Five Point Friday: February 25, 2022
/February 25, 2022
Five Point Friday
Here’s your roundup of the five most interesting things I’m enjoying or thinking about this week.
1.) Zverev’s Outburst
After Alexander Zverev and doubles partner, Marcelo Melo lost their match at the Mexican Open in Acapulco, Zverev approached and struck the umpire’s chair three times with his racquet before briefly sitting and hitting it once again. As a result, he was kicked out of the tournament entirely for unsportsmanlike conduct and likely will face more ATP sanctions.
Alexander Zverev has been THROWN OUT of the Mexican Open for attacking the umpire’s chair at the end of his doubles match 😮😮😮 pic.twitter.com/CWhQ1r6kwj
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) February 23, 2022
2.) Venus Back on YouTube
Two years ago, Venus Williams first posted to YouTube and continued with periodic uploads through December of 2020. Now, after a hiatus from publishing in 2021, she’s back and has shared three videos over the past few weeks. One of her most popular is a reaction video to her US Open debut at the US Open, where she reached the finals. Venus is a great personality, and it’s fun to watch and hear her share about the experience.
3.) Kyrgios Opens Up
Nick Kyrgios is no stranger to opening up to fans with his struggles, but his latest post dives deep. In it, he shares details of self-harm, suicidal thoughts, drug and alcohol abuse, and pushing away family and friends. Having turned things around for himself, he encourages anyone going through similar challenges to open up and seek help while reassuring those suffering that they’re not alone.
View this post on Instagram
4.) Challengers a New Film
MGM is reportedly wrapping up deals on Challengers, a new romantic drama with professional tennis, and the ATP Challenger Tour, serving as the film’s backdrop. Those close to the movie expect filming to begin this spring on the East Coast.
Zendaya, Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist to star in Luca Guadagnino’s ‘Challengers.’
It centers on a tennis player turned coach (Zendaya) caught in between her world champion husband (Faist) and a former flame (O’Connor.)
(https://t.co/P6YQqfu8ym) pic.twitter.com/vZH0G3drTp
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) February 11, 2022
5.) Millman’s Bizzare Injury
During his match at the Mexican Open, John Millman turned to catch a ball with his racquet casually. In a brief moment, the ball ricocheted directly into his right eye and subsequently forced him to retire from the match. He’s reportedly doing okay and was able to joke about it after the fact on Instagram.
Probably the most random injury I’ve ever seen in tennis#John #Millman #ATPTennis #Acapulco https://t.co/clwE7nR1rM pic.twitter.com/vh3UAOIS74
— Marcu (@Marcuucram) February 23, 2022
If you have a moment, I’d love to hear your feedback. Which topic is your favorite? What would you like to see more or less of each week?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and have a great weekend.
Wilson Clash 108 v2
Tennis Racquet
Grip Sizes: 1, 2, 3, 4 (learn more)
Colors: Red, Black
Finish: Velvet
Grip: Wilson Performance Pro
Pre-strung: No
Cover Included: No
We hope you love this resource. Just so you know, TennisCompanion may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page to help keep this site running. Learn more.
Overview
The Wilson Clash 108 v2 caters to beginners and early intermediates looking to take their game to the next level with power, spin, and exceptional comfort.
The racquet comes with a large 108 in² (697 cm²) that increases power and allows plenty of margin for error when hitting, while a larger sweetspot ensures a forgiving response on center shots.
The Wilson Clash 108 v2 is lighter at only 10.5 oz (297 g) strung and has an extended 27.25 in (69.2c cm) length for effortless swinging and added power. It also has an open 16×19 string pattern which helps grip the ball to generate topspin easier.
Core to the frame’s DNA, Wilson uses their FortyFive graphite layup. This proprietary technology helps ensure maximum comfort by enabling the racquet to achieve greater horizontal and vertical flex without sacrificing much power.
To maintain control, StableSmart integrates into the racquet’s throat and helps it retain stability and reduce twisting.
