History of Tennis Rackets

Here's a concise timeline of the history of tennis rackets, showing how technology, materials, and design have evolved alongside the sport:

1. 12th–16th Century: The Origins

• Early tennis (jeu de paume) was played with the hand, then with a glove, and eventually with a wooden paddle.
• By the 1500s, rackets with wooden frames and gut strings appeared in France and England.

2. 17th–19th Century: Traditional Wooden Rackets

• Frames were made of solid wood (typically ash).
• Natural gut strings from animal intestines (often sheep) were used.
• Rackets had a small, teardrop-shaped head and long handle.
• Design remained relatively unchanged for over 300 years.

3. Early 20th Century: Refined Wooden Rackets

• Manufacturers like Slazenger and Wilson improved balance and durability.
• Rackets remained wooden but featured laminated wood for more strength.
• Heavy and flexible, often weighing over 13 oz (370+ grams).

4. 1960s–1970s: Transition to Metal

• The first metal racket was introduced by Wilson in the 1960s (popularized by Billie Jean King).
• Made of steel or aluminum, offering better stiffness and larger sweet spots.
• Players began to experience more power and control.

5. 1980s: The Graphite Revolution

• Graphite-composite rackets took over — lighter, stiffer, and more responsive.
• Brands like Prince, Head, and Wilson launched larger oversized heads (more forgiving for amateur players).
• Rackets became lighter (~10–12 oz), improving maneuverability and spin.

6. 1990s–Present: High-Tech Materials and Customization

• Modern rackets use combinations of graphite, carbon fiber, titanium, Kevlar, and basalt.
• Focus on power, spin, and vibration reduction.
• Players now have custom stringing, weight balance, and handle grips tailored to their style.
• Innovations like aerodynamic frames, smart sensors, and dampening systems are common.

Notable Milestones

• 1976: Prince introduces the oversized racket.
• 1983: Graphite rackets dominate pro tennis.
• 2000s–Present: Players like Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic use custom, high-tech frames built for speed and control.