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Do you want to be the next Naomi Osaka or Serena Williams? To be part of the exciting world of women’s tennis is a treat. Not only do you take part in an exhilarating game, but you also get tennis fashion and gear to boot.
If you’re new to the game, you may be surprised to find that there are racquets designed for beginners, intermediate, advanced, and also for men and women. Choosing can be confusing, though, which is why this comprehensive list of the best women’s tennis racquets is going to come in handy.
Men’s vs Women’s Tennis Racquets
New to tennis? Then you may not understand why you just can’t pick up any racquet and use it successfully. For starters, there are a variety of tennis racquets out there, and most of them are indeed unisex.
However, just as men and women have some different physical characteristics, so too do racquets for men and women. For instance, the best tennis racquets for women are lighter and have a smaller grip than those designed for men.
Again, the racquet you pick up depends largely on what you are comfortable with. There are instances of pros—men and women both—using the same exact racquet. Babolat’s Pure Aero or Pure Drive are two examples of this. Some manufacturers, like Tecnifibre have created racquets specifically for female players, too.
Here is a video explaining the differences between ATP and WTA racquets:
The Best Women’s Tennis Racquets
Ready to see the complete list of the best women’s tennis racquets? This lineup is fleshed out with budget-friendly, beginner-friendly, and also racquets used by the pros. Each racquet has been chosen based on its price, construction, quality, and popularity within the tennis community. You are bound to find something that suits your needs.
Without further ado:
1. Babolat Pure Drive
Here is a tennis racquet that is unisex in design. Although you won’t find a women’s version of the Babolat Pure Drive, you will find plenty of professional tennis players using this racquet to win match after match. Some names include Garbine Muguruza, Sofia Kenn, and Amanda Anisimova. Babolat racquets are one of the best in the game, so even if you are a beginner, this is a worthwhile investment.
Weighing in at 11 ounces, the Babolat Pure Drive is light enough for beginner through advanced players. However, if that seems like too much, you can try the Babolat Pure Drive Lite (10.1 ounces) or the Pure Drive Team (10.6 ounces).
Not only that but this racquet is designed for all-around play. Those who are aggressive baseliners are going to get just as much power and control as someone who hugs the net. You can take those big swings or get a precision shot without any issue. The Pure Drive also delivers amazing spin with groundstrokes.
Pros
- Excellent power and spin
- Color is aesthetically pleasing
- Lightweight
- Decent sized head
Cons
- Unforgiving if you don’t hit the sweet spot
2. HEAD Graphene 360 Speed Pro
HEAD has a wonderful line-up, and the Graphene 360 Speed Pro racquet is no different. The Speed line is designed for players who love to move around the court, as well as a balance of control and power.
The head size of the Graphene 360 Speed Pro is 100 square inches; it also has an 18×20 string pattern, a stiffness rating of 62, and a swing weight of 317. Although the strings are a bit dense, HEAD left enough space to provide more control without nixing power.
The racquet is a bit heavy in the beginning, but once you get the feel of it, you will be serving with more precision and power. The Graphene 360 Speed Pro also has above-average potential for spin, even with the 18×20 version. For volleying, this racquet is also amazing, particularly when performing drop volleys.
No wonder this racquet is used by greats like Ashleigh Barty, Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and Nikoloz Basilashvili.
Pros
- Outstanding control
- Provides high-precision groundstrokes
- Designed for defensive players
- Excellent with drop volleys
Cons
- Expensive
3. Babolat Pure Aero
When you want to play the baseline consistently, choose the Babolat Pure Aero racquet. Endorsed by Johanna Konta, the Pure Aero is made for spin, power, and control. This racquet is known for generating maximum velocity with every single hit, thanks to the open 16×19 string pattern.
The latest version of the Babolat Pure Aero is also less stiff than former models, providing adequate comfort throughout your match. Plus, even with the more flexible frame, this racquet delivers excellent power.
