Welcome back, fellow tennis nerds! In part two of our ongoing deep dive into the whirlwind world of pro player racket changes, we explore the latest cosmetic updates, mysterious blackouts, and the growing obsession with the Babolat Pure Aero. Are ATP and WTA pros going a bit racket-mad? Possibly—but if you’ve ever fallen down the gear-testing rabbit hole yourself, you’ll understand why.
Let’s unravel what’s happening across the tour.
The Aero Effect
The Babolat Pure Aero 98 has become a central character in this racket drama, especially thanks to Carlos Alcaraz’s explosive success and Alexander Bublik’s impressive transformation using the frame. Once known for disliking clay, Bublik is now thriving on it—perhaps due to the Aero, perhaps not. But whether it’s a placebo or not, the results speak volumes.
Even Chris Eubanks has been spotted testing a blacked-out Pure Aero, and he’s not alone. Names like Tsitsipas, Rune, Fils, and Leylah Fernandez have all dabbled with the Aero 98. Its appeal lies in the extra pop and lift it offers—though it’s not necessarily for everyone.
Cosmetic Makeovers: Blue is the New Black
Washington D.C.’s Mubadala tournament showcased a flurry of new blue rackets, just in time for the US Open swing. Let’s look at a few notable updates:
- Lorenzo Musetti was seen using a new cosmetic version of his racket. Jonas got a sneak peek of it in Paris—while it’s just a cosmetic update, it’s a real stunner.
- Gaël Monfils, playing doubles with Nick Kyrgios, was sporting a new Artengo paint job. Most likely a cosmetic tweak, but one that definitely turns heads.
- Taylor Fritz will endorse the new Head x Palm Tree Crew collaboration—a stylish update to the Radical line. Not everyone loves it, but Jonas finds it fresh.
- Daniil Medvedev and Iga Swiatek are both rocking the latest Tecnifibre T-Fight IDs, now with a teal and blue aesthetic. Matching rackets or coincidental style sync? Either way, they look sharp.
- Yonex Ezone and the Wilson Ultra have also recently received bold new blue colorways, creating a clear trend in pro player frames.
Prototype Testing and Brand Hopping
Gear experimentation is rampant right now. Here are a few more examples from the ATP and WTA tours:
- Colton Smith is testing a new Wilson prototype. Jonas has more to share on this soon, so stay tuned.
- Mackenzie McDonald, a longtime Wilson Blade user, has been experimenting with Madison Keys’ Ezone 98—a racket associated with her stellar Grand Slam performance in Australia. Interestingly, McDonald won his first match in D.C. with it, so this switch is worth watching.
The Mental Game of Gear Switching
While the temptation to chase better results through new gear is strong, there’s a psychological price. Tallon Griekspoor, for instance, revealed on the Changeover podcast that he avoids testing new rackets altogether to preserve the feel and connection he has with his current frame. It’s a wise approach—switching too often can create doubt and disrupt confidence, especially at the highest level.
Behind the Changes: Contracts and Timing
Not every racket change is about performance. Sometimes it’s about contract expirations and opportunities. When deals end, players often explore what other brands can offer—both in terms of performance and sponsorship dollars. But top players rarely compromise their comfort just for a bigger paycheck.
Final Thoughts: What’s Next?
As we approach the US Open, expect more updates, experiments, and possibly even some last-minute racket overhauls. This time of year is when players make tweaks in hopes of peaking at the right moment—or simply out of curiosity.
Have you spotted a pro with a new frame or custom cosmetic? Jonas wants to hear from you. Drop him a message on Instagram at @tennisnerdinsta and join the ongoing conversation.
Until next time—stay curious, keep testing (within reason!), and don’t forget to play some tennis.
