New racquet
Hi! I keep coming back to this sub while researching a new racquet so I thought I’d just ask.
I started playing tennis almost 30 years ago learning with a Prince Classic Pro 1979. During high school (2006-2009) I purchased a Wilson Hope. I recently got back into tennis more seriously and will be playing in a local comp next term. My 16-20 year old racquet sounds like crap and I can’t get topspin onto my hits. While it’s probably just the strings, I earn big girl money and want to upgrade rather than restring the cheap, almost (probably) vintage, racquet I bought as a kid.
I would describe myself as an all court player. I have a strong forehand (eastern) and strong serve. I prefer a two handed backhand (continental/eastern) but have no issues with a single handed backhand when I don’t need the stability. When at the net I let my reflexes and long reach do their thing and enjoy making those quick well placed shots. I much prefer to place my shots than put maximum power into them but I can hold my own with an aggressive baseliner if needed.
Being in Aus I’d prefer to spend max $250AUD and I’m not married to a particular make. I think my grip would be at least 4 3/8 possibly 4 1/2 I’m not overly worried about the head size/sweet spot difference and I think I have the strength for something heavier, but would still like to be able to move the racquet quickly at the net. I still have 8 weeks until comp so I will have a chance to learn the new racquet first. I’m hoping to demo some over the next few weeks, but I’d love some suggestions. My city has limited store options and I will probably have to do shipped demos.