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The Best Women's Tennis Racquets for 2020

10+ Best Women’s Tennis Racquets for 2020

Beginner & Intermediate

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There’s a trend in many sports to focus on the men’s side and practically ignore the women’s. In tennis, this isn’t the case.

Greats like Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova, along with newer players like Namoi Osaka and Coco Gauff, are getting their fair share of media attention. Beyond that, women’s tennis is incredibly entertaining and addicting to watch and play.

You can be a part of that world, too. If you’re getting starting in tennis and you’re wondering which racquet to buy, our guide to the best women’s tennis racquets will help you find the perfect fit. If you’re an intermediate or seasoned player, you’ll also benefit from the up-to-date information on the best tennis racquets for ladies in 2020.

Here’s our pick for the best women’s tennis racquets – we’ll cover how to choose which racquet is best for you and share why each racquet made our list within this article.

Our Top Picks
Babolat Pure Drive
Head Graphene 360 Speed MP
Babolat Pure Strike 100
Babolat Pure Aero 2019
Wilson Blade SW104 Autograph v7
Yonex EZONE 98 (305g) Blue
Yonex VCORE 100 (300) Galaxy Black
Yonex VCORE 100 (300)
Tecnifibre T-Rebound Tempo
Wilson Burn 100S
Head Graphene 360 Instinct MP

Article Contents

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1

Racquet Index

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2

Does My Racquet Matter?

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3

4 Questions to Ask

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4

Types of Tennis Racquets

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5

Grip Size Considerations

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6

Strings for Your Racquet

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7

Women’s vs. Men’s Racquets

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8

11 Best Racquets for Women

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9

The Best Racquet for 2020

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10

3 Racquets for Beginners

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11

Tips for Choosing a Racquet

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12

Wrapping Up

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Racquet Index

Each racquet is covered in great detail in this article. To learn more and find out why they made our list click any of the following links:

  1. Babolat Pure Drive
  2. Head Graphene 360 Speed MP
  3. Babolat Pure Strike 100
  4. Babolat Pure Aero 2019
  5. Wilson Blade SW104 Autograph v7
  6. Yonex EZONE 98 (305g) Blue
  7. Yonex VCORE 100 (300g) Galaxy Black
  8. Yonex VCORE 100 (300g)
  9. Tecnifibre T-Rebound Tempo
  10. Wilson Burn 100S
  11. Head Graphene 360 Instinct MP
  12. Babolat Boost Drive
  13. Babolat Boost Aero
  14. Wilson Ultra 110Volkl V-Feel 8 300g

Ready to find your perfect racquet? Let’s go!

Does My Racquet Choice Matter?

Absolutely. However, there’s a caveat. If you’re a beginner, your racquet selection is less critical to your performance because most of your success will come through proper technique and the fundamentals.

Said another way, a specific tennis racquet isn’t going to make you a better player by default, but the right tennis racquet can do wonders to enhance and maximize your game.

All racquets are designed with a specific purpose or style of play in mind. For example, if you’re looking for more power, control, topspin, or comfort, then there are racquets available to enhance these.

If you’re a beginner, you can start with a more affordable racquet or jump right into a higher-priced purchase, but you shouldn’t feel pressured to spend hundreds on your first racquet.

Technically, you don’t need to spend more than $40 on a starter racquet. If you find tennis isn’t the right sport for you or you end up playing less than you thought you would, you’ll save yourself money.

On the other hand, if you quickly discover you can’t get enough tennis, then you can ditch your inexpensive racquet for a pro model, and you’ll be excited to spend the extra cash.

Regardless of which direction you take, there are specific attributes you should look for in your racquet if your new to the game (which we’ll cover in greater detail) as well as some questions you should ask yourself before making your purchase.

4 Questions to Ask Yourself

These four questions will help guide you as you choose a racquet.

What’s your budget?

If you’re on a tight budget and want to spend less than $50, no worries, head on over to our guide for inexpensive tennis racquets to find yourself a great racquet to get yourself started.

In this article, we focus on the best tennis racquets for women that are ideal for beginner and intermediate players. As a result, our recommendations feature racquets that are $150 and up.

If you’re a beginner and willing to spend a little extra, but you’re not quite ready for a high-end racquet, then be sure to also check out our article on the best tennis racquets for beginners for more options.

What is your long-term goal as a tennis player?

Knowing your long-term goals are can help you choose the right racquet. If you’re committed to the sport and looking become proficient enough to compete or join a local women’s league, then you may want to choose a higher-quality racquet that you can grow into as your skills evolve.

On the other hand, if you’re looking to play casually with friends or infrequently, you may want to stick to a less expensive frame.