The Pure Aero is also excellent for moving closer to the net when necessary. The design of the racquet reduces drag caused by air, so you can swing faster and with greater accuracy.
Pure Aero is also called one of the most spin-friendly racquets around—but only when in the hands of an advanced player. Therefore, if you consider yourself a beginner, this is not the racquet to start with.
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable to hold
- Decent swing weight
- Ideal maneuverability for beginners
- Blend of power and control
Cons
- Shots are flat
- Not beginner-friendly
4. Yonex Ezone 98
Seeking a control racquet that lets you drive the ball into your opponent’s weakest spot? Check out the Yonex Ezone 98, which has been used by Naomi Osaka, Coco Vandeweghe, and Anastasija Sevastova. What makes this racquet great?
For starters, it has a small head—around 98 square inches. It is also lightweight at 11.4 ounces and has excellent all-around performance. If the tiny head does nothing for you, you can choose the Ezone 100, 105, 108, or Ace models, each of which is slightly larger.
Regardless of whichever Ezone you choose, you are getting a racquet aimed at intermediate-level players. When you need additional precision, this racquet will amp up more aggressive gameplay, while allowing for an extra spin and greater aim. The Ezone 98 and 100 are both ideal for women because neither version is too heavy yet no power is sacrificed.
Pros
- Lightweight yet powerful
- High maneuverability
- Designed for aggressive all-court players
Cons
- Lacks stability
5. Wilson Blade 98
Coming in with 98-square-inch head size, the Wilson Blade 98 is an extremely popular model. In fact, many players from the WTA endorse Blade 98, including Alison Riske. The flex scale of 65 and swing weight of 328 means you get decent power and control.
The feel of this racquet is exceptional, and you also gain loads of spin without much effort. For those who enjoy a decent volley, this is the racquet for you. Furthermore, if you like a faster serve stroke, the Wilson Blade 98 gives you the ideal setup.
Overall, this is a well-rounded racquet that has gained much popularity among men and women. You get the precision needed for more skilled play while enjoying the flexibility this versatile racquet has to offer.
If you want a slightly larger head, there is a 16×19 version and an 18×20 racquet. Each is the same in terms of playability, so you don’t have to worry about losing much power, control, or spinning by choosing the larger racquet.
Pros
- Designed for control and precision
- Midweight racquet
- Excellent balance and stability
- Excels at volleys
Cons
- Not made for aggressive baseliners
6. HEAD Graphene 360 Instinct MP
Intermediate and advanced ladies will love the HEAD Graphene 360 Instinct MP racquet. Maria Sharapova, despite being retired, has named this her racquet of choice. The reason being is that this racquet is 11.2 ounces and has a low stiffness rating, making it easy to swing around and maneuver.
If you don’t like that weight, there is another version—the Head Graphene 360+ Instinct PWR—that weighs around 10 ounces and has a greater-sized head (making it more beginner-friendly, as well).
What separates the Graphene 360 Instinct MP from other HEAD racquets? This one is designed for players who like to take big swings and desire more acceleration in their strikes.
Furthermore, the Instinct MP has great handling. For groundstrokes, this is a racquet that enables better targeting and faster response than some heavier models. You can easily switch from playing on the defensive to going all out and putting pressure on your opponent.
Pros
- Excellent for full swings
- Maneuverable
- Better stability and power than previous editions
- Speedy response
Cons
- Lacks power
7. Babolat Boost Drive
When you are just starting out with tennis, you want something that is lightweight and dependable. Well, say hello to the Babolat Boost Drive. The affordable price point makes this racquet all the more accessible, as does the overall design.
Babolat made this racquet as beginner-friendly as they could. The oversized head, easy-to-swing design is ideal for those who need to learn to play baseline. The racquet weighs a mere 9.6 ounces, and it has a large, forgiving sweet spot. In other words, you don’t have to be extremely precise when hitting the ball—it will still fly over the net.
