The 9 Best Tennis Racquets for Advanced Players: Buyer’s Guide & Reviews

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The best overall tennis racquet for advanced players is the Yonex Ezone 98 Tour. It provides plenty of power, a solid swing weight, and a relatively dense 16×19 string pattern. These factors combine to provide one of the best playing experiences an advanced player could ask for. However, every player has their own preferences, so we have compiled a list of 9 different advanced racquets worth considering based on your needs.

Below I’ll review the 9 best tennis racquets for advanced players, including the pros, cons, and alternatives of each. You’ll also find a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right racquet for you.

Here’s a quick summary of what you need to know about advanced tennis racquets.

• Tennis racquets for advanced players are heavier with smaller head sizes. Look for racquets over 11 ounces (strung) with 95-100 square inch head sizes.
• Advanced racquets come in standard and extended length, but generally don’t go beyond 27.5 inches.
• Most advanced racquets offer more control. Even the more powerful advanced racquets expect the player to provide power with fast, confident swings.

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List of the Best Advanced Tennis Racquets

The table below shows our list of the 9 best tennis racquets for advanced-level players. We reviewed each racquet in more detail below.

Click the links below to order your racquet from Tennis Warehouse.

Category	Racquet
Best Overall Advanced Tennis Racquet	Yonex Ezone 98 Tour Jump to Review
Most Balanced Racquet (used by Novak Djokovic)	Head Speed Pro Jump to Review
Excellent Control & Feel (used by Roger Federer)	Wilson Pro Staff 97 Jump to Review
Best for Control	Head Gravity Pro Jump to Review
Great Control, Comfort, & Spin	Prince Textreme Tour 98 Jump to Review
Best for Comfort (used by Serena Williams)	Wilson Blade 98 Jump to Review
Best for Power & Spin (used by Rafael Nadal)	Babolat Pure Aero Plus Jump to Review
Best Extended Length Racquet	Solinco Whiteout XTD Jump to Review
Best Platform Racquet for Customization	Dunlop CX 200 Tour 16×19 Jump to Review

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Reviews of the 9 Best Tennis Racquets for Advanced Players

Here are the reviews for our top nine picks for advanced level tennis players.

#1 – Yonex Ezone 98 Tour: Best Overall

We consider this to be the best overall racquet on the market for advanced players. It is very stable and combines great power with above-average control and stability.

The 11.7-ounce static weight makes it a little on the heavy side, but gives this racquet plenty of mass-based power. That allows this racquet to be more flexible and have the main strings spaced closer together (while keeping a standard 16×19 pattern), providing unmatched control for a power-focused racquet. The healthy mass also makes this racquet exceptionally stable and forgiving on off-center shots.

This 2022 version of the Ezone includes new technology that improves stability and ball pocketing. When compared to other Yonex racquet reviews, the Ezone is their most powerful tennis racquet. It doesn’t have as much control as other racquets on the market. However, there’s no racquet with more control that doesn’t sacrifice power.

Read our full Yonex Ezone Review.

• Specs: 98 sq. inch head size | 11.7 oz.
• Price: $$$
• USTA Rating: 4.0+

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#2 – Head Speed Pro: The Most Balanced Racquet

This is our only Head racquet on this list for advanced players, but it’s a good one. The Speed Pro is a player’s racquet, ideal for people looking for something balanced.

The 18×20 string pattern will give you great control of your shots. Since the head size is 100 square inches, you will be able to generate good power and spin from your groundstrokes as well. High level intermediate and advanced singles players will love this racquet used by Novak Djokovic.

Head came out with a new edition for 2024. It has slightly more flex and better touch.

Read our full Head Speed Review.

• Specs: 100 sq. inch head size | 11.6 oz.
• Price: $$$
• USTA Rating: 4.0 & up

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#3 – Wilson Pro Staff 97 v14: Excellent Control & Feel

If you play a lot of tennis and can generate your own power, this might be the racquet for you. Some of the best players in the world use this racquet to control the point from anywhere on the court. In fact, Roger Federer uses a heavier version of this same racquet.

