Top Pros/Top Gear: Part 1 - Stan Wawrinka (No. 5) - UBITENNIS

Top Pros/Top Gear: Part 1 – Stan Wawrinka (No. 5)

By Stuart Pide
6 Min Read
Stanislas Wawrinka, Campionati Internazionali BNL d'Italia - Foro Italico - Roma

We have all witnessed it on TV, if not up close in person. The loud thwack of the tennis ball as it bounces off the string bed, violent yet majestic in execution. Certainly, there are countless hours of training and practice behind each stroke that we are not privy to. However, there is one aspect of the game all of us have access to. Yes, even yours truly: the equipment. Story by MJ 

Stan Wawrinka
Stan Wawrinka

Among the various drastic changes that have come to shape the modern game, technology in tennis has played a major role. Thanks to these vast improvements, the pros are able to hit with more power and control than ever before. Indeed, the modern game is a mere shadow of what it was even 25 years ago.  So in a 10 part series, we will explore the top 5 men and women’s gear, and hopefully this valuable info can take us one step closer to winning our next match against Roger…..the next door neighbor.

THE CHOICE OF GEAR OF FRENCH OPEN CHAMPION STAN WAWRINKA

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We begin with ATP #5 Stan Wawrinka, who just swapped places with Kei Nishikori this week in the rankings. Throughout most of his career, the Swiss #2 has been playing with the Head Prestige, which gave him the utmost control. In 2012, he made a major switch to Yonex, and you can say the rest is history. For 2015, he is using the Yonex Vcore Tour G, which is a hefty 345 grams. Much like the Prestige, this weight still gives him all the control he needs, especially on the backhand side when he crushes one down the line for a winner. The head size is 97 sq. in., which is considered mid-plus by today’s standards. It’s standard length, and the balance is 7 pts HL, translating to high maneuverability, thus allowing Stan to take massive swings at the ball. With a thin 20.5mm beam, and a fairly tight 16 x 20 string pattern, this is very much a control oriented stick, a player’s dream frame. It is absolutely without doubt one of the most demanding, yet rewarding frame when you harness its superior stability and plow-through.

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The solid mold offers more of a plush flexi feel that gives Stan (and you) immediate feedback on every shot. He completes the set up with a Yonex dampener, and Yonex Super Grap over-grip. Even the eye-catching paintjob is a delight. Perhaps best of all, Yonex is well known for its top notch quality, with very tight spec control, backed by manufacturing in Japan even today! This is one of the biggest differences that sets Yonex apart from the competition. You never have to worry about multiple frames being off spec from each other.  Stock up! For strings, Stan was a long time user of Luxilon Alu Power, but he has since switched to a full bed of Babolat’s RPM Blast at quite a high tension.

(foto by ART SEITZ)
(foto by ART SEITZ)

For his performance outfit, Stan is head to toe Yonex as well. The 2015 collared polo is a polyester and polyurethane blend for maximum breathability and ventilation. It also features a three button placket, contrast stitching, color-blocking, and anti-static technology. The left shoulder has an embroidered logo for durability. Off the court, Yonex has introduced a ‘Stan the Man’ t-shirt line in various colors. Made famous by his triumphant run at Roland Garros, his flashy plaid shorts feature an elastic waistband, roomy pockets, and an embroidered logo as well. Finally, he is chasing down balls in the Yonex Power Cushion Pro shoes. This top of the line signature shoe provides ultimate cushioning, but does not sacrifice stability. It is suitable for all surfaces. Perhaps best of all, it requires no break-in period. Despite its lack of popularity on tour, this is among the best shoes one can purchase. The only downside is a lack of an outsole warranty offered by other top tier shoes. It weighs approximately 14.9 oz. To travel with all of this gear, he makes it manageable with the Yonex Pro Series 9 pack bag. It features 3 main compartments (for 3 frames each), an accessory pocket, and the much needed zippered bottom compartment for shoes/ wet clothes. Dimensions are L31″ x W14″ x H14″.

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