You also get a good balance of control and stability. Instead of just knocking the ball back and forth, you can work on returning hard or playing softly. Going up to the net is just as viable as staying on the baseline with this racquet.
Furthermore, the Babolat Boost Drive is an incredible choice for serving. It has decent power and acceleration. The only place where this racquet lacks controls, so you may have to work at dialing into the racquet a little bit. Once you’re used to it, though, it may just be your all-time favorite women’s tennis racquet.
Pros
- Great for baseline play
- Clean serves
- Balance of spin and power
- Lightweight and easy to swing
Cons
- Lacks control
8. Dunlop Sports FX 500
In 2020, Dunlop looked at their FX 500 racquet and decided it needed a full makeover. They didn’t disappoint. The Dunlop FX 500 not only looks amazing, but it also feels incredible. There are a bunch of new features that make this racquet more user-friendly than ever before, including Sonic Core technology and Infigergy infused into the hoop.
On the shaft of the racquet is Flex Touch Resin, which dampens vibrations, thereby protecting the joints and muscles during gameplay.
Dunlop also used Power Boost Grooves around the grommet system, adding more cushioning with every hit. Even though strikes feel smooth and have plenty of snap, you won’t feel much of the impact at all. There is loads of spin potential, as well as a decent amount of control from this racquet.
While it is not the most beginner-friendly in Dunlop’s lineup, it is definitely one that intermediate and advanced players should consider.
Pros
- Cushioned impacts
- High spin potential
- Comfortable grip
- All-court racquet
Cons
- Lags with fuller swings
9. Wilson Clash 100
The Wilson Clash 100 is one of the newer offerings from Wilson but gained immense popularity after Nicole Gibbs endorsed the racquet. Since then, it has been a top runner for women. Weighing in at 11 ounces, the Wilson Clash 100 is manageable and maneuverable.
The design of the racquet is capable of generating decent power, as well as flexibility. If you are someone who yearns for a comfortable racquet, you will love this one.
The Clash has a frame stiffness rating of 55, which is lower than most. Plus, that lack of stiffness does not affect the racquet’s ability to generate spin and power. Wilson went a long way to promote this product as being both flexible and yet stable, and they somehow were able to pull it off.
Additionally, you can feel that this racquet generates some immense power, and it is backed by decent levels of control. The topspin added by this racquet will also push your opponents back.
The only place where the Clash 100 may leave you wanting is with volleys. This is more for baseline players, as there is slightly less stability when playing closer to the net.
Pros
- Solid all-round performance
- Extremely lightweight
- Excellent for groundstrokes and serves
Cons
- Lacks stability
10. HEAD Ti.S6 Tennis Racquet
Here is a HEAD racquet that is designed for more recreational play. It weighs 9 ounces, has a 115-square-inch face, and is available in grip sizes 1 through 5. Ideal for beginners who are keen on just knocking a ball and forth for a time, the HEAD Ti.S6 racquet teaches you how to love tennis.
Plus, it is lightweight enough for you to play for a long time without getting fatigued. You can also count on the sweet spot is larger, meaning you can practice returning hits by banking on that greater margin for error.
Of course, this is not a racquet to take to competition, as it doesn’t have the power or control for that. Nonetheless, beginners will find this a high-end choice that will be durable for years to come. Who knows, you may even opt to pass it down to your child once they show interest in what mommy is doing.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight racquet
- Excellent for the recreational players and beginner-level
- Slightly longer length
- Large sweet spot
Cons
- Not for fast-paced or competitive matches
11. YONEX VCORE 100
Here is another racquet from the Japanese company Yonex—the VCORE 100. This is the result of many technologies coming together in harmony, including Linear Tech and Aero Trench. Furthermore, the VCORE 100 racquet has exceptional spin potential.
Yonex made the frame slightly thicker than previous models, widened the outer beam, and gave the racquet more stability. They also added in the FlexCon System, as well as Flex Force + Flex Fuse graphite. What does that mean in simpler terms? More flex, feel, and control.