The smaller frame and surface area (97 sq. inches) give it a smaller area to make contact. But if you play a lot and can hit this sweet spot consistently, the string pattern (16×19) gives it great feel and spin. The frame is designed for optimal touch and control. Also, the racquet’s 11.7 ounce weight allows for you to generate enough power for strong, skilled players.

This racquet is great for advanced players who play a lot of tennis and want precise control. You will find it has great mobility and all around use for singles and doubles. It is, however, the least powerful racquet on our list.

Read our full Wilson Pro Staff Review.

• Specs: 97 sq. inch head size | 11.7 oz.
• Price: $$$
• USTA Rating: 4.0 and higher only

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#4 – Head Gravity Pro: Best Racquet for Control

The 2023 Gravity Pro is the best advanced tennis racquet for control. It allows players to swing big, absorb pace, and redirect the tennis ball with precise shots.

It will perform well against power from both the baseline and the net. This racquet has a thin frame with a generous sweet spot inside a 100 square inch frame. The tight 18×20 string pattern provides maximum control and feel. The new Auxetic technology in the throat of the racquet creates added comfort and flex. It’s easy on the arm if you can handle the weight, making it a good racquet for tennis elbow. The weight gives the Gravity Pro great stability as well, but does make it a bit more difficult to handle.

Stronger players who take big, fast swings might like the Gravity Pro. I personally didn’t like its lack of power on this version of the Gravity, but I could step forward and redirect pace well.

Read our full Head Gravity Review.

• Specs: 100 sq. inch head size | 11.7 oz.
• Price: $$$
• USTA Rating: 4.5 and higher only

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#5 – Prince Textreme Tour 98: Great Control, Comfort, & Spin

Prince’s Tour racquets are built to have lots of upside and very few weaknesses. The newest model is no different.

The Tour comes in a stable 98 square inch frame with a 16×19 string pattern which helps add spin and power. This racquet is great for advanced players who want an arm-friendly racquet that is great at the baseline and the net. The heavy frame improves stability on volleys and defensive groundstrokes. You’ll also generate decent spin, especially on slice backhands.

This racquet is an excellent choice for high-level players who want a good all-around racquet.

Read our full Prince Tour Review.

• Specs: 98 sq. inch head size | 11.4 oz.
• Price: $$
• USTA Rating: 4.0 & up

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#6 – Wilson Blade 98 v9: Best Racquet for Comfort

Serena Williams and many other pro tennis players use the Wilson Blade tennis racquet. Wilson made this racquet for players who want control and comfort. In 2024, Wilson released the 9th version of the Blade.

This racquet is a well-balanced all-around tennis racquet, offering some of the best feel and comfort you can find. This makes it a great racquet for both volleys and groundstrokes. The 11.4 ounce weight makes it good for intermediate to advanced players. The open string pattern (16×19) will help you generate spin on groundstrokes from the baseline. At 98 sq. inches, this new Blade comes in a more maneuverable frame which helps the modern, fast-paced game.

If you seek more topspin and controlled power from the baseline, the Blade 98 16×19 is a great option.

• For players looking for more power, check out the Blade 104, one of the best tennis racquets for women.
• For even more control & feel, Wilson offers this racquet in an 18×20 string pattern.

Read our full Wilson Blade Review.

• Specs: 98 sq. inch head size | 11.4 oz.
• Price: $$$
• USTA Rating: 4.0 & up

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#7 – Babolat Pure Aero Plus: Best Racquet for Power & Spin

Made popular by Rafael Nadal, the Babolat Pure Aero has become one of the best selling tennis racquets in the world. It is the best tennis racquet for spin on the market today, made for big swingers who want to control the point from the baseline.

The Pure Aero Plus has an extra 0.5 inch in length, giving you more leverage and power. The frame is 100 square inches for a bigger hitting area and is also built with aerodynamic technology to cut through the air. This all helps you generate more racquet head speed, and therefore spin on the ball. The recommended string tension is in the low 50’s so you can create tons of power on your serve too.

This racquet is great for baseline players who use spin to control the ball with groundstrokes or hit powerful serves for aces. We don’t recommend this racquet for net players or players who need help with control.

Read our full Babolat Pure Aero Review.

