According the United States Racquet Stringers Association (USRSA), a heavier racket generates more power, vibrates less and has a larger sweet spot. In general, playing with the heaviest racket you can comfortably wield has more benefits than playing with a lightweight racket, but it's basically a matter of personal choice; style of play, strength and skill level can influence a player's choice of racket weight.
More Power
When you hit a tennis ball with a heavy tennis racket, the racket doesn't slow down as much as a lightweight racket at impact. Momentum in the swing is maintained and more energy is returned to the ball, resulting in a more powerful shot. Heavier rackets also counteract the momentum of the oncoming ball better than lightweight rackets. This adds to the stability of the frame.
Less Vibration and Shock
Vibration and shock are generated when hitting a tennis ball. A heavier tennis racket is made with more mass, or material. With more mass, any vibration or shock generated at impact is absorbed by the frame of the racket and not your arm.
Larger Sweet Spot
The sweet spot is the area on the racket's string bed where very little vibration is generated when you make contact with the ball. The shot feels "solid" at impact. A larger sweet spot allows players to have successful shots even when the ball is hit a little off-center. A racket with a larger sweet spot is more stable; it doesn't twist as much in the player's hand at impact.
Control
While you can swing lightweight rackets faster than heavier rackets and generate a lot of racket head speed, this requires time to execute aggressive, long strokes. You don't always have the time to execute these shots. Even though lightweight rackets are more maneuverable, sometimes you are rushed or stretched wide, which results in a loss of racket head speed, weaker shots and no control of your swing. Because heavier rackets maintain more momentum through the shot, you can control your swing better when time won't allow you to position yourself early for the shot.
Physical Considerations
Heavier rackets do more work for you and are better for your arm. Lighter rackets provide less weight behind the shot, meaning you have to work harder to supply the same amount of force, ball speed and power of heavier rackets. Weaker tennis players might find this hard to do over the course of a three-set match. When lightweight rackets make contact with the ball, any speed generated in the swing slows down at impact, which can put undue stress on your arm. On the other hand, playing with a heavy racket over the course of several long matches might be difficult for some players and heavy-racket benefits might diminish.
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