Me and my racket: Sam Querrey
Originally published on: 29/08/13 00:00
What was your first racket?
I had an Andre Agassi HEAD racket, it was like black and yellow and I got it for Christmas when I was six or seven years old.
What do you look for in a racket?
I look for a racket that has a lot of pop because I like to hit the ball big. And also, for me, I’ve got a sensitive elbow so whatever really just feels good on my elbow and, you know, the Babolat feels unbelievable. It’s kind of easy power so it doesn’t hurt my arm at all.
Do you look for a racket that’s a little lighter then?
Yeah definitely in the head of the racket I like it a little lighter because I’m pretty wristy and handsy so I need it to kind of whip through the air.
How long have you been playing with Babolat?
About a year and a half now. The main reason I chose them was it just felt good on my elbow. I felt like I was getting a lot of pop and it was just so easy on my arm, which was nice.
Is it ever tempting for players to go with the better sponsorship deal rather than the best racket?
Yeah I think so. I mean, with clothing it’s one of those things, you know, a shirt is a shirt but a racket I think is something that needs to feel better rather than using a racket because a company is paying you more money. I think with the racket you really need to go with what feels right.
Do you customise your racket at all?
I do. I put a little weight in the head and the grip has also got some weight in there. The handle is kind of formed to my hand how I like it.
So do they kind of mold your grip?
Yeah, they took a grip I used years ago, that I’ve used really now for eight years. I don’t know really how they do it or what they do, but they mold it to that exact grip.
What strings and tension do you use?
I use Luxilon Alu Power and I am usually between 55 and 66lbs depending on where I am and the weather. If it’s 55 degrees I'll use 55-56lbs but during the US summer when it’s 90 degrees I’ll be up at 60, 61 or 62lbs so for me it’s all about the weather.
Do you ever get involved in the design process? Never! I don’t know how that works or if they ask players. I just use what they give me. Any superstitions when it comes to your racket? No, not really. Sometimes I’ll grip it, sometimes I’ll let the stringers grip it. I’m not picky at all.
Do you smash your rackets often?
No, not often. In a match I won’t really do it but sometimes on the practice court I’ve hit one over and over and over until there’s nothing. What do you do with your old rackets? I give a lot of them to charity, to friends, you know. There are probably a lot in my garage. They’re floating around everywhere.
Babolat Aeropro Drive
Head size: 100 square inches
Length: 27 inches
Unstrung weight: 300g
String pattern 16 x 19
Balance point 320 mm
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