• Specs: 100 sq. inch head size | 11.3 oz.
• Price: $$$
• USTA Rating: Any skill level

#8 – Solinco Whiteout XTD: Best Extended Length Racquet

We consider this to be the best extended length racquet on the market for advanced players. Solinco is one of the newer brands to enter the racquet market, but they have started out with some incredible racquets with a very modern feel.

The Solinco Whiteout is their control racquet line. It combines a 98-square inch head and a thin 21.7mm beam providing great feel and control. The Whiteout XTD is an extended length racquet, adding power while maintaining excellent control. The extra length does make for a hefty swingweight, making it ideal for players with long, smooth groundstrokes. 

This racquet takes advantage of Liquid Crystal Technology throughout and Foam Technology in the head to produce an arm-friendly, slightly dampened feel to prevent injury. Overall, this racquet offers a great option for advanced players looking for extra put-away power through an extended length racquet.

Read our full Solinco Whiteout Review.

• Specs: 98 sq. inch head size | 11.4 oz.
• Price: $$$
• USTA Rating: 4.0+

#9 – Dunlop CX 200 Tour 16×19: Best Platform Racquet

This is one of the most underrated racquets on the market today. Dunlop has created an excellent control racquet that comes with a low swing weight of 314 that is primed for customization. You can add weight to this racquet however you want to cater it to your preferences.

The 95 square inch head makes it very control-oriented and makes it very maneuverable. It has fantastic feel, especially at the net, and gives you pinpoint control. However, for those who want a racquet ready to go without any customization, this racquet will be lacking in power. Returning serve can be difficult with this racquet in stock form due to its low power and stability.

Dunlop’s Vibroshield and Sonic Core with Infinergy technologies make this racquet very arm-friendly. For those willing to add weight to their racquets, this racquet has surprising spin potential and plays great on all areas of the court. However, even with added weight, the Dunlop CX 200 Tour 16×19 will still be a low-powered racquet, making the player provide most of the power.

Read our full Dunlop CX Review.

• Specs: 95 sq. inch head size | 11.5 oz.
• Price: $$$
• USTA Rating: 4.0+

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Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Tennis Racquet for Advanced Players

We offer a complete guide on how to choose a tennis racquet, so if you have no clue where to start, we recommend checking that out.

The three primary factors that should drive choosing a tennis racquet for an advanced player are head size, weight, and string pattern.

Are You Ready for an Advanced Racquet?

First, decide which of the below describes you best to help narrow your search for a new racquet.

Intermediate Level Players

I used to play recreationally, but it’s been a while since I played consistently. Or I started playing in the last year or two, but I want to try and take my game to the next level. I can play points and matches and may have a more defined style, such as attacking the net or outlasting my opponents with consistency. I still struggle to hit with power and spin.

If this is you, check out the best tennis racquets for intermediate players. 

Advanced Level Players

I play regularly and can hit groundstrokes and serve with spin, power, and direction. This would be 4.0 and higher on the USTA scale.

If this describes you, you’re in the right place!

What Makes a Racquet Good for Advanced Players?

The table below provides a general guideline to follow. Many metrics can be used to describe a racquet, but these are the most important things to consider.

Racquet Specifications	Beginner Players Only	Intermediate & Some Beginner	Advanced & Some Intermediate
Head Size (sq. inches)	107 – 115	100 – 110	95 – 100
Length (inches)	27-28	27 – 27.5	27 – 27.5
Weight (strung)	Under 11 Ounces	10.1 – 11.5 Ounces	Over 11 Ounces
Price	Under $150	$100 & up	$150 & up
Power vs Control	More Power	Balanced Racquet	More Control

Advanced tennis players need a racquet heavy enough to provide stability and forgiveness against fast incoming balls. They also need enough control from their racquet to have the freedom and confidence to swing out, even in the biggest moments.

Note on Racquet Length: Most advanced racquets are 27-27.5 inches in length, but can technically be up to 29 inches long. This shouldn’t be a huge factor in your buying decision.

What Type of Swing Do You Have?

There are different types of swings in tennis. It’s important to know which swing type you have when choosing a tennis racquet.

• Short swing path: Some high-level players have more compact strokes that are fast and efficient. This type of stroke usually has a very short take back and quick acceleration of the racquet head similar to Jannik Sinner.
• Long swing path: Other players have longer swing paths. Long swing paths are generally slower and take more time to complete the stroke. They may use a loop on their forehand or backhand like Daniil Medvedev.

