Matteo Berrettini, affectionately known as “The Hammer,” has made a significant impact on the tennis world with his formidable serve and powerful forehand. Central to his game is his choice of equipment, specifically his tennis racquet, which plays a pivotal role in amplifying his strengths on the court.
Unveiling Berrettini’s Racquet Choice
While Berrettini endorses the Head Extreme MP line, his actual racquet is a customized version tailored to his specific preferences. He utilizes the Head IG Extreme Pro, identified by the pro stock code TGT 285.2, a model he has remained loyal to since his junior years. This racquet is renowned for its ability to generate substantial power and spin, aligning seamlessly with Berrettini’s aggressive playing style.
Technical Specifications of Berrettini’s Racquet
Professional players often customize their racquets to suit their unique playing styles, and Berrettini is no exception. His racquet’s specifications are meticulously adjusted to enhance performance:
- Weight (Strung): Approximately 350 grams (353 grams with a dampener)
- Balance: 33.2 cm
- Swingweight: 353
These specifications indicate a racquet with considerable heft, providing enhanced stability and the ability to deliver powerful shots, which are trademarks of Berrettini’s game.
String Setup: Precision and Power
Complementing his racquet choice, Berrettini opts for the Signum Pro Firestorm strings, a stiff and control-oriented polyester string. He strings his racquet at a tension of 23 kg (approximately 51 lbs), though this may vary slightly depending on playing conditions. This string setup offers a blend of control and power, allowing Berrettini to execute his heavy groundstrokes with precision.
Impact on Berrettini’s Playing Style
Berrettini’s equipment choices are intricately linked to his playing style:
- Serve: His racquet’s weight and balance contribute to his explosive serves, enabling him to generate significant pace and accuracy.
- Forehand: The racquet’s design facilitates heavy topspin and powerful shots, making his forehand a formidable weapon.
- Backhand: While not as dominant as his forehand, the racquet provides the necessary stability for effective backhand slices and drives.
These elements combine to make Berrettini a formidable opponent, particularly on faster surfaces like grass, where his aggressive playstyle thrives.
Can Enthusiasts Replicate Berrettini’s Setup?
For tennis enthusiasts aiming to emulate Berrettini’s equipment choices, it’s important to note that his specific racquet model, the Head IG Extreme Pro (TGT 285.2), is not readily available in the retail market. However, the Head Graphene 360 Extreme MP, the current retail version, offers similar characteristics suitable for players seeking power and spin. Customizing the racquet with additional weight and selecting a string setup akin to Berrettini’s can further tailor the racquet’s performance to individual preferences.
Conclusion
Matteo Berrettini’s choice of racquet and string setup is a testament to the importance of customized equipment in professional tennis. His tailored gear enhances his natural strengths, contributing significantly to his success on the court. While replicating his exact setup may be challenging for the average player, understanding the nuances of his equipment can provide valuable insights for those looking to optimize their own game.