New for 2022, the frame receives an updated construction at the tip of the hoop to help deliver a more consistent response and increase the size of the sweetspot.
Hitting forehands and backhands, the racquet’s power and spin are easy to access, along with added depth of shot. At the net, the racquet offers a large target and allows for agile movement, which many will find an ideal companion for doubles.
The racquet easily swings when serving, offers plenty of power for picking up the pace, and allows for quick positioning on returns.
Overall, the Wilson Clash 108 v2 is a capable option for beginners looking to step into a performance racquet that will help level up their game and keep their arms healthy as they grow.
Specifications
To help players considering an upgrade, I’ve included the specs of the original racquet alongside the second generation.
Unique to the Wilson Clash 108 v2, you’ll find it comes in an extended length of 27.25 (69.22 cm), which gives players added leverage to swing faster for more power and spin.
Its head size is on the larger end of the spectrum at 108 in² (697 cm²), and it comes with an open 16×19 string pattern for added power spin and a more forgiving feel.
Wilson quotes the racquet at a lightweight 9.9 oz (280 g) for its unstrung weight. The racquet I have on hand weighs [slightly more] at 9.75 oz (276.4 g). Keep in mind that it’s common for some variation in weight from one frame to the next.
You can add roughly 18 grams for its strung weight, a reasonable average for various strings.
Balance refers to a racquet’s distribution of weight, and this racquet measures 3 pts HL at 33.5 cm unstrung, which drops to 0 pts EB at 34.5 cm with strings installed.
As an arm-friendly frame, the Wilson Clash 108 v2 has the lowest stiffness index in this family of racquets at 9.0. Beyond comfort, stiffness also contributes to a racquet’s power, control, and feel.
Finally, you’ll find this racquet has a flat beam that measures 24.5 mm all the way around.
Wilson Clash 100 Pro v2
Tennis Racquet
Grip Sizes: 1, 2, 3, 4 (learn more)
Colors: Red, Black
Finish: Velvet
Grip: Wilson Performance Pro
Pre-strung: No
Cover Included: No
We hope you love this resource. Just so you know, TennisCompanion may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page to help keep this site running. Learn more.
Overview
Strong intermediate to advanced players looking for maximum comfort without sacrificing power will find the Wilson Clash 100 Pro v2 an enticing option with plenty of spin on tap.
New for 2022, the frame trades its 16×19 string pattern for a tighter 16×20, giving the racquet an extra cross string, which stiffens up the stringbed, lowers the launch angle, and aids control.
However, with a 100 in² (645 cm²) head size, there’s still plenty of grip for topspin. Wilson also redesigned the tip of the hoop’s construction for 2022, which aids consistency and increases the sweet spot’s size for a slightly more forgiving response.
Like the previous generation, this model retains Wilson’s patented FortyFive (previously called FeelFlex) graphite construction, enabling substantial horizontal and vertical flex, which absorbs shock, enhances ball pocketing, and gives the frame a distinct feel.
Despite the frame’s ultra-high flex, it retains stability and a consistent response through a unique geometric design of the racquet’s throat that Wilson refers to as StableSmart.
At 11.5 oz (326 g) strung, the racquet’s weight further enhances stability. At the same time, its 8 pt HL (32 cm) balance ensures the racquet still has plenty of maneuverability for players that have developed sufficient strength and technique to handle it.
The Wilson Clash 100 Pro v2 delivers a marked improvement in control from the baseline compared to the original, while spin remains easy-to-access despite the tighter string pattern. The racquet offers accurate replies at the net with plenty of weight for stability against bigger hitters. The racquet offers plenty of power on serve and extra precision hitting returns.
Overall, players looking for a control-centric players racquet that’s not quite as heavy for extra maneuverability and speed and top-notch comfort will appreciate the Wilson Clash 100 Pro v2.
Specifications
I’ve included the frame’s specs below alongside the original racquet so you can easily compare the changes.
