Roger Federer shares photos of his official new racquet RF97

Roger Federer’s new racquet, the #RF97, also known as the Roger Federer autograph racquet, has been officially released by Wilson, with the 17-time Grand Slam event champion now playing with the Wilson colors instead of the blacked-out racquet he has been using for a year.


Federer will be using the red-and-black painted version of his new, larger racquet this week at the Masters event in Toronto, having practiced on site with it this week. He tweeted a photo of the frame up on Thursday, writing , “Today is the official debut of my new @Wilson Tennis #RF97 racket. Been really looking forward to this.”


The racquet goes on sale to the public on October 15, with select release on August 15. Wilson is promoting the new racquet with a campaign called “Betterer,” which was also reportedly on the t-shirt worn by Federer during practice this week.


The racquet is 97 sq. inches, and weighs 12 oz. The company describes it as providing “more power,” “bigger” racquet face, and a “larger sweet spot.”


The world No. 3 first attempted to switch to a larger frame following Wimbledon in 2013, having used an 85-inch model since 2002. After switching back for the rest of the season, he tried more frames during the offseason before selecting the one he is now using. Wilson and Federer tested 127 frames during the development period.


At Wimbledon, Federer said the larger racquet was helping his serving, also allowing him to go to the net more often. Following an injury-plagued season that saw him fall to the edges of the top 8, he is now up to No. 3.


10sballs.com