What type of stroke do you have?

Beginners and older players tend to have compact strokes and swing the racquet slower. If you fit into this category, you’ll want to look for a lighter racquet with a large head size that is easy to maneuver, offers you more power, and increases your margin for error when swinging.

Intermediate and advanced players often tend to have full swings and faster strokes that they’ve developed over time. At this stage, increasing your racquet’s weight and decreasing the head size will offer players power that’s derived primarily from their technique combined with the weight of the racquet, while also increasing control.

Which style of play do you have?

As your skills develop, your game will fall into one of three primary styles of play. If you’re an intermediate or advanced player already, then you likely know which category you fit:

  • Aggressive baseliner: You like to hang out on the baseline and hit with a ton of topspin.
  • Net rusher: You enjoy moving to the net and hitting volleys to close out points.
  • All court: Your comfortable and enjoy playing from all areas of the court.

Different types of racquets are more conducive to these styles of play, but it’s worth noting you can use any racquet for each style.

Types of Tennis Racquets

Let’s do a quick review of the three types of tennis racquets: power, control, and tweener.

When searching for a new racquet, you can quickly narrow down your options if you’re familiar with these.

Power racquets

As the name suggests, the primary focus of these racquets is to give players plenty of power when hitting. These racquets tend to have the following attributes and are ideal for beginners.

  • Large head size: The head of a racquet is where the strings create the racquet face. A larger head size affords you more margin for error, while also increasing power potential.
  • Stiff frame: A stiff frame gives you extra power because it is rigid and deflects more energy when connecting with the ball. Frame stiffness ratings typically range between 55 and 75 with lower numbers indicating a more flexible racquet and higher numbers representing a stiffer racquet.
  • Open string pattern: An open or less dense string pattern with more space between the strings allows the ball to sink deeper into the string bed and subsequently return more energy to the ball when it makes contact.
  • Lightweight: Power racquets will often be lighter and easier to maneuver than control racquets, with weights typically falling between 8 and 10.5 ounces.

Control racquets

These racquets are designed to give players maximum control.

  • Smaller head size: A smaller head size reduces the trampoline effect and provides players with more control.
  • Flexible frame: Usually rated at roughly 65 or below, a flexible frame will absorb energy during a swing and increase control while being easier on a player’s arm.
  • Closed string pattern: Closed string patterns where there’s less space between the strings create a firm stringbed and reduces the trampoline effect giving you more control but also tends to reduce the potential for spin.
  • Heavier weight: All things being equal, a heavier racquet will increase its power, but the player needs the strength and skill to maneuver it. Since control racquets usually have smaller heads, which reduces power, they compensate with heavier weight. Control racquets will typically weigh in at 10.5 ounces or higher.

Tweener racquets

As the name suggests, tweener racquets are the middle ground be-“tween” power and control racquets. They feature:

  • Mid-sized head
  • Mid-range flexibility
  • Typically an open string pattern
  • Mid-range weight, generally around 10-11 ounces

Tweener racquets are ideal for players who want both power and control — but not too much focus on either. These racquets cater to the broadest spectrum of players from beginners to intermediate and advanced.

Grip Size Considerations

Another attribute to consider before you buy a tennis racquet is the ideal grip size, which is the measurement of the handle’s circumference. Most adult tennis racquets come in varying grip sizes, so once you find a racquet you like, be sure to measure for the appropriate size.

The right size grip will help ensure playing tennis is comfortable, but it will also help you avoid injury. However, at the end fo the day, which size grip you choose is a personal preference.

Be sure to check out our grip size guide to find the perfect fit.

Strings for Your Racquet

There are two categories of racquet string:

  • Natural gut
  • Synthetic

It may come as a surprise, but natural gut tennis strings are made from cow intestine, which is a highly resilient material that has been in use since 1875. Their biggest drawback is that they are expensive and, therefore, typically reserved for advanced players.

Synthetic strings are the most popular strings in use these days, and they offer something for everyone. There are three major groupings of synthetic strings:

Be sure to check out our comprehensive guide to racquet strings, which includes an in-depth review of each string type as well as some of our favorite picks within each string category. In the article, we also cover which gauge or thickness you’ll want to consider.

Helpful Tip
Many inexpensive beginner tennis racquets come pre-strung. If you’re making your purchase online, be sure to check if it’s prestrung before springing for a set of strings as well.

What’s the Difference Between Women’s and Men’s Tennis Racquets?

If you’re new to tennis, you may be wondering what the difference is between men’s and women’s tennis racquets.

