From wooden frames to carbon fiber and beyond, tennis racket technology has driven the game forward. Tennis rackets have become a source of controversy in the modern game, giving players an often frowned-upon level of power and control.
Frame
Tennis racket construction has gone through a number of changes, largely brought about by the introduction of new materials. Wooden frames were common until the 1970s, at which point aluminum and steel frames became the norm. Today, lightweight graphite and graphite composite rackets are used by most professionals. Composite rackets incorporate modern materials that provide strength and flexibility without making the racket too heavy. New materials, such as boron and titanium, have been introduced and combined in different amounts with aluminum, fiberglass and graphite, according to the Aeronautics Internet Textbook website.
Head Shape
Modern tennis racket testing has made it possible to identify a racket's "sweet spot," the optimal striking area. This has led to experimentation with the shape of the racket head. The standard oval-shaped head is still by far the most common, but teardrop and hexagonal heads are also available. These unconventional shapes are designed to enlarge the sweet spot.
Strings
The importance of synthetic strings to leading professionals, and the way they have changed tennis, is becoming increasingly evident, says Jon Henderson in an article from The Observer featured on The Guardian website. Strings made from natural gut have been used since rackets were first made, and are still used by many professional players today. However, synthetic materials are constantly being developed and tested by racket manufacturers. Monofilament synthetic strings such as the Luxilon and Pro Hurricane Tour brands are favored by top players who specialize in powerful strokes, while others prefer the better touch and feel provided by natural gut. Further technological developments could see synthetic strings replace gut altogether.
Grip
Leather grips are becoming obsolete, particularly at a professional level. "Today, synthetic fabrics are more widely used because they can be textured or patterned on the surface to further improve friction," according to the AZoM website. Synthetic materials also offer better sweat absorption.
Shock Absorption
Further technological innovations can be found on the racket frame and in the handle of the racket itself. Gels and elastic materials such as ethyl vinyl acetate are built into some racket handles to act as shock absorbers, helping to improve both comfort and feel. Shock-dampening systems have also been designed for placement within or alongside the grommets, the plastic strips that run around the racket head to prevent the strings from rubbing against the frame.
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