The Evolution of The Tennis Rackets

The evolution of tennis rackets is a fascinating story that reflects changes in available technologies and materials over the centuries.

 

 

 

Modern tennis has its roots in "jeu de paume", a French game played since the 13th century, played with the hand or with a glove, and only later began to use a type of primitive racket made of wood.

 

 

The first tennis rackets appeared in the 16th century and were made entirely of wood. They had a small head and a long handle. The strings were made from natural gut, usually animal intestines, which offered good elasticity.

 

 

Rackets continued to be made of solid wood, but the design began to be refined. The Slazenger brand launched the first laminated rackets in 1902, which improved durability and consistency. These rackets were heavy (about 400-450 grams) and had a relatively small head.

 

 

The first metal rackets began to appear in the 1950s. The Wilson brand was a pioneer in this field, introducing models that used steel in their construction. They were lighter and stronger than wooden ones. The lightness of the metal allowed for greater maneuverability, while its strength improved durability, despite causing excessive vibrations.

 

 

 

In the 1970s, rackets made of composite materials such as steel and aluminum appeared, introduced by brands such as Wilson and Prince. Prince introduced the first oversize racket in 1976, which increased the hitting area and made hitting easier for amateur and professional players.

1990s

 

Starting in the 1990s, graphite and carbon fiber became the predominant materials. Much lighter and stronger than wood. There has been an explosion of innovation in terms of racket design, with different head sizes, weights and string patterns to suit different playing styles.

 

 

Modern rackets incorporate advanced technologies such as the use of carbon nanotubes, graphene and other composite materials to improve performance. There is a growing trend towards customizing rackets, allowing players to adjust the weight, balance and string tension to optimize their performance. Today's rackets are designed with a focus on comfort and ergonomics, helping to reduce the risk of injury and improve playability.

 

 

As we can see, the evolution of tennis rackets has lasted more than 5 centuries, with the latter being the true improvement in terms of technique and sensation. At Racket City we are at the forefront not only in terms of the latest models from all brands on the market, as well as customization, so that each customer has a unique and exclusive racket, suitable and adapted to their needs and requirements.