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Tennis racquet technology is changing fast, making it hard to keep up with what racquets might best fit your tennis game. We’ve researched all the major racquet brands to find the top 6 tennis racquets for advanced skill level players.
Whether you play singles and hit heavy groundstrokes from the baseline, or play doubles and like to serve and volley, below you will find the best tennis racquet for you.
Before we get into the reviews, here is the list of the 6 best tennis racquets for advanced-level players.
- Babolat Pure Drive – Best Overall Tennis Racquet
- Head Speed Pro 2022 – Most Balanced Racquet (used by Novak Djokovic)
- Wilson Blade 98 v8 – Best for Comfort (version of Serena William’s Racquet)
- Prince Textreme Tour 98 – Great Control, Comfort, & Spin
- Babolat Pure Aero Plus – Best for Power & Spin (version of Rafael Nadal’s Racquet)
- Wilson Pro Staff 97 v13 – Best for Control (version of Roger Federer’s Racquet)
How to Choose a Tennis Racquet for Advanced Players
At the end of this guide, you should have a better understanding of how to choose a tennis racquet that is right for an advanced level player. Before we show you the specific racquets, let’s make sure you’re in the right place.
How Do I know if I’m Ready for an Advanced Tennis Racquet?
Below is our description for an advanced player. If this sounds like you, then you will be able to find the perfect racquet below!
Advanced players play regularly. They control shots with placement, spin, and power. They also serve with spin and power. This would be 4.0 rating or higher on the USTA scale.
If you feel like you need a beginner or intermediate racquet, see our reviews on those racquets below.
3 Steps to Find the Perfect Tennis Racquet for Your Game
Free checklist with 27 racquet recommendations
Tennis Racquet Specification Chart
This chart below should give you an idea of what type of racquet you should look for based on your skill level.
A general rule is that advanced racquets are smaller than beginner racquets, giving them better control for a more fast paced tennis game.
| Racquet Specifications | Beginner Players Only | Intermediate & Some Beginner | Advanced & Some Intermediate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head Size (sq. inches) | 107 – 115 | 100 – 110 | 95 – 100 |
| Length (inches) | 27-28 | 27 – 27.5 | 27 – 27.5 |
| Weight (strung) | Under 11 Ounces | 10.1 – 11.5 Ounces | Over 11 Ounces |
| Price | Under $150 | $100 & up | $150 & up |
| Power vs Control | More Power | Balanced Racquet | More Control |
Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to determine the type of racquet you might need.
What Type of Swing Do You Have?
There are different types of swings in tennis. It’s important to know which swing type you have when choosing a tennis racquet.
- Short swing path: Some high-level players have more compact strokes that are fast and efficient. This type of stroke usually has a very short take back and quick acceleration of the racquet head.
- Long swing path: Other players have longer swing paths. Long swing paths are generally slower and take more time to complete the stroke. They may use a loop on their forehand or backhand like Daniil Medvedev.
Of course, some players have a swing path in the middle, or may use both. In general though, you probably have one type that you’re more comfortable with.
For players with shorter swings who accelerate through the ball quickly, you’ll generate plenty of power because the racquet head will have more speed when you make contact. Players like this typically hit a flat ball with less topspin. This means you can use a smaller frame that will provide extra control and accuracy on your shots. The best option below will be the Wilson Pro Staff.
However, if your swing path is longer and you generate lots of spin similar to Rafael Nadal, then you should choose a more power-oriented racquet. In this case, your groundstrokes are swinging low to high, creating spin but not necessarily as much power since you’re not hitting through the ball as much. The best tennis racquets for power can help create more depth and pace while complementing your spin. Nadal’s Pure Aero is reviewed below.
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Do You Hit More Topspin or Flat Groundstrokes?
If you like to hit more topspin, then you should look for a racquet that accentuates this strength. Tennis racquets with more open string patterns grab the ball more and will help you create spin. This means the strings will be more spread apart. Also, there are different types of strings that you can use to create even more spin on your shots.
