Aryna Sabalenka’s personal frame is one of the best control racquets we have hit in a while, and one of the most demanding. It sits in a Wilson Blade V10 mold with an 18×20 pattern, but it doesn’t play like a retail Blade.
We tested it as a group: Willy (by far the strongest player of us, currently hitting a one-handed backhand due to injury), Henrik, and me. The short version: if you bring the swing, it rewards you with control, feel and pop. If you want the racquet to do the work, look elsewhere.
It is also a stunner. The glossy finish and tiger cosmetic, with a pattern close to the camo paint job Wilson released a couple of years ago, make it one of the best-looking frames around. It just isn’t sold at retail, so collectors will have to hunt for one. By the way, we are running a giveaway on our Instagram until December 1st, don’t miss it!
You can buy it from Holy Tennis and use the code TENNISNERD10 for 10% off. It is not cheap, but for a world number one’s personal racquet, you can understand it.
Specs and layup
The mold is V10, but the feel says otherwise. It is noticeably softer and flexier than the V10 we know, with long dwell time in the string bed. Our best guess is an older layup, something closer to a V7. We can’t confirm that, so treat it as speculation.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mold | Wilson Blade V10 |
| String pattern | 18×20 |
| Layup | Unconfirmed; plays softer than V10, possibly V7-like |
| Cosmetic | Glossy tiger/camo paint job |
| Specifications from our V9 Blade | Strung weight: 324 grams Balance: 32.7 cm Swing weight: 326 |
| Our string job | Full Alu Power 1.25 at 19 kg (about 42 lbs), but she uses Ace in the crosses |
We re-customized our test frame slightly. We started at 12, then moved the weight to 3 and 9 o’clock instead. That raises the twist weight and makes the balance a little less head-heavy, which suited Willy’s one-handed backhand.
How it plays
This is maximum control. A Blade 18×20 always leans that way, and this one delivers it with a soft flex and a plush, connected feel on impact.
What surprised us was the pop. When you swing through the ball, it pockets well and gives you power and spin on demand. You just have to supply the racquet head speed yourself. It is not a free-power frame, and the launch angle is relatively low.
Willy served huge with it. His serves were landing around 210 to 220 km/h, and Henrik and I could get the racquet on them but not much more. It is the frame he seemed most comfortable with across the whole test.
See more in the video review below:
Setup tips
Sabalenka’s spec is a sensible starting point, but most of us would tweak it.
- Add weight to the hoop. Even for a player who hits as big and flat as Sabalenka, a bit more swing weight helps if you want heavier, spinnier balls.
- Use 3 and 9 for stability. Lead at 3 and 9 instead of 12 adds twistweight without pushing the balance too far toward the head.
- Help the launch angle. A shaped poly gives a bit more launch, and a lower tension adds depth.
- Or go the other way on tension. With this much dwell time, a slightly higher tension than our 19 kg tightens the response. A higher-tension gut hybrid would suit the plush feel, or a full soft poly like Solinco 4G Soft.
Verdicts
| Tester | Switch? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Willy | Top five ever | Full control from the 18×20, plus pocketing, pop and spin when he needs it. Very demanding, but it fits his big, controlled game, and the extra control helps his volleys and all-court play. |
| Henrik | No | A 98 with an 18×20 pattern asks too much of his game. He calls it close to the best control frame on the market, for the right player. |
| Jonas | Close | I want to retest it nearer my own spec, with more swing weight added to the hoop. Not really close to a switch, though. |
Bottom line
Buy it if you hit through the ball, generate your own pace and spin, and want maximum control and feel. Skip it if you play a more passive game and want power from the frame.
For collectors, it is a beautiful and unique racquet that also plays brilliantly. For everyone else: play what you like, but know this is not a free-power racquet. Bring your game.
