Alison Riske is a professional American tennis player who has been making waves in the tennis world since she turned pro in 2009. Her aggressive style of play and hard work have earned her a spot among the top players in the world. One of the key components of her success is her tennis racquet.
Riske currently uses the Wilson Blade 98 18×20 Countervail racquet, which is known for its precision and control. She strings the racquet with Luxilon 4g in the mains and Wilson Natural Gut in the crosses. The combination of the racquet and strings allows her to hit powerful shots with accuracy and spin.
Alison Riske’s Tennis Racquet: Overview
Brand and Model
Alison Riske is currently using the Wilson Blade 98 18×20 Countervail tennis racquet. Wilson is a popular brand in the tennis world, known for producing high-quality racquets that cater to different playing styles. The Blade series, in particular, is designed for players who want to have better control over their shots. The 98 square inch head size and 18×20 string pattern of Riske’s racquet provide excellent precision and accuracy on the court.
Specifications
The Wilson Blade 98 18×20 Countervail is a racquet that weighs 11.3 ounces or 320 grams when strung. It has a length of 27 inches and a balance point of 3 points head light, which means it is slightly lighter towards the handle. Riske strings her racquet with Luxilon 4g in the mains and Wilson Natural Gut in the crosses for optimal performance.
The combination of these strings provides a good balance between power and control, allowing her to hit powerful shots while maintaining accuracy.
Overall, the Wilson Blade 98 18×20 Countervail is a great choice for players who want to have better control over their shots. It is a versatile racquet that can be used by players of different skill levels. With its excellent precision and accuracy, it is no wonder why Alison Riske has chosen to use this racquet for her matches.
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Alison Riske’s Tennis Racquet: Performance
Strengths
Alison Riske’s tennis racquet, the Wilson Blade 98 18×20 Countervail, is a popular choice among professional players. Its strengths lie in its ability to provide excellent control, power, and feel. The 18×20 string pattern helps to provide a more controlled response and a more stable feel. The Countervail technology helps to absorb shock and reduce fatigue, allowing for longer periods of play without experiencing discomfort.
The Wilson Blade 98 18×20 Countervail also offers versatility, allowing for easy customization to suit the player’s preferences. With a weight of 11.3 oz / 320g and a balance of 3pts HL, this racquet is well-balanced and easy to maneuver. This makes it an excellent choice for players who prefer a more aggressive style of play, as it allows them to generate more power and spin.
Weaknesses
While the Wilson Blade 98 18×20 Countervail has many strengths, it also has some weaknesses that players should be aware of.
One of the main drawbacks of this racquet is its lack of forgiveness. This means that it can be difficult to control for players who are not experienced or skilled enough to handle its power and precision. Apart from that, the 18×20 string pattern can make it more difficult to generate spin, which may be a disadvantage for some players.
Comparison to Other Racquets
Compared to other racquets on the market, the Wilson Blade 98 18×20 Countervail is a solid choice for players who value control and precision. Its closest competitors are the Babolat Pure Strike and the Head Graphene 360+ Speed Pro. The Babolat Pure Strike offers similar control and precision, but with a slightly more forgiving response. The Head Graphene 360+ Speed Pro, on the other hand, offers more power and spin potential, but with a less stable feel.
Apart from that, the choice between these racquets will come down to personal preference and playing style. Players who value control and precision may prefer the Wilson Blade 98 18×20 Countervail, while those who prioritize power and spin may prefer the Head Graphene 360+ Speed Pro. The Babolat Pure Strike is a good middle ground, offering a balance between control and forgiveness.
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Alison Riske’s Tennis Racquet: Maintenance and Care
Stringing and Tension
Proper stringing and tension are crucial for maintaining the performance of Alison Riske’s tennis racquet. It is recommended to restring the racquet every 10-15 hours of play or at least once every three months, whichever comes first. The recommended tension for the Wilson Blade 98 18×20 Countervail is between 48-58 pounds. To ensure the best results, it is recommended to have the racquet strung by a professional stringer.
Alison Riske strings her racquet with Luxilon 4g in the mains and Wilson Natural Gut in the crosses. However, players can choose their own preferred string and tension based on their playing style and preferences.
Grip Replacement
The grip of the racquet should also be replaced regularly to maintain a comfortable and secure grip. It is recommended to replace the grip every 20-30 hours of play or once every six months. Players can choose their preferred grip size and texture based on their playing style and preferences.
To replace the grip, players can either do it themselves or have it done by a professional. To replace the grip, players need to remove the old grip, clean the handle, and apply the new grip. It is important to make sure the grip is applied evenly and tightly to avoid any slipping or discomfort during play.
Storage
Proper storage is also important for maintaining the quality of Alison Riske’s tennis racquet. It is recommended to store the racquet in a dry and cool place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Players should also avoid storing the racquet in a car trunk or any other place where it may be exposed to heat or cold for an extended period of time.
To protect the racquet during transportation, players can use a racquet bag or case. This will not only protect the racquet from damage but also keep it clean and dry.
With that being said, proper maintenance and care of Alison Riske’s tennis racquet includes regular stringing and tension, grip replacement, and proper storage. By following these guidelines, players can ensure the best performance and longevity of their tennis racquet.