Like most tennis racquets, the Wilson Clash 100 Pro v2 is 27-inches in length and comes with a 100 in² (645 cm²) head size and tighter 16×20 string pattern for control and topspin.
The racquet I have on hand weighs 10.95 oz (310.6 g), which isn’t too far from the quoted spec of 10.9 oz (310 g). Although racquet manufacturers strive to hit a target weight, some variance is natural among every company.
Every tennis string has a different weight, but you can add roughly 18 grams to arrive at the racquet’s strung weight.
Its balance is 11 pts HL at 30.6 cm when unstrung, which drops to 8 pts HL at 31.6 cm with strings installed.
The Clash 100 Pro v2 has a low stiffness index of 11, which translates to added comfort for your arm.
Finally, the racquet’s flat 24.5 mm beam helps ensure the racquet retains a bit of extra power.
Wilson Clash 100 v2
Tennis Racquet
Grip Sizes: 1, 2, 3, 4 (learn more)
Colors: Red, Black
Finish: Velvet
Grip: Wilson Performance Pro
Pre-strung: No
Cover Included: No
We hope you love this resource. Just so you know, TennisCompanion may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page to help keep this site running. Learn more.
Overview
With a fresh new red anodized elastic paint job, the Wilson Clash 100 v2 stands out in this family of racquets as the frame with the broadest appeal. Although best suited for intermediate players, it’s also a solid option for higher-level athletes that desire the room to personalize their frame’s specs.
With an approachable 10.4 oz (295 g) weight, the Clash 100 v2 swings fast, a key factor for topspin, which the frame further enhances with a mid-range 100 in² (645 cm²) head size and open 16×19 string pattern that improves grip on the ball.
For arm-friendly comfort, the racquet features an ultra-low stiffness index of 11, resulting from Wilson’s responsive FortyFive graphite construction that gives the racquet a unique feel and enables greater horizontal and vertical flex.
To retain power and stability as the racquet bends, FortyFive works in tandem with StableSmart, which stabilizes the frame and prevents twisting for a consistent response. For 2022, Wilson reconstructs the tip of the hoop to enhance consistency further while increasing the sweet spot’s size.
Hitting groundstrokes, the Wilson Clash 100 v2 accelerates quickly, delivering excellent spin that enables players to achieve greater net clearance and depth of shot while retaining control and the ability to dictate placement.
Transitioning to the net, players will find the racquet is easy to maneuver thanks to the racquet’s mid-range weight and 7 pt HL (32 cm) balance that keeps more of the weight in the handle. It doesn’t pack quite as much stability as its counterpart, the Clash 100 Pro, but it offers plenty of power to put away the ball.
The racquet’s speed enables players to get that extra action hitting kick serves and slice, but it’s also more than capable of flattening out the ball and turning up the pace. Quick reflexes are a must when hitting returns, and the Wilson Cash 100 v2’s fast acceleration helps ensure you can get yourself into position for a well-timed reply.
Overall, intermediate players will appreciate this frame’s all-around performance and extra comfort.
Specifications
Below you’ll find the specs for this frame alongside the first generations so you can easily compare the racquets.
The Wilson Clash 100 v2 comes in your standard length of 27 inches and features a mid-range 100 in² (645 cm²) head size with an open 16×19 string pattern.
Wilson quotes the racquet weighs in at 10.4 oz (295 g) unstrung, but it’s common to find variance from one frame to the next. In this case, this frame weighs 10.34 oz (293.2 g).
Not all tennis strings have the same weight, but you can add 18 or so grams for the racquet’s strung weight.
For its balance, the Wilson Clash 100 v2 measures 70 pts HL at 31 cm when unstrung. With strings installed, it reduces to 7 pts HL at 32 cm.
One of the Wilson Clash 100 v2’s unique features is its lower stiffness rating. This frame clocks in a low stiffness index of 11, which helps ensure maximum comfort for your arm.
Finally, the racquet features a flat beam that measures 24.5 mm all the way around.
