Best Tennis Rackets of 2021 (Part 2)
Back in May we compiled our list for the ‘Top 10 Tennis Rackets of 2021’ and since then we’ve had more brand-new frames enter the market. Many of the new rackets released in the latter half of 2021 have particularly impressed us here at All Things Tennis, so we’ve compiled another list of the best tennis rackets to come out in 2021.
The highly anticipated 2021 update of the Wilson Blade was met with huge praise from the tennis community. Building on the success of the Blade v7, the v8 has wonderful feel and control combined with new FORTYFIVE technology that has improved both the flexibility and stability of the racket.
This is a perfect racket for advanced players with an all-court game style who aren’t afraid to venture to the net. Although the mid-range specs on the Blade v8 are such that it will suit many different players. The Blade 98 is one of the most versatile rackets on the market and this new edition has taken the line to new heights making it even more accessible to a wide variety of players.
Perhaps one of the best control rackets to come out in 2021, the new VCORE Pro 97 provides unmatched precision combined with great stability and touch.
Yonex is renowned for their astounding attention for detail and they always know exactly what to tweak when it comes to updating their racket lines. The new VCORE Pro has been made slightly more powerful than its predecessor with an improved flex and a slightly thicker beam. We loved this update at All Things Tennis and would recommend it to advanced players who value control and precision.
One of the most popular rackets of 2021, the Pure Aero Rafa was designed in partnership with legendary champion Rafael Nadal. Retaining the specs of the previous Pure Aero, the Aero Rafa was updated with a brand-new cosmetic that perfectly captures the explosive energy of Nadal’s game.
The Pure Aero continues to be a brilliant option for intermediate/advanced players looking to dictate from the back of the court with heavy spin and power. Generating massive amounts of topspin is made easy with the Pure Aero in your hands. Strung with an RPM Blast set up, you can expect huge spin potential as well as great control.
4. Head Graphene 360+ Extreme MP Nite
Our favourite new racket design of 2021 has to be the Extreme Nite range. Inspired by the New York skyline, the Extreme Nite all back design is a limited-edition collector’s item representing the US Open 2021.
Not to mention the brilliant racket underneath that great cosmetic, the Extreme MP is one of the most versatile intermediate/advanced level rackets out there. This racket gives you access to large amounts of spin from the back of the court thanks to the specially designed string grommets, and also gives you great feel at the net thanks to the thin beam.
If the Pure Aero Rafa and the Wilson Blade had a love child, it might play something like the Head Extreme MP…
5. Tecnifibre T-Rebound 298 Iga
Designed specifically to meet the needs of 2020 Roland Garros champion Iga Swiatek, the T-Rebound 298 Iga is perfect for creative players who love using spin and angles. With a relatively low swing weight, the 298 Iga is manoeuvrable enough for many intermediate/advanced players to generate fast racket speed.
The 298 Iga is a unique new racket that has a specific set of specs that are hard to find elsewhere, giving you a blend of control, spin and power you’re unlikely to experience with any other racket. One to try if it sounds up your alley.
As we approach the end of 2021, we can safely say that it’s been a great year for new rackets. With countless new updates as well as some brand-new frames, it’s been a great year for tennis consumers. Here’s hoping we can spend less time inside and more time on court in 2022.
Written by Aron Dochard