For players who have flatter groundstrokes, we recommend a tighter string pattern with a smaller racquet head. Anything between 95 and 98 square inches will be a good fit for advanced players who don’t rely primarily on spin. This will help you control your shots because the extra string density will control the ball better.
Do You Play at the Net or From the Baseline? Are you a Singles or Doubles Player?
Some racquets are better for groundstrokes than volleys, so you should consider what you’ll be doing more of. If you like to play from the baseline and hit groundstrokes, then you may be able to use a racquet that sacrifices some versatility for a bigger sweet spot with more spin and power.
For doubles players who spend more time at the net, you will need a racquet that has good mobility. Especially if you’re playing at a USTA level of 4.0 or higher. The game is faster in doubles at this level so you have less time to react. Racquet heads under 100 inches will not only have more versatility, but also more control to place your volleys.
3 Steps to Find the Perfect Tennis Racquet for Your Game
Free checklist with 27 racquet recommendations
Reviews of the 6 Best Tennis Racquets for Advanced Players
Here are the reviews for our top six picks for advanced level tennis players.
#1 – Babolat Pure Drive
We consider this to be the best overall racquet on the market. It is widely used by beginners and advanced players, especially those seeking more power, spin and feel on their groundstrokes. This racquet is used by many pros including Andy Roddick when he played on tour.
The 100 square inch frame is larger than many advanced racquets on the market, giving it better power. This makes it a great option for any skill level. The wide frame and 16×19 string pattern give it the best power and control combination in tennis. This is the perfect racquet for hitting controlled, powerful groundstrokes from the baseline. This racquet makes creating topspin easy as well. If you play doubles, you will have plenty of mobility for volleys, as it is still relatively lightweight at only 11.2oz strung.
This 2021 version of the Pure Drive includes new technology that improves the comfort level. When compared to other Babolat racquet reviews, the Pure Drive is their most powerful tennis racquet. It doesn’t have as much control as other racquets on the market. However, there’s no racquet with more control that doesn’t sacrifice power.
Read our full Babolat Pure Drive Review.
- Specs: 100 sq. inch head size | 11.2 oz.
- Price: $$$
- USTA Rating: Any skill level
Pros
- Great for all skill levels
- Perfect balance of power & control for groundstrokes
- Excellent spin due to the open string pattern
- Great feel with a big sweet spot
Cons
- Solid but not the best option for control
#2 – Head Speed Pro
This is our only Head racquet on this list for advanced players, but it’s a good one. The Speed Pro is a player’s racquet, ideal for people looking for something balanced.
The 18×20 string pattern will give you great control of your shots. Since the head size is 100 square inches, you will be able to generate good power and spin from your groundstrokes as well. High level intermediate and advanced singles players will love this racquet used by Novak Djokovic.
Head came out with a new edition for 2022. It is slightly lighter and has a slightly lower swing weight.
Read our full Head Speed Review.
- Specs: 100 sq. inch head size | 11.5 oz.
- Price: $$$
- USTA Rating: 4.0 & up
Pros
- Great combination of control & power
- Good spin & feel
- Balanced racquet
- Easy to handle in singles & doubles
Cons
- Other racquets offer more power
- Not great for beginners or doubles only players
#3 – Wilson Blade 98 v8
Serena Williams and many other pro tennis players use the Wilson Blade tennis racquet. Wilson made this racquet for players who want control and comfort. In 2021, Wilson released the 8th version of the Blade.
This racquet is a well-balanced all-around tennis racquet, offering some of the best feel and comfort you can find. This makes it a great racquet for both volleys and groundstrokes. The 11.3 ounce weight makes it good for intermediate to advanced players. The open string pattern (16×19) will help you generate spin on groundstrokes from the baseline. At 98 sq. inches, this new Blade comes in a more stable frame which helps the modern, fast-paced game.
If you seek more topspin and controlled power from the baseline, the Blade 98 16×19 is a great option.
- For players looking for more power, check out the Blade 102 (Serena’s racquet).
- For even more control & feel, Wilson offers this racquet in an 18×20 string pattern.
