David Goffin is a Belgian professional tennis player who has been a mainstay in the top 50 of the ATP rankings for nearly a decade. Known for his hard work and fighting spirit, Goffin has established himself as one of the most consistent performers on the tour. One aspect of his game that has garnered attention is his racquet setup.
Goffin’s racquet of choice is the Wilson Blade 98, which he has used for several years. The racquet is known for its versatility and control, making it a popular choice among players of all levels. Goffin’s specific racquet setup includes a 18×20 string pattern and a grip size of 4 3/8 inches, which he has customized to fit his playing style and preferences.
David Goffin’s Tennis Racquet Specifications
Head Size
David Goffin’s tennis racquet has a head size of 98 square inches. This is a standard size for professional players and provides a good balance between power and control. The larger the head size, the more power a player can generate, but at the expense of control. Goffin’s racquet is perfect for his style of play, which is based on precision and accuracy rather than brute force.
String Pattern
Goffin’s racquet has a unique string pattern of 18 x 20. This means that there are 18 strings going vertically and 20 strings going horizontally. This string pattern provides excellent control and prevents the chance of breaking a string. It is not a common string pattern among professional players, but Goffin has found success with it.
Weight
Goffin’s racquet weighs 11.4 ounces. This is considered a light weight for a professional player’s racquet. However, the racquet has a 334-gram swing weight, which means that players will have enough power behind each shot to avoid being blown off the court by heavy hitters. The weight of the racquet is important for players who rely on speed and agility to move around the court.
Balance Point
The balance point of Goffin’s racquet is 4 points head-light. This means that the balance of the racquet is toward the handle rather than the head. A head-light balance provides more control and maneuverability, which is ideal for players who rely on their speed and footwork to win points.
Length
The length of Goffin’s racquet is 27 inches. This is the standard length for a professional player’s racquet. A longer racquet provides more leverage and power, but at the expense of maneuverability. Goffin’s racquet is ideal for his style of play, which is based on quickness and agility rather than power.
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David Goffin’s Tennis Racquet Technology
Graphene Touch Technology
David Goffin’s Wilson Blade tennis racquet is equipped with Graphene Touch Technology, which is a unique material that enhances the racquet’s performance. Graphene Touch Technology is an advanced version of Graphene, which is a lightweight and strong material that is used in the aerospace industry. The Graphene Touch Technology is designed to provide more power, control, and comfort to the player.
The Graphene Touch Technology is integrated into the racquet’s frame, which helps to distribute the weight of the racquet evenly. This allows the player to have better control over the racquet and generate more power in their shots. The technology also helps to reduce the vibrations that are felt when the ball makes contact with the racquet, which improves the player’s comfort and reduces the risk of injury.
SpiralFibers Technology
Another technology that is used in David Goffin’s Wilson Blade tennis racquet is SpiralFibers Technology. This technology is designed to enhance the racquet’s stability and increase the player’s control over the ball. SpiralFibers Technology is integrated into the racquet’s frame, which helps to increase the torsional stability of the racquet.
The SpiralFibers Technology works by adding a layer of spiral fibers to the racquet’s frame. These fibers are woven in a spiral pattern, which helps to increase the racquet’s stability and reduce the amount of energy that is lost when the ball makes contact with the racquet. This allows the player to have better control over the ball and generate more power in their shots.
Powerbridge Technology
David Goffin’s Wilson Blade tennis racquet also features Powerbridge Technology, which is designed to enhance the racquet’s power and stability. Powerbridge Technology is integrated into the racquet’s throat, which helps to increase the stiffness of the racquet and provide more power to the player’s shots.
The Powerbridge Technology works by adding a bridge to the racquet’s throat. This bridge helps to increase the stiffness of the racquet, which allows the player to generate more power in their shots. The technology also helps to reduce the vibrations that are felt when the ball makes contact with the racquet, which improves the player’s comfort and reduces the risk of injury.
David Goffin’s Tennis Racquet Performance
Control
David Goffin’s tennis racquet is designed to provide excellent control. The 98 square inch head size and 18 x 20 string pattern allow for precise shot-making and placement. The head-light balance and 334 swingweight give Goffin the ability to maneuver his racquet quickly and accurately. This control is essential for Goffin’s style of play, which relies on consistent and precise shots to outmaneuver his opponents.
Power
While control is the primary focus of Goffin’s racquet setup, he is still able to generate impressive power. Despite not being one of the biggest hitters on tour, Goffin can hit hard off both the forehand and backhand wings and hit a flat serve up to around 125mph. The 11.4-ounce weight and 62 stiffness rating provide enough power to hit through the ball while maintaining control.
Maneuverability
Goffin’s racquet is designed to be highly maneuverable, allowing him to quickly react to his opponent’s shots and move around the court with ease. The head-light balance and 27-inch length make the racquet feel light and easy to swing. This maneuverability is essential for Goffin’s counterpunching style, which relies on quick reflexes and agility to stay in rallies and wear down his opponents.
Comfort
Goffin’s racquet setup is also designed for comfort, with a focus on reducing vibrations and minimizing the risk of injury. The racquet’s 98 square inch head size provides a large sweet spot, reducing the chance of off-center hits that can cause discomfort or injury. Apart from that, Goffin uses a hybrid string setup, combining natural gut and polyester strings to provide both comfort and control. This setup reduces vibrations and shock on the arm, which can help prevent injuries over the course of a long match or season.
Conclusion
David Goffin’s racquet choice, the Wilson Blade 98 v8, is a popular frame that has been used by many professional players. Goffin’s specific setup includes a 98 square inch head size, 27 inch length, 11.4 ounces weight, 4 points head-light balance, and 334 swingweight. The 18 x 20 string pattern is not typical, but it provides Goffin with control and prevents the chance of breaking a string.
As a player who values consistency and precision on the court, it is not surprising that Goffin enjoys the control-oriented response from the Blade 98. While it may not provide as much power as some other racquets, it allows Goffin to execute difficult shots with pinpoint accuracy.
As you can see, Goffin’s racquet setup is a testament to the importance of finding a racquet that suits one’s playing style and preferences. While the Blade 98 may not be the right choice for every player, it has proven to be a successful choice for Goffin as he continues to compete at the highest level of professional tennis.