Felix Auger-Aliassime's Racket: The Ultimate Guide

Hey tennis fans! Ever wondered what racket Felix Auger-Aliassime, the incredibly talented Canadian player, uses to achieve his powerful shots and impressive game? Well, you're in the right place. Let's dive deep into the specifics of his gear, how it complements his playing style, and why it matters. Understanding the equipment used by top players like Felix can give you insights into your own game and help you make better choices when selecting your racket.

Decoding Auger-Aliassime's Racket Choice

Felix Auger-Aliassime currently endorses and plays with the Wilson Blade 98 (18x20). However, like many professional players, the racket he uses on the court is often customized to meet his specific needs and preferences. While it may look like a stock Blade 98, there are some key differences. Let's break down what makes this racket so special and how it contributes to Felix's performance.

Wilson Blade 98 (18x20): The Base

The Wilson Blade 98 (18x20) is a popular choice among advanced players due to its excellent control and feel. The 98 square inch head size provides a good balance between power and precision, allowing players to hit with confidence from all areas of the court. The denser 18x20 string pattern enhances control, making it easier to keep the ball inside the lines, especially when hitting with pace. This is crucial for a player like Felix, who relies on aggressive baseline play.

The racket's specifications typically include a weight of around 11.3 ounces (320 grams) unstrung and a balance point that favors the head-light, making it maneuverable at the net. The Blade series is known for its flexible feel, which provides enhanced ball feedback and allows players to connect with their shots on a deeper level. For Felix, this means he can feel the ball on his strings and make subtle adjustments to his shots, improving his consistency and accuracy.

Customization: The Pro's Secret

While the Wilson Blade 98 (18x20) forms the base of Felix's racket, professional players rarely use stock rackets straight off the shelf. Customization is key to optimizing a racket for an individual's playing style and physical attributes. Here are some common customizations that Felix might employ:

• Weight Addition: Pro players often add weight to their rackets to increase stability and power. This is typically done by adding lead tape under the grip or at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions on the racket head. By increasing the racket's weight, Felix can generate more racquet head speed and hit with greater force. The added weight also helps to absorb shock, reducing the risk of injury.
• Balance Adjustment: Adjusting the balance point of the racket can significantly impact its feel and maneuverability. Felix might adjust the balance to make the racket more head-light or head-heavy, depending on his preferences. A head-light balance makes the racket easier to swing, while a head-heavy balance increases power.
• Grip Modification: The grip is the direct connection between the player and the racket, so getting it right is essential. Felix likely uses a specific grip size and may add an overgrip to enhance comfort and absorb moisture. The overgrip also slightly increases the grip size, which can improve control and prevent the racket from twisting in the hand during powerful shots.

Strings: The Engine of Power and Control

The strings are a vital component of any racket setup, influencing power, control, and spin potential. Felix Auger-Aliassime is known to use a hybrid string setup, combining different types of strings for optimal performance. While the exact strings he uses may vary, hybrid setups often involve using a durable polyester string for the mains (vertical strings) and a softer synthetic gut or multifilament string for the crosses (horizontal strings).

The polyester string provides excellent control and allows Felix to hit with heavy topspin, while the softer string enhances feel and adds a touch of power. The tension at which the strings are strung also plays a crucial role. Lower string tensions generally provide more power and a larger sweet spot, while higher tensions offer greater control and precision. Felix likely experiments with different tensions to find the perfect balance for his game.

Why This Racket Suits Felix Auger-Aliassime

So, why is the Wilson Blade 98 (18x20), along with its customizations, such a good fit for Felix Auger-Aliassime? Here's a breakdown:

• Aggressive Baseline Game: Felix is known for his powerful baseline game, characterized by heavy groundstrokes and aggressive shot-making. The Blade 98 provides the control and stability he needs to keep his shots inside the lines, even when hitting with maximum force. The denser string pattern enhances directional control, allowing him to dictate play and move his opponents around the court.
• Strong Serve: A strong serve is a key weapon in Felix's arsenal. The customized Blade 98 helps him generate racquet head speed and power, allowing him to hit serves with pace and spin. The added weight in the racket increases its stability, ensuring that he can maintain control even when serving at high speeds.
• All-Court Performance: While Felix excels at the baseline, he is also capable of playing aggressively at the net. The Blade 98's maneuverability allows him to react quickly to volleys and put the ball away with precision. The flexible feel of the racket enhances touch and control, making it easier to hit delicate drop shots and angled volleys.

How to Choose the Right Racket for Your Game

Inspired by Felix Auger-Aliassime's racket choice? Here are some tips to help you select the right racket for your own game:

Consider Your Playing Style

Are you an aggressive baseliner like Felix, or do you prefer a more all-court style? Your playing style will influence the type of racket that is best suited for you. Baseliner often benefit from rackets with good control and stability, while all-court players may prefer more maneuverable rackets with a balance of power and control.

Evaluate Your Skill Level

Beginners typically require rackets that are lightweight and have a large sweet spot, making it easier to hit the ball consistently. Intermediate and advanced players may prefer heavier rackets with smaller head sizes, which provide more control and feel.

Experiment with Different Rackets

The best way to find the right racket is to try out different models and see how they feel in your hand. Many tennis shops offer demo programs that allow you to test rackets before you buy them. Take advantage of these programs and hit with as many different rackets as possible.

Get Professional Advice

Consider consulting with a tennis coach or a knowledgeable sales representative at a tennis shop. They can assess your playing style and skill level and recommend rackets that are likely to be a good fit for you.

Final Thoughts

The Wilson Blade 98 (18x20) is a fantastic choice for Felix Auger-Aliassime, perfectly complementing his aggressive baseline game and all-court abilities. Remember that customization plays a significant role in optimizing a racket for a professional player's specific needs. When choosing a racket for yourself, consider your playing style, skill level, and personal preferences. Experiment with different rackets and don't be afraid to seek professional advice. With the right racket in hand, you'll be well on your way to improving your game and enjoying your time on the court. Happy hitting, guys!