure Aero.

B. Style

This is simplicity in a nutshell. You can’t go wrong with an all-black design and they certainly don’t as this racquet just looks stunning. That’s 3 out of 3 for Wilson in terms of Style bravo.

C. Balance

Not much to say here really. This is a pretty standard racquet barring its 29-inch length. You really thought we were going to gloss over that? This racquet is HUGE and the reach is therefore unrivalled.

7. HEAD Graphene Instinct

The last entry is certainly not the least and neither is it an exemplification of how amazing HEAD really is. 

This racquet really is something else. We can honestly say it is one of the strongest contenders for best tennis racquet for advanced players. Why does it stand out so much?

You can check it out here

A. Balance

Rather than beating around the bush, let’s get to the main point first. The balance on this racquet is insane. It feels like an extension of your hand because of how perfectly distributed the relatively low weight of 10 ounces is. The 100 square inch face and 27-inch length are the primary reasons for this smooth balance.

B. Style

HEAD got beat by Wilson here pretty bad except for this racquet. The blue looks really vibrant and fresh. This color scheme makes it a great choice for people who wish to like seeing more colors during a game. Side by side, it also makes it easier for the spectators to keep track of where the racquet is mid-match.

What To Look For In A Tennis Racquet

Before getting around to picking out the best tennis racquet for yourself, let’s learn a little bit about racquets and what specifications matter. Feel free to use this as a buying guide.

Racquet Size

The first one is a no-brainer in our opinion. You need to get a perfectly-sized head that can reach the tough shots and a long handle that fits your hands when getting the best tennis racquet. What are the standard sizes for advanced players?

The size of the head should not be much more than 100 inches square while the total length of the racquet should be around 27 inches. This is down to preferences but most people find these specifications to be ideal.

Racquet weight

Another important factor is the weight of the racquet. This can be the determinant of whether or not you get injured as a lighter racquet puts less stress on your arms and shoulders.

But lighter is not always better since, if the weight is too low, you won’t be able to play too well because it tips off the balance quite a bit. I recommend that you get a racket over 11 ounces as anything lower than that may hurt your game.

We would also like to remind you not to go overboard; anything above 12 ounces is a no-go in our books. That is way too heavy and really increases your chances of injuries.

The Material

We suggest putting this high on your list of priorities as this can make or break a racquet. Literally; cheap materials break quite easily and longevity is definitely important as tennis is a heavy-duty sport.

There’s no competitor to graphite in this category. It is both light and super-durable meaning that it not only lasts a while but it also enjoys the benefit of meeting our standard weight criteria.

String

The string is probably the most important component of the racquet. But what makes a string good?

The quality of a string is mainly dependent on its pattern. A more closely knit string will result in a less flexible and more rigid system while a loosely knit pattern a more tensile feel.

This is mainly down to personal preference. Every player has a different playing style and so it varies from player to player. We suggest you try out multiple patterns and choose one that best fits your game.

Safety & Maintenance Tips

How do you stay safe and keep playing the sport that you love? Also, how do you maintain the tool that you use all the time and almost like an extension of your body, the tennis racquet? Here are a few valuable tips:

Safety

• In general, the court must be checked beforehand at all times. A simple visual inspection should suffice and also, that should be common sense. Any cracks or chips on the surface of the court are tripping hazards and are really dangerous for tennis players. Clean and clear the court, water bottles, tennis bags, and some other stuff should be on it. Play on dry ones as much as possible.
• You also have to use the right equipment that would match you physically and at the same time, would match your playing style. That’s why reading reviews such as this is important so you’d know which tennis racquet, for example, is right for you. This is especially true for kids and teens. They are the ones that are still figuring things out and having them utilize the wrong racquet would sadly lead to either a hard time coping with the pace of the sport or worse injuries. We don’t want that for sure. The right racquet should be utilized for the right swing with the right grip to prevent any injury to your arms, shoulder, hands, and wrist. Also, wear the right shoes. Use some other gears if you must to protect your body too, especially your eyes.
• Speaking of things to wear, aside from shoes or eye gear, one must also be wary of the clothes to wear during tennis games or practice. Be wary of the weather. Take the time of the year of your location into consideration. Wear the appropriate fabric whether it’s the cold or hot season. This will do a lot of good for your game.
• Last but not least, practice! Practicing the right techniques for your game will eventually prevent injuries for key parts of your body that works hard during a tennis game. Knowing the right footwork, knowing when or how to twist or turn to hit the right shot should be keys to keep you safe during play.

Tennis racquet maintenance

• Remove debris from your tennis racquet carefully preferably with a nylon brush that’s got bristles strong enough to let loose the debris but won’t damage the rubber surface in the process.
• Methylated spirits can be utilized in small amounts to clean the tennis racquet too. Avoid using cloth towels instead, use a handkerchief or a soft cloth.
• Dab gently to remove ground-in dirt. Use a circular motion to once again, not damage it.
• Let it air dry.
• Make sure to store your tennis racquet properly or be wary of it during transport to preserve its quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

These are questions we find most people have when searching for the best tennis racquet for advanced players.

Which company has the best racquets?

This is a toss-up between all the companies mentioned in our list but if we had to choose just one, we’d stake our bets on Wilson.

How do I determine the right size and weight for me?

You have to use racquets of multiple sizes and weight to find the perfect one for you. You can ask fellow players or professionals but we highly suggest against this as this is something that depends heavily on your personal tastes.

What’s the most important feature for a racquet?

This depends entirely on how you play. For example: if you enjoy playing with a lot more spin, you need a light balanced racquet with a loosely knit string pattern to maximize spin.

How many racquets should I buy?

Every racquet on our list is rather durable and so, we wouldn’t be too keen on buying backups. Just buy as many as you need at the moment. There’s no need to be a hoarder.

Can a new racquet improve my game right away?

This is a little bit of a controversial question. Some of you may notice an instant improvement as soon as you buy the new racquet while others may see no change or even a decrease in proficiency. It depends on your adaptability.

Conclusion

Tennis racquets, like most other sports equipment, depending on the players and their playing style. Every player has his unique way of playing, his own flair and a different approach to playing.

As such, an experienced player can determine his own racquet according to his needs. This decision is not one to be taken lightly and we suggest spending an ample amount of time thinking it over as a racquet tends to be quite expensive.

We hope this article has helped you pick out the best tennis racquet for advanced players confidently and with no regrets.