Following Carlos Alcaraz’s stunning maiden 2022 US Open Grand Slam win in New York, there has been a spotlight on the youngest world number one in ATP history and, in particular, his tennis racket of choice, the Pure Aero from Babolat. But what is all the hype about?
Before we get to that, we need to take a minute to appreciate the teenage sensation from Murcia, Spain, who can hit a ball with such venom and dispatch deft touch shots at a flick of a switch to bamboozle his opponents, that he’s become one of the hottest prospects in the men’s game.
Now that Roger Federer has announced his retirement and Andy Murray, Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic may not be too far behind, there has never been more attention on the next generation, who have shown themselves to be ready to take up the mantle with aplomb.
So what’s the secret to Alcaraz’s success? Well, most importantly, he has all the right ingredients; raw talent, next-level energy, skill, killer instinct determination, strategy, and the physical and mental fitness required to go the extra mile - and then some.
Alcaraz delights the crowds by pouncing around the court with Ninja-like prowess, spinning and slicing supreme shot-making from corner to corner whipping his customised Babolat Pure Aero 98. This racket is a firm favourite on the major stage, with young guns Felix Auger-Aliassime and Leylah Fernandez making waves on the pro circuit endorsing the very same line.
Fans alike will lap up the new Pure Aero 100 version on recreational and club courts. Skipping past the cool angular aerodynamic wasp-like frame aesthetic, this beast is best known for producing aggressive spin with massive sting potential.
Originally wielded for slow defensive situations, the 8th gen Pure Aero has evolved into the ultimate companion for gameplay attack mode. Fast swingers can execute jaw-dropping short, sharp angles and create phenomenal velocity when striking balls early on the rise.
On the science front, there is innovative tech, in the form of the FSI SPIN (Frame Spin Interaction) which according to Babolat “adapts game intensity, allowing for more string movement and higher RPMs to generate maximum spin according to player type”.
Lee Neale, professional racket technician from TwickStrings, explains: “The Babolat Pure Aero generally has a stiffer beam and hitting experience, but is an extremely popular choice with players across the board. It’s a unique frame dating back over two decades popularised by Rafa Nadal and holds amazing power and spin revolutions”.
If this particular specification doesn’t whet your appetite, there will be more offerings from the experts at Babolat with further Pure Aero’s released in 2023, including the eagerly-awaited Pure Aero Rafa range.
Alternatively, feel free to check out the current family members from House of Babalot via your local tennis specialist or read our review of the Best Tennis Rackets. Vamos!
