Auger-Aliassime's Racket Setup: Specs And Strings Revealed!

Let's dive deep into the meticulously crafted racket setup of tennis star Felix Auger-Aliassime! Understanding the nuances of his equipment can offer insights for players of all levels looking to optimize their own game. We'll explore the specifications of his racket, the strings he chooses, and the reasons behind these choices.

Auger-Aliassime's Racket: A Detailed Look

Auger-Aliassime's racket of choice is the Wilson Blade 98 (18x20). This racket is known for providing exceptional control and feel, making it a favorite among professional players who like to dictate play with precision. The Blade 98 (18x20) isn't just off-the-shelf, though. Pros often have their rackets customized to meet their exact preferences. These customizations can include adjustments to weight, balance, and swingweight, all of which contribute to how the racket performs on the court.

Let's break down the key specs and what they mean for Auger-Aliassime's game:

• Head Size: The 98 square inch head size offers a great balance between power and control. It's large enough to provide a decent sweet spot for off-center hits, yet small enough to maintain a high degree of accuracy.
• String Pattern: The 18x20 string pattern is a dense one, meaning there are more strings packed into the racket head. This results in enhanced control and feel, allowing Auger-Aliassime to paint the lines with his shots. However, it also generally translates to less power and spin potential compared to more open string patterns like 16x19.
• Weight: While the stock Blade 98 (18x20) weighs around 11.3 ounces unstrung, Auger-Aliassime likely adds weight to his racket to increase its stability and power. Pros often add weight in the handle to improve balance and reduce twisting on off-center hits, and in the head to increase plow-through and power. His final weight is a closely guarded secret, but it's safe to assume it's heavier than the stock version.
• Balance: The balance point of a racket affects how it feels to swing. A head-light balance makes the racket feel more maneuverable, while a head-heavy balance increases power. Auger-Aliassime likely plays with a slightly head-light balance to maintain quick racket head speed and react quickly at the net.
• Swingweight: Swingweight is a measure of how heavy the racket feels when you swing it. A higher swingweight provides more power and stability, but it can also make the racket feel more sluggish. Auger-Aliassime's swingweight is likely optimized to provide a blend of power and maneuverability that suits his aggressive baseline game.

The Wilson Blade 98 (18x20) perfectly complements Auger-Aliassime's playing style. Its control-oriented nature allows him to confidently go for the lines, while its customized weight and balance provide the stability and power he needs to dictate play from the baseline. The denser string pattern allows for flatter shots, which coupled with his power, can rush and pressure opponents.

Auger-Aliassime's String Setup: Power and Precision

The strings a player chooses are just as important as the racket itself. They significantly impact the feel, power, control, and spin potential of the racket. Auger-Aliassime's string setup is a hybrid, combining two different types of strings to achieve a specific performance characteristic.

He uses a combination of Luxilon Alu Power in the mains (the vertical strings) and Wilson Natural Gut in the crosses (the horizontal strings). This is a very common setup among professional players. Let's break down why:

• Luxilon Alu Power: This is a very popular polyester string known for its power, control, and durability. It allows players to hit with tremendous force and maintain accuracy, even on aggressive swings. The polyester material provides a stiffer feel, which enhances control and allows for greater ball bite, resulting in more spin. It is known for its exceptional tension maintenance, meaning that it doesn't lose tension as quickly as other strings, providing more consistent performance over time.
• Wilson Natural Gut: Natural gut is the gold standard of strings, offering unparalleled feel, comfort, and power. It's made from the serous membrane of cow intestines (yes, really!), and its unique molecular structure provides a very elastic and responsive feel. Natural gut offers exceptional shock absorption, making it a comfortable choice for players who are prone to arm injuries. It also provides excellent ball pocketing, allowing players to feel more connected to the ball and control their shots with greater precision. The main downside is the cost, natural gut is significantly more expensive than synthetic strings. It's also more susceptible to moisture and breakage.

The combination of Luxilon Alu Power and Wilson Natural Gut gives Auger-Aliassime the best of both worlds. The Alu Power provides the power, control, and spin he needs to attack from the baseline, while the Natural Gut adds comfort, feel, and a touch of extra power. The natural gut softens the string bed, adding dwell time that translates to added feel for the ball. The hybrid string setup allows Auger-Aliassime to maintain a high level of performance throughout long matches, without sacrificing comfort or feel.

String Tension

String tension is another crucial element of racket setup. It refers to how tightly the strings are strung in the racket. Higher tension generally provides more control and lower tension provides more power. Pros experiment a lot with their tension to dial things in. Unfortunately, Auger-Aliassime's specific string tension is not publicly known. However, considering his hybrid setup and playing style, it's likely that he strings his racket in the mid-range, somewhere between 50 and 60 pounds. This would provide a balance of power and control that complements his aggressive baseline game. It is worth noting that tension can fluctuate based on weather conditions and court surfaces.

Why This Setup Works for Auger-Aliassime

Auger-Aliassime's racket and string setup are carefully chosen to maximize his strengths and complement his playing style. He is an aggressive baseline player with a powerful serve and forehand. His racket setup allows him to control his power and hit with precision, while his string setup provides the feel and comfort he needs to maintain a high level of performance. The Wilson Blade 98 (18x20) gives him the control to keep the ball in the court while still hitting with pace. The hybrid string setup of Luxilon Alu Power and Wilson Natural Gut provides the power and spin of a poly string with the added feel and comfort of natural gut.

How to Adapt This to Your Own Game

While copying Auger-Aliassime's exact setup might not be ideal for every player, there are valuable lessons to be learned from his choices. Here's how you can adapt some of his principles to your own game:

• Consider a Control-Oriented Racket: If you're an experienced player who values control and precision, a racket like the Wilson Blade 98 (18x20) could be a good fit. However, be sure to demo it first to see if you like the feel and weight. You may want to start with a lighter version if you are not used to heavier rackets.
• Experiment with Hybrid Strings: A hybrid string setup can be a great way to fine-tune the performance of your racket. If you're looking for a balance of power, control, and comfort, try combining a polyester string in the mains with a multifilament or natural gut string in the crosses.
• Find the Right Tension: String tension is a personal preference, so experiment to find what works best for you. Start with a mid-range tension and adjust up or down based on your desired level of power and control.
• Don't Be Afraid to Customize: Most professional players customize their rackets to some extent. Consider adding weight to your racket to improve its stability and power, or adjust the balance to make it more maneuverable. If you are unsure, seek advice from a qualified stringer.

Remember, the best racket and string setup is the one that feels the most comfortable and allows you to play your best tennis. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what works for you!

By understanding the intricacies of Auger-Aliassime's racket setup, you can gain valuable insights into how professional players optimize their equipment to perform at the highest level. Use these insights as a starting point to explore different options and find the perfect setup for your own game. Good luck, and happy hitting!