Wilson Clash 98 v2
Tennis Racquet
Grip Sizes: 1, 2, 3, 4 (learn more)
Colors: Red, Black
Finish: Velvet
Grip: Wilson Performance Pro
Pre-strung: No
Cover Included: No
We hope you love this resource. Just so you know, TennisCompanion may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page to help keep this site running. Learn more.
Overview
Delivering control and precision along with plush comfort that’s easy on your arm, the Clash 98 v2 is an exciting new update to Wilson’s increasingly popular line of tennis racquets.
The frame has the smallest head size of all Clash racquets at 98 in² (632 cm²), along with a manageable 10.9 oz (310 g) unstrung weight and an ultra-low stiffness index of 9.2. These specs fall neatly into the category of a modern player’s racquet that’s well-suited for intermediate to advanced players.
At the racquet’s core, you’ll find FortyFive, Wilson’s proprietary graphite construction that enhances its vertical and horizontal flex, resulting in a comfortable response that doesn’t give up too much power. Combined with StableSmart technology, which you can spot as the distinctive geometric design of the racquet’s throat, the Wilson Clash 98 v2 achieves higher levels of flex while maintaining stability.
New for 2022, the Clash 98 v2 trades its 16×9 string pattern for a tighter, 16×20 string pattern, so there’s an extra cross-string that helps to enhance control for even greater precision around the court. Despite the denser string pattern, there’s still plenty of spin on tap for helping maintain control, consistency, and margin for error.
The racquet delivers lower-end power that emphasizes placement and accurate targeting from the baseline. At the net, it’s a reliable performer with a head light balance to aid maneuverability and enough mass to handle bigger shots. On serves, the racquet won’t deliver easy access to power, but it puts you in the driver’s seat so you can accurately command the ball. Hitting returns, the Clash v8 rewards sound technique and instills confident striking.
Specifications
To help players considering an upgrade, I’ve included the specs of the original racquet alongside the second generation.
The Wilson Clash 98 v2 comes in your standard length of 27 in (68.6 cm) and features a smaller 98 in² (632 cm²) head size with a tighter 16×20 string pattern. That’s one extra cross string than the prior generation.
Wilson quotes the racquet weighs in at 10.9 oz (310 g) unstrung, but you’ll find some variance is typical from one frame to the next. In this case, the frame pictured above weighs 10.89 oz (308.7 g).
You can add 18 or so grams for its strung weight, which will differ slightly from one string to the next.
The Wilson Clash 98 v2’s balance or distribution of weight throughout the frame is 12 pts HL at 30.6 cm when unstrung, which reduces to 8 pts HL at 31.6 with strings installed.
Stiffness measures how much a racquet flexes, influencing a racquet’s power, control, feel, and comfort. The Wilson Clash 98 v2 has an ultra-low stiffness index of 9.2, resulting in lower power, improved control, excellent feel, and top-notch comfort.
Lastly, the racquet’s flat beam measures 24 mm all the way around.
Wilson Clash 108 v2 Review & Playtest: In-depth Guide
/Wilson Clash 108 v2
Review & Playtest
We hope you love this article. Just so you know, TennisCompanion may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page to help keep this site running. Learn more. Disclosure: Wilson gave me this frame to evaluate, but they did not pay me to write this review or influence its contents.
The Clash 108 v2 is the most forgiving frame in Wilson’s newest series of tennis racquets, which strives to provide players with a healthy balance between flexible comfort and responsive power.
Recognizing the previous model’s success, Wilson delivers a slight refinement on the racquet, which retains the key ingredients that made it popular while aiming to enhance its weaknesses.
Wilson Clash 100 Pro v2 Review & Playtest: A Buyer’s Guide
/Wilson Clash 100 Pro v2
Review & Playtest
We hope you love this article. Just so you know, TennisCompanion may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page to help keep this site running. Learn more. Disclosure: Wilson gave me this frame to evaluate, but they did not pay me to write this review or influence its contents.