The truth is that virtually all racquets are unisex. With that said, women and men may prefer different characteristics in a racquet. For example, many women will opt for a lighter frame and smaller grip size, but that’s not always the case. As a result, it’s common for men and women to use the same racquet.

There is one notable exception. Tecnifibre makes a tennis racquet called the Tecnifibre T-Rebound Tempo that they designed uniquely for women. We’ll take a closer look at this racquet as part of our top picks.

The 11 Best Tennis Racquets for Women

Below you’ll find our top picks of women’s tennis racquets for 2020.

What’s the best women’s tennis racquet?

Babolat Pure Drive for Women

Our pick for the best women’s tennis racquet is the Babolat Pure Drive. It weighs in at just over 11 ounces and is perfect for a wide range of players, including aggressive baseliners that like to dictate the point.

It will help you deliver excellent power and plenty of spin. For players that are looking for even more power, you might consider the Babolat Pure Drive Plus, which is the extended version used by recently-retired tennis player Dominika Cibulkova.

If the 11.2-ounce weight is a little intimidating, then be sure to check out the Babolat Pure Drive Lite that weighs only 10.1 ounces.

Key Specs

Head Size100 in² / 645.16 cm²
Strung Weight11.2oz / 317.51g
String Pattern16 Main / 19 Cross
PowerLow-Medium
Pre-strungNo
Players EndorsingGarbine Muguruza
Karolina Pliskova
Julia Goerges
Amanda Anisimova
Sofia Kenin

Head Graphene 360 Speed MP

Head Graphene 360 Speed MP for Women

While less powerful than the first tennis racquet on our list, this is a fast swinging racquet that delivers balance across a wide range of attributes, helping players perform well from all around the court.

You’ll notice that the racquet’s name features the letters MP, which stands for midplus, a reference to the racquet’s 100 square inch head.

Key Specs

Head Size100 in² / 645.16 cm²
Strung Weight11.2oz / 318g
String Pattern16 Main / 19 Cross
PowerLow-Medium
Pre-strungNo
Players EndorsingAshleigh Barty
Bianca Andreescu
Cori (Coco) Gauff
Elise Mertens
Samantha Stosur

Babolat Pure Strike 100

Babolat Pure Strike 100 for Women

The Babolat pure strike is another all-around great racquet for singles and doubles. It’s plenty maneuverable up at the net and delivers excellent topspin from the baseline.

Key Specs

Head Size100 in² / 645.16 cm²
Strung Weight11.1oz / 315g
String Pattern16 Main / 19 Cross
PowerLow-Medium
Pre-strungNo
Players EndorsingAnett Kontaveit
Bethanie Mattek-Sands

Babolat Pure Aero 2019

Babolat Pure Aero 2019 for Women

If you love playing aggressive tennis from the baseline, you’ll likely enjoy the Babolat Pure Aero. It delivers a combination of spin and power.

Caroline Wozniacki makes use of the Babolat Pure Aero Plus, which is the extended version and a half-inch longer than the standard 27 inches.

Key Specs

Head Size100 in² / 645.16 cm²
Strung Weight11.2oz / 318g
String Pattern16 Main / 19 Cross
PowerLow-Medium
Pre-strungNo
Players EndorsingJohanna Konta

Wilson Blade SW104 Autograph v7

Wilson Blade SW104 Autograph v7 for Women

With a larger 104 square inch head and tighter string pattern, this racquet helps provide extra margin for error when hitting – without giving up too much control.

At the same time, its extended 28-inch (71.12 cm) length provides you extra power and reach. For the similar-looking version Simona Halep uses, check out the Wilson Blade 98 16×19 v7.

Key Specs

Head Size104 in² / 670.97 cm²
Strung Weight11.4oz / 323g
String Pattern18 Main / 19 Cross
PowerLow-Medium
Pre-strungNo
Players EndorsingSerena Williams

Yonex EZONE 98 (305g) Blue

Yonex EZONE 98 (305g) Blue

For a little extra control and precision, check out this racquet.

The Yonex EZONE 98 Blue combines a slightly smaller head size and a relatively open string pattern to deliver controlled power and plenty of topspin.

Key Specs

Head Size98 in² / 632.26 cm²
Strung Weight11.4oz / 323.18g
String Pattern16 Main / 19 Cross
PowerLow-Medium
Pre-strungNo
Players EndorsingNaomi Osaka

Yonex VCORE 100 (300g) Galaxy Black

Yonex VCORE 100 (300g) Galaxy Black for Women

For an easy-to-swing racquet that delivers plenty of topspin, try this frame. It’s a perfect fit for intermediate or advanced players.

