Karen Khachanov is a Russian professional tennis player who has been making waves in the world of tennis since turning pro in 2013. As with any professional tennis player, the equipment they use can play a significant role in their success on the court.
Khachanov is known for his powerful serve and aggressive playing style, and his tennis racquet is a crucial part of his arsenal. His racquet of choice is the Wilson H22, which is a popular model among professional tennis players due to its flexibility on the throat area and stiffness on the head. Khachanov has heavily modified his racquet to suit his playing style, and we will delve into some of the specific modifications he has made.
In this article, we will take a closer look at Karen Khachanov’s tennis racquet, including the make and model he uses, as well as some of the specifications that make it unique.
History of Karen Khachanov’s Tennis Racquet
Early Years
Karen Khachanov, born on May 21, 1996, in Moscow, Russia, started playing tennis at the age of three. His parents put him in a tennis group in kindergarten. His father, Abgar, an Armenian, played volleyball before studying medicine, while his mother, Nataliya, a Russian, also studied medicine. His maternal grandfather was also half Armenian.
Khachanov began playing with a Head racket at the age of 12 and used it for seven years. Then, he switched to Wilson for three years. However, after the contract with Wilson ended, he wanted to try other options and see if he could improve his game with another racket.
Professional Career
Khachanov’s professional career began in 2013 when he started playing in Futures tournaments. He won his first Futures title in 2014 and his first Challenger tournament the following year at the Istanbul Challenger. In 2016, just two years after being ranked 459th in the world, Khachanov won his first ATP title at the Chengdu Open.
Khachanov has been using a modified version of the Wilson H22 racket. However, the exact modifications he has made to the racket remain unknown. He endorses the Wilson Blade 98 (18X20) and strings it with Luxilon Alu Power 16L. Khachanov’s racket specifications are as follows:
| Head Size | 98 sq. in |
|---|---|
| Length | 27 in |
| Weight (strung) | 12.2 oz / 347g |
| Balance | 7pts HL |
| Flex | 60 |
Like many other professional tennis players, Khachanov has customized and retooled his racket to suit his own needs. However, he has not revealed the specific changes he has made to his racket.
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Features of Karen Khachanov’s Tennis Racquet
Head Size
Karen Khachanov’s tennis racquet has a head size of 98 square inches. The head size is an important factor in the power and control of the racquet. A larger head size means a larger sweet spot, which helps to generate more power and forgiveness on off-center hits. However, a smaller head size provides more control and precision.
String Pattern
Khachanov uses an 18 mains/20 crosses string pattern. This string pattern gives him more control and spin on his shots. The string pattern also affects the durability and feel of the strings. The tighter the string pattern, the more control and durability, but less power and spin. The looser the string pattern, the more power and spin, but less control and durability.
Weight and Balance
The strung weight of Karen Khachanov’s racquet is 11.4 ounces or 323 grams. The weight of the racquet affects the power and maneuverability of the racquet. A heavier racquet provides more power, stability, and control, but can be more difficult to maneuver. A lighter racquet provides more maneuverability, but less power and stability. The strung balance of the racquet is 13 inches or 33 cm with 4 points head light.
The balance of the racquet affects the swing weight and maneuverability of the racquet. A head-light balance provides more maneuverability, but less power and stability. A head-heavy balance provides more power and stability, but less maneuverability.
Overall, Karen Khachanov’s tennis racquet is a well-balanced racquet that provides him with the power, control, and spin he needs to compete at the highest level.
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Performance of Karen Khachanov’s Tennis Racquet
Power and Control
Karen Khachanov’s racquet setup provides a balance between power and control. With an unstrung weight of 310g and unstrung balance of 31.8 cm, the racquet allows for powerful shots while still maintaining control. The swingweight of 335-340 strung provides additional power to Khachanov’s shots, allowing him to hit winners with ease.
Spin and Accuracy
The Wilson H22 98 (18×20) racquet that Khachanov uses allows for excellent spin and accuracy. The string pattern of 18×20 provides a tight string bed, which allows for more control over the ball. The Luxilon ALU Power 16L strings that Khachanov uses provide additional spin to his shots, allowing him to hit with more topspin and slice.
Durability and Comfort
Karen Khachanov’s racquet setup is durable and comfortable. The Wilson H22 racquet is made with high-quality materials, which ensures that it can withstand the rigors of professional tennis. In addition to this, the racquet’s comfortable grip allows Khachanov to play for extended periods without experiencing discomfort or fatigue.
With that said, Karen Khachanov’s racquet setup provides a balance between power and control, spin and accuracy, and durability and comfort. The Wilson H22 racquet and Luxilon ALU Power 16L strings allow Khachanov to play at his best, and it’s no surprise that he’s been able to achieve great success on the ATP tour using this setup.
Conclusion
Karen Khachanov’s tennis racquet is a powerful tool that has helped him achieve success on the court. Its unique blend of power, control, and maneuverability make it an ideal choice for players who want to dominate their opponents with aggressive shots. With its sleek design and advanced technology, Khachanov’s racquet is a testament to the importance of having the right equipment in the world of professional tennis.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, investing in a high-quality tennis racquet like Karen Khachanov’s can make all the difference in your game.