Whenever a ball hits the racquet, the energy is dispersed throughout the strings instead of traveling into your arm. Each swing feels buttery smooth, and your arm will not feel like dead weight halfway through the match.
Since there is also diminished ball-pocketing, you can snap back with more power and spin. The 100-square-inch head gives you a larger sweet spot, too. Overall, this racquet comes jam-packed with a bunch of technology that simply makes it phenomenal on the court.
Pros
- Vibration dampening technology
- A lightweight racquet with loads of power
- High spin potential
- Constructed with superior quality materials
Cons
- Expensive
12. Wilson Ultra 100 V3
Although you may not see the Wilson Ultra 100 in recreational play that often, it is a popular choice among the pros. Madison Keys, for example, endorses the Tour version of this racquet. The Wilson Ultra performs a little like the Wilson Blade, but where the Blade is for control, the Ultra is for maneuverability and spin.
Additionally, the handling of this racquet is so smooth that you can play an all-court style more easily. At the net, the Ultra is a versatile weapon that assists in swifter movements and returns. If you love short-dropping the ball, this racquet is going to do wonders for you.
Furthermore, it has enough control for those who need to make a save from the baseline. In short, the Wilson Ultra is an impressive tennis racquet for women that will level up your game.
Spec-wise, the Wilson Ultra has a small head (100 square inches), a strung weight of 11.2 oz, a swing weight of 312, and a stiffness rating of 73.
Pros
- Feels lightweight
- Easy to handle
- Outstanding control and spin
- Ideal for volleying and aggressive net play
Cons
- Lacks power for baseline play
Best Women’s Tennis Racquet Buying Guide
Does one racquet from the list above look like the best tennis racquet for you? Not so fast! You are going to want to consider a couple of things before adding the racquet to your shopping cart. Otherwise, you could end up with a racquet that does not give you the power of control that you want.
The following tips for buying the best women’s tennis racquet will help you choose:
- Type of tennis racquet
- Budget
- Playstyle
- Racquet weight
- Grip size
The Type of Tennis Racquet
If you are familiar with the different kinds of racquets and what those types can do, you can quickly narrow down your favorite options. You will typically have a decision between control, power, and tweener tennis racquets.
Control Tennis Racquets
Geared towards more experienced tennis players, control tennis racquets are aptly named. Here is what to expect from a control racquet:
- Flexibility: Control racquets have a stiffness below 65, meaning the frame is flexible and able to absorb energy with each swing, reducing muscular fatigue. Flexibility also provides more control over your shots.
- Small head: Although larger heads create more power, smaller heads make it easier to maneuver the ball across the court. You seize even more control this way.
- Heavyweight: The weight is where the racquet’s power comes from. However, due to the weight, you will need the skill and strength to use this racquet appropriately. Control racquets generally weigh around 10.5 ounces or more.
- Closed strings: With less space between the strings, the stringbed is more firm. There is less of a trampoline quality and less spin.
Power Tennis Racquets
Yes, these are racquets that enhance power and are often ideal for beginners. Here are the attributes of a power racquet:
- Stiffness: With a stiffness between 55 and 75, power tennis racquets are on the higher end of the scale. The extra stiffness provides additional power because the frame is able to deflect energy whenever you strike a ball. The disadvantage of a stiff frame is that you also get a vibration transfer into your arm, which could lead to discomfort or even injury.
- Large head: The bigger head enhances the sweet spot, making the racquet more forgiving. Larger heads also increase power output.
- Lightweight: Power racquets are some of the lightest options out there. Typically, their weight is between 8 and 10.5 ounces.
- Open string pattern: When there are fewer strings and more spaces between them, it allows the ball to sink more deeply. This adds to the return of energy on the rebound as the ball bounces from the racquet. Open string patterns also assist with creating more topspin.