Key Specs

Head Size100 in² / 645.16 cm²
Strung Weight11.2oz / 318g
String Pattern16 Main / 19 Cross
PowerLow-Medium
Pre-strungNo
Players EndorsingAngelique Kerber

Yonex VCORE 100 (300g)

Yonex VCORE 100 (300g) for Women

Do you prefer a flashy color that still delivers excellent all-court performance? Try the red version of the Yonex VCORE 100 (300g).

Key Specs

Head Size100 in² / 645.16 cm²
Strung Weight11.2oz / 318g
String Pattern16 Main / 19 Cross
PowerLow-Medium
Pre-strungNo
Players EndorsingEugenie Bouchard
Caroline Garcia
Donna Vekic

Tecnifibre T-Rebound Tempo

Tecnifibre T-Rebound Tempo for Women

This racquet — designed for women — stands out because of its shorter length. At 26.5 inches (a half an inch shorter than a typical adult racquet) and 10.5 ounces, this racquet delivers on maneuverability, but also offers up a fantastic blend of power, comfort, and control.

Key Specs

Head Size100 in² / 645.16 cm²
Strung Weight10oz / 283g
String Pattern16 Main / 19 Cross
PowerLow-Medium
Pre-strungNo
Players EndorsingDaria Kasatkina

Wilson Burn 100S

Wilson Burn 100S for Women

The unique, tight-gripping spin effect technology of this racquet helps you deliver effortless spin. In the Wilson Burn 100S, the ‘S’ stands for spin — and you’ll find it surprisingly easy to generate.

Key Specs

Head Size100 in² / 645.16 cm²
Strung Weight11.3oz / 320.35g
String Pattern18 Main / 16 Cross
PowerLow-Medium
Pre-strungNo
Players EndorsingElina Svitolina

Head Graphene 360 Instinct MP

Head Graphene 360 Instinct MP for Women

With its relatively arm-friendly stiffness rating and lighter weight, this is a fantastic racquet for intermediate players who like to swing big and dictate points.

Key Specs

Head Size100 in² / 645.16 cm²
Strung Weight11.2oz / 318g
String Pattern16 Main / 19 Cross
PowerLow-Medium
Pre-strungNo
Players EndorsingMaria Sharapova

3 Racquets for Beginners

If you’re new to the game, the following racquets are all-around great picks for with lighter weight and larger head sizes.

Babolat Boost Drive

Babolat Boost Drive for Women

For a racquet with a forgiving 105 square inch head size, look no further than the Babolat Boost Drive — the ultimate beginner’s racquet for women. It’s lightweight, easy to swing, and a great entry-level frame.

Plus, it comes prestrung.

Key Specs

Head Size105 in² / 677.42 cm²
Strung Weight9.8oz / 278g
String Pattern16 Main / 19 Cross
PowerMedium
Pre-strungYes
Players Endorsingn/a

Babolat Boost Aero

Babolat Boost Aero for Women

Beginners or kids who are transitioning into adult racquets will enjoy playing with the Babolat Boost Aero: it’s light and easy to learn to use.

Like the Babolat Boost Drive, it comes prestrung.

Key Specs

Head Size102 in² / 658.06 cm²
Strung Weight9.8oz / 278g
String Pattern16 Main / 19 Cross
PowerLow-Medium
Pre-strungYes
Players Endorsingn/a

Wilson Ultra 110

Wilson Ultra 110 for Women

With its ultra-large 110 square inch head size and lighter weight, this racquet is perfect for beginners. It’s also an excellent option for committed doubles players looking for a quality frame at the net.

Key Specs

Head Size110 in² / 709.68 cm²
Strung Weight10.1oz / 286.33g
String Pattern16 Main / 18 Cross
PowerHigh
Pre-strungNo
Players Endorsingn/a

Tips for Choosing the Best Racquet

If you’re a beginner, head to your local tennis shop or club and see if they offer demo racquets for you to test. Nothing beats holding the racquet in your hand and playing with it for a while.

If they don’t offer any of the racquets we recommend as demos, then check with popular online demo programs provided by online retailers.

If you have a friend who plays tennis, ask them if you can borrow their racquet and look up the specs online to see how that racquet compares to others on our list.

While it won’t help you get a feel for the racquet, you can also watch videos of the pros using the racquet you’re considering – for example, Serena with her Wilson Blade SW104 Autograph v7.

Note their style of play and how the racquet works for them, but keep in mind that most professional tennis players have further customizations of the racquets sold by retailers to maximize their performance.

Of course, if you’re new to the game, don’t forget you have the option of starting with a less expensive racquet. If you enjoy the game, you can always move to another racquet later on.

Wrapping Up

If you have questions or need help picking out a tennis racquet, drop us a note in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you.

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