By Luke Jensen, French Open Doubles Champion
Are you sick of your old frame not giving you the power and control you look for in a modern racquet? Do you find the ball isn’t popping off your strings? How about your shoes? Are they slowing you down or just smelling like last week’s bad match?
I always have been a complete geek when it comes to gear. I always wanted the latest and coolest of EVERYTHING! Today’s selections for everything tennis is amazing! From shoes to strings, all the equipment is extremely cutting-edge. Depending on what you’re looking for, make sure to ask your teaching pro or an equipment specialist what is the best fit for your level. I see injuries in arms of recreational players using the harsh poly strings that spin the ball extremely well but can be extremely hard on your arm.
The biggest change I see in equipment these days is lighter frames with smaller grips. I’m an old-dog player who grew up with heavy, wood frames and large 4 5/8 grip. The racquets used by today’s elite ball strikers are completely opposite. They are designed to increase racquet head speed, and the smaller grip size increases wrist snap torque. For recreational players, it’s smart to demo tons of brands and racquet set ups. I still like the heavier frame that drives through the ball; a lighter frame has too much “whip” at contact with the ball.
Tennis shoes also are changing for a more physical player that slides on hard courts. My generation only slid on clay courts. Shoes today give players ankle support with rounded edges that help with lateral movement balance. I always liked a heavier shoe that took more punishment. Today, there are tons of models that are lighter that give players more speed around the court. Keep an eye on the changing trends to see if any equipment evolutions can help your game.
On a personal note, the game of tennis has blessed my family beyond our wildest imagination. My parents introduced the sport to all four of us at a young age and instilled a discipline to the hard work required to achieve mighty things. Growing up on a Christmas tree farm in a small town in northern Michigan, tennis took us around the world. Nowadays, the game has continued in my family’s next generation that plays at all levels but most importantly for fun. Just recently, my niece Jensen Diianni completed her college recruiting process and the family is so incredibly happy for her. The college level of tennis is competitive with so many solid players. Universities offer players opportunities in the classroom and on the tennis court that will improve every ounce of a student athlete’s ability. I was so impressed with all the programs from across the nation that are committed to excellence. After a long process of endless calls and campus visits with elite coaches, my niece committed to compete for the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). A lifetime of hard work and discipline in the classroom — and on the court — earned her an opportunity to work even harder at the next level.
If you have someone in your family reaching for opportunities at the next level, unconditionally supporting those goals is mission critical. It is a steep climb, but with the hard work and dedication, amazing opportunities abound all over the country.
Until next time: Keep having fun playing tennis and go for winners!
