Carlos Alcaraz has been taking the ATP Tour by storm over the past year, impressing even seasoned professionals like Stefanos Tsitsipas with his powerful shots. With his recent win at the Miami Masters 1000, many experts are already touting him as the next big thing in tennis.
Let’s take a closer look at the racket Carlos Alcaraz uses to hit his impressive shots on the tennis court.
While talent and hard work are important, it’s also crucial for athletes to have the right equipment. Alcaraz’s equipment choices may not be as advanced as some of his peers, but his explosive and captivating style of play draws comparisons to Rafael Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic.
He shares similarities with both Nadal and Federer in terms of playing style, but he prefers to finish points on his own terms with his powerful forehand, much like Federer. His forehand technique involves hitting the ball with a straight elbow at contact, similar to both Federer and Nadal. He tactically uses his forehand to build points and push his opponents behind the baseline, and he is also skilled at finishing points at the net with impressive volleys.
Additionally, his aggressive movement and sliding abilities are comparable to the great Novak Djokovic, allowing him to turn defense into attack in an instant. Although Alcaraz is from Spain and has achieved success at a young age, he distinguishes himself from Nadal, who relied on consistency and loopy topspin balls in his early career to outlast his opponents. Alcaraz uses the Babolat Pure Aero VS, which is similar to Nadal’s racket and string choices, but he uses the standard version of the racket instead of the Tour version or a pro stock racket that many players use.
Alcaraz’s Racket
Alcaraz currently plays with the Babolat Pure Aero VS, which is one of the lesser-known rackets in Babolat’s Pure Aero lineup. Although only a few players on the tour use this stick, Alcaraz has been able to make the most of its features. The Pure Aero VS is a 98 square inch racket with a 16×20 string pattern that is designed for aggressive baseline players who want to swing hard and fast while maintaining pinpoint accuracy.
Carlos Alcaraz, the rising tennis star from Spain, has been compared to the likes of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic. Fans and experts alike have been curious about his equipment choices, particularly his racket and strings. Alcaraz currently uses the new Babolat Pure Aero VS, which is similar to Nadal’s racket.
Unlike some professional players who use custom-made rackets that differ from the ones available to the public, Alcaraz’s racket seems to be the standard version. It does not have any visible lead tape, and he seems to be using the regular Pure Aero VS.
While it is challenging to find the exact specifications of Alcaraz’s racket, the following information should help those looking to purchase the same model.
Racket Specs
| Head Size | 98 in² |
| Length | 27in |
| Strung Weight | 325g |
| Swing Weight | 321 |
| String Pattern | 16 x 20 |
| Dampener | No |
| Grip Style | Leather Grip |
| Grip Size | L2 Babolat Leather Grip with Babolat VS Original Feel Overgrip |
| Stiffness | 67 |
Alcaraz’s String
Carlos Alcaraz’s racket and string choices have drawn comparisons to his fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal.
Alcaraz uses a full bed of Babolat RPM Blast, usually strung at 25kg (55lbs) on the mains and 23kg (51lbs) on the crosses, which is similar to Nadal’s string setup. However, Alcaraz has his cross strings slightly looser to aid spin potential.
RPM Blast is a shaped polyester string that provides ample spin potential but is not ideal for beginners due to its high stiffness.
This setup is not arm-friendly, and Alcaraz has already experienced some elbow problems, requiring PRP injections before the 2021 hard court swing.
Why Are These Combinations a Good Choice for Carlos?
Carlos Alcaraz’s aggressive playing style and impressive ball striking abilities are complemented by his choice of equipment. He opts for a lighter racket paired with a stiffer string, which helps him generate racket head speed more easily while keeping the ball under control.
This combination sets him apart from other young tennis players and allows him to take the ball early and strike it cleanly and powerfully. Many players today prefer lighter frames as racket technology has improved, allowing them to play with high tolerances and better vibration damping. Alcaraz’s choice of equipment reflects this trend and enhances his aggressive game.