Roger Federer Curates List of Tennis’s Most Iconic Rackets

Tennis legend Roger Federer, renowned for his elegance and skill on the court, has not only made a mark with his exceptional gameplay but also with his iconic rackets. With a deep appreciation for the game’s history, Federer has partnered with Wilson to create his own line of rackets, embodying his design ethos that spans technical specifications and aesthetic appeal. The collection begins with the Wilson RF 01, available in three models that reflect his innovative approach to racket design.

In a recent discussion, Federer shared his insights into the sport’s history by listing some of the most iconic racket frames that have shaped the game. He emphasizes the importance of wooden rackets, highlighting the influence of both the Jack Kramer and Dunlop models famously used by John McEnroe. “You gotta go with a wooden racket,” Federer remarked, underscoring the significance of these classics in tennis history.

The first two rackets on his curated list are the historic Wilson Jack Kramer Autograph and the Dunlop Maxply Fort, both of which have rich legacies. The Jack Kramer Autograph, introduced in 1949, became synonymous with one of the premier wooden rackets in the sport, thanks to Kramer, who joined Wilson’s Advisory Staff in 1947 and played a pivotal role in its popularity until 1984. The Dunlop Maxply Fort boasts an even longer history, having been introduced in 1931. This remarkable frame, made from nine different types of wood, was wielded by tennis greats like Rod Laver and McEnroe. Laver famously won both of his calendar slams in the 1960s with the Maxply Fort, but for Federer, it holds particular significance as the racket McEnroe used during his 1981 Wimbledon final victory over Bjorn Borg.

As Federer continues his historical journey through racket design, he highlights the Wilson T2000, famously associated with Jimmy Connors. Designed by René Lacoste and introduced in 1967, the T2000 was known for its steel frame and became a staple for Connors, who secured eight major titles during his career. Billie Jean King also played a crucial role in promoting the T2000, making it a landmark racket in the sport’s evolution.

The discussion shifts to the Wilson Pro Staff, first introduced in 1983, with Federer expressing nostalgia for Stefan Edberg’s version featuring the iconic red, yellow, and black design. “That was super iconic, actually,” he states, reflecting on how the Pro Staff models left a lasting impression on him. Federer also acknowledges the legendary Pete Sampras, referring to his Pro Staff model simply as “Pete’s racket.” The 84-square-inch head, crafted from a blend of graphite and Kevlar, was instrumental in helping Sampras secure an impressive 14 major singles titles.

In a humble nod to his own achievements, Federer includes his Pro Staff models in the list. He has been a longtime Wilson player, starting with Wilson footwear early in his career, and he often cites Edberg and Sampras as influential figures. The Pro Staffs they used shaped Federer’s perception of rackets from a young age. His own journey began with the 2002 Hyper Pro Staff 6.1 before he transitioned to the Pro Staff Tour 90, which helped him secure his first major title. Eventually, he moved to a 97-square-inch head, later released as the Pro Staff RF97 Signature.

Federer also pays tribute to Rafael Nadal and Andy Roddick, recognizing the early Babolat frames as significant in the evolution of racket technology. “The blue one Roddick played with changed a little bit of the game,” he says, reflecting on how the Babolat Pure Drive contributed to shifts in playing style. Nadal, who has played with various iterations of the Babolat line, currently uses the Pure Aero Rafa Origin, emphasizing the brand’s pivotal role in shaping modern tennis.

The list continues to evolve as Federer delves into the realm of strings and the impact of the “strong” nylon movement that transformed how the sport is played. He also includes the Dunlop 200G, which Steffi Graf famously used to achieve her Golden Slam in 1988. This racket was the first graphite frame to utilize injection molding, a groundbreaking innovation that replaced the previous compression molding technique.

To round off his list, Federer recognizes the Prince Original Graphite, which Michael Chang used during his career. This racket is celebrated for its impact on player performance and remains a hallmark in tennis history.

As Federer reflects on the past, he remains focused on the future, eager to continue shaping racket history alongside Wilson as they expand the RF Collection. With each new model, Federer’s legacy intertwines with the sport, ensuring that the tradition of excellence in tennis continues to thrive for generations to come. Through his meticulous attention to detail and deep respect for the game, Federer not only honors the legends of tennis but also inspires the next wave of players to carry the torch forward.