Players with Short Swing Paths need a Head Light Racquet

For players with shorter swings who accelerate through the ball quickly, you’ll generate plenty of power because the racquet head will have more speed when you make contact. These players often place an emphasis on maneuverability, preferring more head light racquets to help accelerate the racquet fast in a shorter space.

• Best advanced tennis racquet for shorter swings: Wilson Pro Staff

Players with Long Swing Paths need a Head Heavy Racquet

However, if your swing path is longer, you have more time to accelerate your racquet, so maneuverability isn’t as important. Longer swings are often aided by more powerful racquets with a less head light balance. The best tennis racquets for power can help create more depth and pace.

• Best advanced tennis racquet for a longer swing path: Yonex Ezone 98 Tour

Do You Hit Groundstrokes Flatter or with More Topspin?

If you like to hit with heavy topspin, you can compliment that with a racquet that helps maximize that spin. Tennis racquets with more open string patterns promote spin production. Racquets with larger head sizes (98-100 inches) and those with fewer total strings (16×18 or 16×19) in the pattern will have the most open string patterns.

• Best advanced tennis racquet with an open string pattern: Babolat Pure Aero Plus

For players with flatter groundstrokes, racquets with tighter string patterns will help maintain control. Smaller head sizes (95-98 inches) and more total strings (16×20, 18×19, or 18×20) in the pattern will have denser string patterns.

• Best advanced racquet with a tight string pattern: Wilson Blade 18×20

Do You Play at the Net or From the Baseline? Are you a Singles or Doubles Player?

All players need to find the best balance of power, control, weight, stability, and maneuverability. Players that spend most of their time at the baseline have more time to take a full swing, so maneuverability won’t be as important. Instead, they can prioritize stability which also maximizes the sweet spot and power.

• Best advanced racquet for stability: Head Speed Pro

Players that attack the net put less distance between themselves and their opponents, so they need a more maneuverable racquet, along with quick reactions, to get the racquet in place to hit the ball in time. These players often also rely on more precise shots, so they prioritize control and maneuverability.

• The best advanced tennis racquet for maneuverability: Dunlop CX 200 Tour 16×19

Doubles players have it more difficult when selecting a racquet. Advanced doubles players have to deal with even less time to react to incoming balls, so they need a very maneuverable racquet. But oftentimes they have so little time to react, they hit a lot of balls a little off-center and with shorter swings, which makes them need a stable racquet with a little extra power. 

Therefore, advanced doubles players are best served by a solid all-around racquet that caters towards their personal preferences.

Are you on a budget?

I’ve got good news and bad news for advanced players on a budget.

The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice quality to pick up a budget option for an advanced tennis racquet. The bad news is you won’t be getting the latest technology, and you’ll have to either settle for what racquets are available to choose from or be patient to get the racquet you want.

Check out clearance tennis racquets at Tennis Warehouse for the best deals on advanced tennis racquets.

Manufacturers don’t specifically make budget-friendly racquets that will work for advanced players.

However, racquets are generally released on a 3-year cycle, give or take. Once a new version of a racquet is released, and sometimes even a little before, the manufacturer will discount the outgoing version. Even better, most new versions have only slight changes over old versions of the same tennis racquet.

At time of writing, Wilson just released the Blade v9. The outgoing Blade v8 racquets are 20-40% off.

So while you might miss out on the latest technology, purchasing an outgoing model is a great way to still get a high-quality advanced tennis racquet on a budget.

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Conclusion: Our Pick for Best Advanced Tennis Racquet

You can’t go wrong with any of the racquets in this article. However, if we had to narrow it down to one racquet, the best all around tennis racquet for advanced players is the Yonex Ezone 98 Tour. It has excellent power, a 16×19 string pattern that is denser than many 16×19 string patterns, and has a moderately hefty swing weight.

Once you’ve found the right racquet, checkout the different tennis string types to figure out which of the best tennis strings optimizes your game even further.

What’s your favorite tennis racquet? Are there any racquets you think we missed? Let us know in the comments below!