Updated for 2022, the Wilson Clash 100 Pro v2 seeks to build on the first generation’s popularity with an intriguing update that includes a new 16×20 string pattern to enhance control.
However, beyond the sting pattern, Wilson didn’t stray too far from the original design’s specs opting for a moderate refinement they hope will capture the attention of existing users while pulling in a new audience that may have held off last time around.
Wilson Clash 100 v2 Review & Playtest: Buyer’s Companion
/Wilson Clash 100 v2
Review & Playtest
We hope you love this article. Just so you know, TennisCompanion may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page to help keep this site running. Learn more. Disclosure: Wilson gave me this frame to evaluate, but they did not pay me to write this review or influence its contents.
Three years after its initial release, Wilson debuts the Clash 100 v2 for 2022, a refinement on their innovative first generation that sought to blend greater flex for comfort while retaining power. A rare combination, especially for a mid-weight racquet.
Although the racquet won’t appeal to every player, those that convert are often raving fans who praise the frame for its well-balanced performance and responsive comfort.
Wilson Clash 98 v2 Review & Playtest: Read Before Buying
/Wilson Clash 98 v2
Review & Playtest
We hope you love this article. Just so you know, TennisCompanion may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page to help keep this site running. Learn more. Disclosure: Wilson gave me this frame to evaluate, but they did not pay me to write this review or influence its contents.
In 2019, Wilson introduced the first generation of the Clash, a completely new model that promised flexible comfort without sacrificing power, a balance that’s hard to strike and uncommon.
For the most part, the racquet delivered on its promises, with a unique feel, unlike any other racquet I’ve playtested. Over the past three years, its mass appeal and popularity have solidified it as a go-to offering for players looking for an arm-friendly frame.
Five Point Friday: February 18, 2022
/February 18, 2022
Five Point Friday
Here’s your roundup of the five most interesting things I’m enjoying or thinking about this week.
1.) Wilson Clash v2 [Reviews]
Initially launched in 2019, the Wilson Clash has become a hugely popular line of racquets best known for arm-friendly comfort. Over the past few months, I’ve playtested four popular racquets from the line, and I’m excited to share my thoughts on the changes. I detail everything you need to know about the second generation, from the new paint job to strings, on-court performance, and upgrade advice.
Wilson Clash 100 Pro v2 Review
2.) Breaking Boundaries Exhibit
The Tennis Hall of Fame released Breaking Boundaries, a new digital exhibit celebrating Black History Month, which details the lives and achievements of inspiring Black players worldwide. The initial launch includes 70 individuals representing 19 nations but will expand with more players and stories added over time.
3.) Djokovic’s BBC Interview
Novak Djokovic has dominated much of the news in tennis ever since Australia denied him entry into the country due to his vaccination status ahead of the year’s first major. In his first interview since the event, Novak describes his reasoning for not taking the vaccine, his time in the Australian detention center, and more. There are three video embeds at the link below, so you’ll have to scroll to view each of them.
4.) St. Petersburg Final
Anett Kontaveit earned her fourth consecutive indoor title defeating Maria Sakkari 5-7, 7-6, 7-5 in St. Petersburg, which brings her ranking to a career-high No. 6 in the world. The match highlights are worth a replay, but if you can only spare a minute, be sure to check out Anett’s defensive lob in the third set. You can find both at the link below.
On the run lob 👉 perfectly placed! 😳@AnettKontaveit_ | #FormulaTX pic.twitter.com/vgEFqXNhsp
— wta (@WTA) February 13, 2022
5.) Felix Captures 1st Title
Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime has been a talented force on the ATP Tour for a few years now, and in 2022 he broke into the top 10 for the first time. However, he hasn’t claimed a title despite his success, losing in all eight of his final appearances. This week, that changed in Rotterdam when he defeated a range of players, including Andy Murray, Andrey Rublev, and eventually Stefanos Tsitsipas, in straight sets during the final.
If you have a moment, I’d love to hear your feedback. Which topic is your favorite? What would you like to see more or less of each week?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and have a great weekend.