Naomi Osaka is one of the most prominent names in the world of tennis. She has won multiple Grand Slam titles and is known for her powerful and precise playing style. Her racquet choice is an essential part of her game, and fans are always curious about the specifications of her equipment.
Osaka is sponsored by Yonex, a Japanese racquet company, and her racquet of choice is the Yonex EZONE 98. However, like most tennis pros, her racquet is customized to suit her specific requirements. She has lead tape added to the sides to bring her specs up to 341g / 12 oz, 31.8 cm / 7 pts HL, and a strung swing weight of 324. Her racquets are strung with Yonex Poly Tour Strike at 59 lbs in the mains and 56 lbs in the crosses.
For fans who want to emulate Osaka’s playing style, understanding the specifications of her racquet is crucial.
In this article, we will take a closer look at Naomi Osaka’s tennis racquet, including its specifications, customization, and how it contributes to her playing style.
Naomi Osaka’s Tennis Racquet Specs
Head Size
Naomi Osaka’s tennis racquet has a head size of 98 square inches. This is a common size among professional tennis players and provides a good balance of power and control.
String Pattern
The string pattern on Osaka’s racquet is 16×19. This means that there are 16 mains (vertical strings) and 19 crosses (horizontal strings). This pattern is known for providing good spin potential and power.
Weight
Osaka’s racquet is customized to her specifications and weighs 341 grams (12 ounces) when strung. This weight provides stability and control, allowing her to hit powerful shots with accuracy.
Balance Point
The balance point of Osaka’s racquet is 31.8 cm (7 points head light). This means that the balance point is closer to the handle than the head of the racquet. This provides better maneuverability and allows Osaka to generate more racquet head speed for added power.
As you can see, Naomi Osaka’s tennis racquet is a well-balanced and customized piece of equipment that allows her to play her aggressive style of tennis with precision and power.
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Importance of Tennis Racquet in Tennis
Tennis racquets are the most important equipment for any tennis player, including Naomi Osaka. The racquet is an extension of the player’s arm and can make a significant difference in their performance on the court. The right racquet can help a player hit harder, generate more spin, and have better control over their shots.
The choice of racquet is a very personal decision for each player. They must consider factors such as the weight, balance, string tension, and grip size to find the perfect match for their style of play.
A racquet that is too heavy or too light can affect a player’s swing, while a grip that is too small or too big can cause discomfort and affect their overall performance.
The type of strings used in a tennis racquet can also make a difference in a player’s game. Strings can affect the power, control, and spin of a shot. Players can choose from various types of strings, including natural gut, synthetic gut, and polyester.
In recent years, tennis racquet technology has advanced significantly. Manufacturers are constantly developing new materials and designs to improve the performance of their racquets. This means that players like Naomi Osaka can have their racquets customized to their exact specifications, giving them an edge on the court.
One thing for sure is that the tennis racquet is a crucial piece of equipment for any tennis player, and choosing the right one can make a significant difference in their performance.
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Naomi Osaka’s Tennis Racquet Brand and Model
Naomi Osaka racquet of choice is the Yonex Ezone 98, a popular model among professional players.
The Yonex Ezone 98 is a control-oriented racquet with a 98 square inch head size and a 16×19 string pattern. It has a strung weight of 320g/11.3oz and a balance of 32.39cm/6 pts HL. The racquet is made of M40X/HM Graphite, which provides a comfortable and responsive feel.
While the Yonex Ezone 98 is the model that Osaka endorses, she actually uses a customized version of the racquet. She adds lead tape to the sides of the frame to bring the specs up to 341g/12oz, which gives her more power and stability on her shots.
In addition to the standard Yonex Ezone 98, there are also limited edition versions of the racquet available. For example, in 2022, a black and gold version of the racquet was released in honor of Osaka. The design was created by her sister Mari, who is a talented artist and designer.
With that said, the Yonex Ezone 98 is a reliable and versatile racquet that is well-suited for players of all levels. Its combination of control, power, and comfort make it a popular choice among tennis players around the world.
Naomi Osaka’s Tennis Racquet Customization
Naomi Osaka racquet customization plays a crucial role in her game, allowing her to hit harder and with more precision. Like many professional players, Naomi uses a Yonex racquet, specifically the Ezone 98 model. However, her racquet is not the same as the off-the-shelf version available to the public. Naomi’s racquet is customized to her specific preferences and playing style.
One of the most noticeable customizations on Naomi’s racquet is the added weight. She adds lead tape to the sides of the frame, bringing the weight up to 12 oz. This extra weight gives her shots more power and stability, allowing her to hit harder and with more control.
In addition to the added weight, Naomi also uses a leather grip instead of the standard synthetic rubber grip on the Ezone line. This gives her a more comfortable and secure grip on the racquet handle, reducing the chances of the racquet slipping from her hand during a shot.
Apart from that, Naomi’s racquet is strung with Yonex Poly Tour Strike at 59 lbs in the mains and 56 lbs in the crosses. This string setup provides her with the right balance of power and control, allowing her to hit powerful shots with precision and accuracy.
There’s no doubt that, Naomi Osaka’s racquet customization is a key factor in her success on the tennis court. The added weight, leather grip, and string setup allow her to hit powerful and precise shots, making her a formidable opponent for any player.
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Conclusion
Naomi Osaka’s tennis racquet has been a topic of interest for many fans and players alike. Her racquet of choice is the Yonex EZONE 98, which she has customized to suit her specific preferences and playing style.
Osaka’s racquet setup is a testament to the importance of customization in the game of tennis. While many players may use the same model of racquet, each one is unique in terms of weight, balance, and string tension. These factors can make a significant difference in a player’s performance on the court.
It’s worth noting that Osaka’s racquet is not available for purchase in the same exact form as she uses it. Yonex has developed a version of the EZONE 98 that is similar to Osaka’s racquet, but it is not identical. However, players can still purchase the EZONE 98 and customize it to their own preferences.
It is safe to say that , Naomi Osaka’s tennis racquet is a reflection of her dedication to the sport and her desire to perform at the highest level. While her racquet may not be the sole reason for her success, it undoubtedly plays a significant role in her ability to compete at the highest level.