Created in 1875 in Lyon, France, Babolat is the oldest international brand specialised in racquet sports. With almost 150 years of experience and play observation, on the courtside and alongside players, Babolat has built up expertise that enables it to adapt what it does best to its entire product line. Always with the same goal in mind: offering Tennis, Badminton and Padel fans equipment that combines both enjoyment and performance, and allows them to feel all of the game’s energy
Babolat Racket collections
pure aero
The Babolat Pure Aero collection is designed for players who use spin to dominate from the baseline. Pure Aero players rely on heavy topspin, fast racket head speed and aggressive shots to push opponents back and create opportunities to attack. The Pure Aero rackets feature aerodynamic designs and technologies that maximise spin and racket head speed, making them ideal for players who want to generate heavy spin while maintaining the power and control needed to dictate rallies.
pure drive
The Babolat Pure Drive collection is designed for players who want to combine explosive power with an easy, responsive feel. Pure Drive players use their racket to attack with pace from all areas of the court, relying on powerful groundstrokes and serves to take control of rallies. The Pure Drive rackets are engineered to maximise power and responsiveness while maintaining a high level of stability, making them ideal for players who want to hit with pace and confidence.
pure strike
The Babolat Pure Strike collection is designed for players who prioritise precision, control and feel. Pure Strike players use their technical ability to dictate rallies with accurate groundstrokes, taking the ball early and placing shots exactly where they want them. The Pure Strike rackets combine a controlled response with a responsive feel and excellent stability, making them ideal for players who want to play aggressively while maintaining precision and confidence.
Our Most Popular Babolat Rackets
special edition
pure drive spectra
The Babolat Pure Drive Spectra is a special-edition take on one of Babolat’s most iconic racket ranges, combining the explosive power and responsive performance of the Pure Drive with a distinctive limited-edition design. Created for players who want standout style without compromising on performance, the Pure Drive Spectra delivers the speed, stability and easy power the range is known for in an exclusive finish.
Babolat enters the competition
1875
Under Pierre Babolat’s leadership, Babolat & Monnier, originally specializing in processing natural gut for various purposes, including sausages, surgical thread and archery, innovates by creating the first natural gut strings for racquets. This breakthrough occurs one year
after Walter Clopton Wingfield establishes the rules of lawn tennis and shortly after the production of the company’s initial badminton strings. Babolat then becomes the pioneering company dedicated to
racquet games, marking its entry into the world of sports.
Babolat VS: The triumphant move
1925
Transitioning from sheep and cow gut, Bab-olat addresses the demand for finer strings and higher tension among early tennis champions by developing a sustainable alternative. In 1925, under Albert’s leadership, the groundbreaking VS string is introduced, gaining fame through French tennis legends like the “Musketeers” and Suzanne Lenglen.
Almost a century later, Babolat’s VS string continues to be a global standard in racquet sports, contributing to over 100 Grand Slam victories by players using Babolat VS strings.
The Globe as its arena.
1950-1960
Recognizing tennis as a global phenomenon, Paul Babolat establishes a widespread international retail network to ensure the brand’s presence wherever the sport is played. Rapidly gaining popularity, Babolat
becomes a well-known choice among players world-wide, spanning regions such as Argentina, Germany, Italy, the United States, Scandina-via, Eastern Europe, Australia, and Japan. By the end of this period, Babolat’s portfolio is now complete as the accessories for their rackets are launched.
Borg: idol of a golden age of world tennis
1980
‘Borg: Icon of a Golden Era in Global Tennis as Babolat Elevates its Performance with a String of Innovations’
With 100 victories, including 11 Grand Slam tournaments, Björn Borg becomes a tennis icon alongside players like Arthur Ashe, Martina Navratilova, Jimmy Connors, and John Newcombe. In recognition of Borg’s success, Paul Babolat presents him with a golden VS. The brand alters its string signature, adding a double line to ensure easy identification of Babolat strings, irrespective of the racquet brand.
Innovations continue as Babolat introduces the Cordynel electric stringing machine and Elastocross, an accessory that enhances the longevity of strings. The brand establishes “Team Compétition,” a group of skilled racquet preparers providing top-notch service to professional players globally across badminton, tennis, and squash circuits. Jahangir Khan achieves dominance in the world squash scene using the VS string.