Read our full Wilson Blade Review.
- Specs: 98 sq. inch head size | 11.3 oz.
- Price: $$$
- USTA Rating: 4.0 & up
Pros
- Great for control & topspin on groundstrokes
- Good touch & feel for volleys
- Flexible frame make it arm-friendly
- Solid stability & easy to handle
Cons
- Not for beginners or low level intermediate players
#4 – Prince Textreme Tour 98
Prince’s Tour racquets are built to have lots of upside and very few weaknesses. The newest model is no different.
The Tour comes in a stable 98 square inch frame with a 16×19 string pattern which helps add spin and power. This racquet is great for advanced players who want an arm-friendly racquet that is great at the baseline and the net. The heavy frame improves stability on volleys and defensive groundstrokes. You’ll also generate decent spin, especially on slice backhands.
This racquet is an excellent choice for high-level players who want a good all-around racquet.
Read our full Prince Tour Review.
- Specs: 98 sq. inch head size | 11.4 oz.
- Price: $$
- USTA Rating: 4.0 & up
Pros
- Very few weaknesses
- Great control from the baseline
- Stability on volleys
- Good spin potential
- Flexible, arm-friendly frame
Cons
- Doesn’t excel in any one area
- Not great power
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#5 – Babolat Pure Aero Plus
Made popular by Rafael Nadal, the Babolat Pure Aero has become one of the best selling tennis racquets in the world. It is the best tennis racquet for spin on the market today, made for big swingers who want to control the point from the baseline.
The Pure Aero Plus has an extra 0.5 inch in length, giving you more leverage and power. The frame is 100 square inches for a bigger hitting area and is also built with aerodynamic technology to cut through the air. This all helps you generate more racquet head speed, and therefore spin on the ball. The recommended string tension is in the low 50’s so you can create tons of power on your serve too.
This racquet is great for baseline players who use spin to control the ball with groundstrokes or hit powerful serves for aces. We don’t recommend this racquet for net players or players who need help with control.
Read our full Babolat Pure Aero Review.
- Specs: 100 sq. inch head size | 11.3 oz.
- Price: $$$
- USTA Rating: Any skill level
Pros
- Best racquet for power & spin on both groundstrokes & serves
- Good feel & comfort with a large sweet spot
- Extra .5 inch creates even more power
- Good for all skill levels
Cons
- Not great for control
#6 – Wilson Pro Staff 97 v13
If you play a lot of tennis and are able to generate your own power, this might be the racquet for you. Some of the best players in the world use this racquet to control the point from anywhere on the court. In fact, Roger Federer uses a heavier version of this same racquet.
The smaller frame and surface area (97 sq. inches) give it a smaller area to make contact. But if you play a lot and can hit this sweet spot consistently, the string pattern (16×19) gives it great feel and spin. The frame is designed for optimal touch and control. Also, the racquet’s 11.7 ounce weight allows for you to generate enough power for strong, skilled players.
This racquet is great for advanced players who play a lot of tennis and want precise control. You will find it has great mobility and all around use for singles and doubles. It is, however, the least powerful racquet on our list.
Read our full Wilson Pro Staff Review.
- Specs: 97 sq. inch head size | 11.7 oz.
- Price: $$$
- USTA Rating: 4.0 and higher only
Pros
- Best for control on groundstrokes & volleys
- Great touch on volleys & drop shots
- Excellent spin & comfort
- Very precise when you hit the sweet spot
- Mobility is good at the net
Cons
- Small sweet spot – mishits can be inaccurate for inconsistent players
- Not great for power
Conclusion: Our Pick for Best Advanced Tennis Racquet
All the racquets above are great options, and you’ll need a specific racquet depending on the type of tennis you play. However, the best all around option is the Babolat Pure Drive. The company also makes other great tennis gear to pair with this racquet.
Although the Pure Drive is known for power, spin, and feel, it does have great control for fast paced tennis and lightweight mobility even for doubles, making it the best tennis racquet overall. Any type of player would find it to be an excellent option for their game.
