What Frame Does Nadal Use?

[Vieira151]

Saw a picture on Eurosport that I found interesting.

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Now, if you look at the neck of the racquet, the way the word "Babolat" looks makes it appear that he is using a straight beamed racquet, when the AeroPro Drive (and most babolats) are not straight beam. I mean, compare this to the AeroPro Drive from the Babolat website.

Spoiler: show

Note: I used the 3D image function and rotated it to that. They way 'Babolat' appears is clearly different. So I'm wondering, does anyone have any clue as to what type of racquet/frame Nadal actuall uses?

PS Don't say an old AeroPro. All the AeroPro versions are pretty much the same frame. I have 1 of the two older versions, and they are practically identical to the new one on the website.

[Rob ITST]

He does use the old Aero Pro Drive - before the Cortex. The Cortex part is actually just painted on.

I don't know why the picture looks different.... maybe he's play-testing some frames in that picture. If you want more proof, then search on the TT forums. People who string at pro tournaments love to take pictures and measurements of the pro's frames. You can find discussions about it by people who have strung his racquets at tournaments.

[Cro Morgan]

A question about racquets/strings, any question, on cue, it's Rob to the rescue.

[Vieira151]

I know, right? Cheers Rob. See, I always thought that Nadal used the original (and just used updated paint jobs) Aero Pro but that image put some doubt in my mind.

[Rob ITST]

A question about racquets/strings, any question, on cue, it's Rob to the rescue.

I have a poster of Nadal in the restroom, that clearly shows the Cortex painted on his racquet. It's great for showing to Babolat sales reps who insist that he's using the "latest" model.

And before someone asks, the poster is in the restroom, it's not a poster of Nadal using the restroom. And before someone else asks, it's in the restroom at the shop, not at my house.

[Vieira151]

Excuses, excuses.

[Rob ITST]

I does get a bit awkward when a kid wants to see the poster: "Here, follow me into the restroom. There's something I want to show you."

[emate007]

a kid wants to see the poster: "Here, follow me into the restroom. There's something I want to show you."

[Vieira151]

Slightly unrelated, but...

Verdasco seems to be using a babolat at Wimbledon (without the babolat logo on the strings). When did he change from the Technifibres?

[Rob ITST]

Not sure when he changed from Tecnifibre - his most recent sponsor was Dunlop. ATM, I believe he has no contract. Since early June (maybe earlier), he's been seen using an APD, and carrying a Dunlop bag. He's also been testing out some Head sticks.

He's also notorious for complaining about his equipment. One of my contacts at Dunlop works closely with the pros, and told me that Verdasco liked to blame every missed shot on his racquet/strings/shoes/socks/underwear..... he's just a head-case.

[Vieira151]

Ah. One to blame his mistakes on the fact he forgot to gel his hair in the morning?

I actually forgot he was using Dunlop. I remember seeing him in Rome or Monte Carlo using a Dunlop.

[Rob ITST]

Got a little scoop on Verdasco:

He was still sponsored by Dunlop when he showed up to a tournament playing with a Babolat. Dunlop was apparently happy about it: they had the opportunity to dump him without buying him out of his contract. He was a pain to deal with, and quite a head-case. He kept asking them to make his racquet more flexible, and now he is playing with one of the stiffest racquets you can buy. He has no idea what he wants, he just knows that every point he loses is his racquet's fault.

[Vieira151]

Hah. That's pretty amusing. Wonder how long he'll be out of a racquet contract.