Game-Changing Moment: Babolat’s Debut Racquet in a Grand Slam Tournament
1994
In 1994, Babolat, a key player in stringing and racquet accessories for over a century, makes a pivotal move by introducing its first tennis frames. Pierre Babolat pioneers the innovative Pure Drive range, transforming the global tennis landscape with its association with new playing styles. Initially launched in France, it quickly expands to
Spain (1995), Italy (1996), Austria (1997), and Germany (1998), and later captures global markets, including Japan in 1999 and the United States in 2000. The Pure Drive emerges as an iconic and top-selling racquet worldwide.
Carlos Moya achieves remarkable success with the Pure Drive, dominating the clay court season and securing victories in Monaco, Rome, and notably, the French Open. Moya makes history as the first player to win a Grand Slam title with a Babolat racquet, reaching
World No. 1 in March 1999. Junior winners Fernando Gonzalez (CHI) and Kim Clijsters (BEL) also gain fame with Babolat racquets. With strings already featured in over 100 Grand Slam tournaments, Babolat’s frame victories signal a new era for the brand.
footwork
2003
In collaboration with Michelin, a leading grip technology expert, Babolat introduces its inaugural tennis shoes under the guidance of Éric Babolat. This partnership yields a product line ensuring high technical quality. Expanding beyond its initial clothing range for club
players, Babolat now provides a comprehensive range of equipment for badminton, tennis, and padel enthusiasts. The brand continues to innovate tennis with the introduction of the aerodynamic racquet, the Babolat Aeropro Drive, designed for modern playing styles. Notably, Andy Roddick (USA) and Kim Clijsters (BEL) achieve the No. 1 ATP and WTA rankings, respectively, using their Babolat Pure Drive racquets.
Nadal: the rise of a unique champion
2005
Rafael Nadal, the young Spanish player, has been using a Babolat frame and strings since he was nine. At the age of 19, Rafa secured his first Grand Slam title at the French Open, wielding the Babolat Aeropro Drive racquet, specially crafted to enhance his exceptional lift. On the American front, Andy Roddick, the top-ranked American tennis player, opted for Babolat Propulse shoes along with the Pure Drive racquet and Pro Hurricane Tour & VS hybrid stringing, helping him clinch the world record for the fastest service at 249 kmph.
Tennis innovation and victories
2010
With the global release of the RPM Blast tennis racquet string, Babolat Pro Team players, including Rafa Nadal and Francesca Schiavone, bring acclaim to the brand by winning the French Open. Nadal secures another victory at the US Open, joined by Kim Clijsters, who marks a successful return to the competition circuit. Babolat’s innovative racquet and string technologies prove triumphant at the highest levels of international competitions.
Rafa: A league of his own
2017
Rafa Nadal achieves a historic feat by winning the French Open for the tenth time using his renowned Babolat Pure Aero strung with Babolat RPM Blast. This victory makes him the first player in the Open era to secure the same Grand Slam title ten times. In celebration of this milestone, Babolat introduces a special limited-edition racquet: the Pure Aero Decima.
Vintage years for the babolat team
2019
Rafa Nadal delivered yet another remarkable performance, clinching his 12th French Open title and securing his 19th Grand Slam victory. In another sporting domain, Spanish talent Juan Lèbron excelled in Padel, claiming the world No. 1 spot with his Viper Carbon pala racquet, Jet Premura shoes, and a dedicated Babolat outfit. Notably, Babolat concluded 2019 with two world number ones in distinct sports, a significant achievement
3 Grand Slam titles and a prestigious partnership
2022
A remarkable and emotional year for Rafael Nadal as he becomes the most decorated player in Grand Slam history. In January, Rafa secured his 21st Grand Slam victory by defeating Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final. Four months later, he added to his tally
with his 14th title at Roland Garros, marking his 22nd Grand Slam victory—a new all-time record. Additionally, young talent Carlos Alcaraz achieved success by winning his first Grand Slam title at the US Open at the age of 19, becoming the youngest world No. 1 player in history. Babolat further solidifies its partnership with Wimbledon, not only serving as the official partner for racquets, bags, and shoes but also providing the official racquet service for the tournament in 2022.