Tweener Tennis Racquets
A “tweener” falls somewhere between power and control, often providing the advantages of both. This makes these racquets excellent for players who do not want to sacrifice too much power for control or vice versa. You can expect a mid-sized head, open string pattern, decent flexibility, and a middleweight from tweener racquets. Anyone—beginner to advanced—can use a tweener racquet.
Budget
Would you consider yourself to be on a tight budget? Then you want to spend less than $50. Don’t worry, there are racquets out there that are high quality but budget-friendly. Contrary to belief, you do not need the racquets the pros use in order to perform well.
In the list provided above, you saw a range of racquets for each skill level and budget. For those who are more advanced or want something high-end, you may have to spend around $150 or up.
Play Style
Most tennis players can be grouped into three different play styles. Beginners start to develop their tennis strategies with experience. If you are intermediate or advanced, you may fall into one of these groups already:
- Whole/All Court: You know how to handle yourself wherever you are on the court.
- Aggressive Baseliner: You hang near the baseline and return balls with loads of topspin.
- Net Rusher: Once the ball is in play, you head close to the net and try to volley more often than play the baseline.
You will find that some racquets support a baseliner better than a volleyer. However, you can use any kind of racquet for a tennis match. As a beginner, you don’t have to consider your play style, as you may not have one. Ideally, purchase a comfortable tennis racquet first.
Similarly, if you are trying to emulate the play style of Serena and Venus Williams or another professional lady, you may want to purchase the racquet your idol plays with. Again, the racquet you use does not alter the way you play—they are merely enhancements.
Racquet Weight
Looking at beginners and advanced players, you will notice that beginners tend to have shorter, more compact strokes and slower swings. If that sounds like your play style, you are going to want a lighter women’s tennis racquet. Generally, the heavier the racquet you wield, the greater your skill level. Here is a quick breakdown showing how skill level correlates with racquet weight:
Skill Level | Weight | Range | Power |
---|---|---|---|
Beginner | Lightweight | 8-9.5 ounces | High |
Beginner/Intermediate | Midweight | 9.5-11.5 ounces | Medium |
Advanced/Pro | Heavyweight | 11.6-12.6 ounces | Low |
Grip Size
Women’s tennis racquets are usually between the grip sizes of 1, 2, and 3. Meanwhile, men’s tennis racquets are sizes 3, 4, and 5. However, the size of the grip you choose depends on the size of your hand and also your muscle strength and endurance. Some women have larger hands and may be able to handle a 3 or 4.
The best grip size for you is going to feel comfortable and not too tiring. After all, if your racquet is too heavy or too cumbersome, playing a game is going to be a slog. Also, inappropriately sized grips could lead to tennis elbow or other injuries, particularly if the grip is too small. Go too large, and you won’t be able to control the racquet. Backhands will be difficult, if not impossible.
Which Women’s Tennis Racquet is for You?
To conclude, finding the best women’s tennis racquet is going to take a little time. You have a lot of choices out there, and you should consider testing a few racquets before figuring out what you like. That said, any of the racquets discussed in this article would be a good place to start. Your dream racquet awaits! Don’t forget to pick up a good pair of tennis socks and tennis shoes while you are at it.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Most women will enjoy a grip size 2 (4.25 inches), though women’s grip sizes range between 1-3. Depending on your skill level, you may be comfortable with a large head of around 100 square inches. The more experienced you are, the smaller the head you will use.
Female tennis pros use a wide range of tennis racquets, depending on their play style. Here is a brief list of well-known professionals and the racquets they use: Venus Williams uses a Wilson Blade 104; Serena Williams, a Wilson Blade SW 102; Naomi Osaka, YONEX Ezone 98; Emma Raducanu, Wilson Blade 98 16×19; Karoline Pliskova uses a Babolat Pure Drive; Leylah Fernandez, a Babolat Pure Aero; Sloane Stephens, a HEAD Radical MP; and Coco Gauff, a HEAD Boom MP.
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