UPDATE 29 June 2026: We tested the new Wilson spin racquet, find our play test review here.
—
There is a new Wilson spin racquet in the hands of many pro players on the tour right now. Pre-season means testing and we might see even more switches going forward.
The working name for the new Wilson spin racquet is “Python”, a name giving throwback vibes to the Wilson Kobra racquets from 2009. The throat design is similar but for some reason, the Kobra was quickly discontinued. Since a large chunk of the pro tour is going towards spin racquets, we think the Python will stay.
These are some players I’ve seen testing the Wilson Spin racquet, let’s call it the Wilson Python for now: David Goffin, Sebastian Korda, Karen Khachanov, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Thiago Seyboth Wild, Grigor Dimitrov, Lorenzo Sonego and Colton Smith. There are probably many more, but that is still a significant list. Khachanov and Korda already seems to have made the switch, while a guy like Dimitrov has been seen with various new racquets during pre-season.
We will know when the season starts properly if someone is going to stick with it and take it out into official matches.
How does it play?
I have been fortunate to try two variations of the new Wilson spin racquet, and it has been a positive experience overall. It is not as explosive as the Babolat Pure Aero 98 2023 edition and has a more controlled launch angle. Sure, you might not create the same kind of chaos for your opponent, but on the positive side is that you might be able to hit your spots more confidently.
I think the racquet provides an easier transition for Blade players since it is not as “wild” as the Aero, but still provides a decent spin and launch.
It is important to note that I have only tried it in a heavier spec made for a top player, not the retail edition. I have not tried it in a light spec, so maybe then it will be more unstable or have less power. Time will tell. But in a beefed-up pro spec, it played very nicely.
When will it be released?
Since this racquet is not going to be out until summer (July is what I heard), I cannot really say anything more than that. If you are a Wilson player, there is for sure a reason to be excited about it. I think it will have a much larger impact and fan base than the Wilson Shift, for example.
If you have tried the new Wilson spin racquet, the Python or Redline or whatever it will be called, please comment below!
Visit the Wilson official website to see the latest products from the brand.
The image is from Tennishooolic on Instagram.
Holger Rune has been testing it during his transition back to the court and recovery from injury. He has posted a few videos of himself using a blacked out frame – could be either 2026 pure aero 98 or the new Wilson python ‘p98’. Likely to be the python as a red but cap is just noticeable. Also, seen is a Wilson player leaving the court in one of his videos. His contract is up with Babolat so exciting possibilities for Holger and his return from injury. Possibly looking for some of that Wilson quality but the aggressive spin of his aero, and a bit more control seeing as his game is already very explosive. Any thoughts on the paint job – I like the look of the black / carbon with red accents that I’ve seen in leaks and from various pro stringers. Also – how do you thin it wil compare to the 2026 pure aero – do you think any pure aero players will make the switch to Wilson or stick with Bab, and is it more likely for blade users to wait for the python release or move to the new pure aero (which has a bit of a Yonex vibe in the throat – so could be quite powerful) Hope this helps – thanks for your insight, appreciate any answers you have.
Saw Korda hitting with it during a practice session at the Dallas Open. He was clocking the ball. TCU player Jack Pinnington was using as well.
I saw Jack Pinnington Jones using it at his first round match against Vucic at Birmingham Challenger on TC2. I only understood what JPJ was using because the commentator identified it and she said that it was her belief that it would be available for sale in June of this year. JPJ served great with it, but kept hitting long on his forehand. He kept banging the strings after errors as though he thought the tension might be too low. I don’t expect that to be an issue for this hacker. 16×20 appears to be gaining a serious following among pros – WTA especially. The layup looks really cool of the TV.
Got an inside view, it is officially called the Wilson Redline and also will be coming in a gloss red (super excited). If you have ever worked on an automobile, it means the maximum RPM capacity of the vehicle (of the engine if you want to get super specific) so it means maxing out the rev department. Cheers!
The Mad Racket Scientist