What’s Inside Felix Auger‑Aliassime’s Racket? A Deep Dive

When the Canadian prodigy storms the court, the first thing fans notice isn’t just his footwork—it’s the sleek, whirring instrument in his hands. Felix Auger‑Aliassime’s racket has become a talking point among coaches, collectors, and anyone who watches the ATP Tour closely. Below we unpack the brand, the specs, and the subtle tweaks that let him unleash those blistering groundstrokes.

Brand and Model: The Babolat Pure Aero

Since signing a multi‑year partnership in 2020, Auger‑Aliassime has been seen with the Babolat Pure Aero. The model is Babolat’s flagship for spin‑heavy players, a lineage that started with Rafael Nadal. While the core design has stayed consistent, each new iteration brings marginal weight shifts and updated frame technologies that keep the racket “future‑proof.”

Key Technical Specs

• Head size: 100 sq in (645 cm²) – a sweet spot that balances power and control.
• Length: 27 in (standard).
• Weight (unstrung): 300 g (10.6 oz) – on the heavier side for a baseline aggressor, helping stability on high‑speed rallies.
• Balance: 320 mm (head‑light) – promotes maneuverability for quick net approaches.
• String pattern: 16×19 – a classic pattern that eases spin generation while retaining a crisp feel.
• Stiffness (RA): roughly 71 – a relatively stiff frame that translates swing speed into ball speed.
• Material: Babolat’s “Cortex Pure Aero” graphite blend with a carbon‑nanotube weave for vibration dampening.

Why the Pure Aero Suits Auger‑Aliassime’s Game

At 6‑ft‑1‑in and with a naturally explosive serve, Auger‑Aliassime needs a racket that can handle both raw power and the spin he cranks on his forehand. The 100‑square‑inch head gives him a forgiving sweet spot, while the 16×19 pattern lets the strings “bite” the ball, producing the heavy topspin that pushes opponents back. The head‑light balance, meanwhile, lets him finish points at the net without feeling the racket “pull” him forward.

His coaches often remark that the Pure Aero’s stiffness matches his aggressive swing path. A stiffer frame doesn’t “soften” the ball; instead, it preserves energy, giving his flat, penetrating drives that extra pop. At the same time, the Cortex technology mitigates the harsh vibration that a stiff racket can produce, protecting his arm during long practice sessions.

Personal Tweaks: Strings, Tension, and Grip

Even the best‑stock racket is rarely the final product a top‑player walks onto the court with. Auger‑Aliassime’s current string setup reads:

• String type: Babolat RPM Blast (polyester) – a staple for spin‑heavy baseliners.
• Tension: 54 lb (24 kg) – a middle‑range tension that offers a balance between spin potential and power.
• Grip size: 4 ⅜ in (G 4) – fits his hand comfortably, allowing subtle wrist flicks on the forehand.

He occasionally experiments with a hybrid (polyester mains, synthetic gut crosses) when the tour schedule calls for a more forgiving feel, such as during a grueling five‑set match. The subtle change in tension—dropping a pound or two—can make a noticeable difference in how the ball “lifts” off the strings.

Maintenance: Keeping the Racket Tournament‑Ready

Professional players treat their rackets like extensions of their bodies. Here are a few habits Auger‑Aliassime follows, based on interviews with his equipment crew:

• He checks string tension before every match, using a portable digital tension meter.
• The racket is wiped with a dry microfiber cloth after each set to remove sweat and dust, preserving the graphite’s integrity.
• He carries a spare racket in a weather‑sealed case for humidity‑prone venues.
• Every two months, the frame is inspected for micro‑cracks; Babolat offers a “frame‑refurbish” service that many top players use.

Impact on His Rankings and Recent Performances

Since adopting the Pure Aero, Auger‑Aliassime’s statistics have shown a modest uptick in both first‑serve percentages and baseline winners per match. While it’s impossible to attribute success solely to equipment, the consistency of his spin rates—averaging roughly 2,800 rpm on forehand rallies—mirrors the capabilities of the racket’s string pattern and head size.

During his 2023 run to the Australian Open semifinal, analysts noted that his backhand, traditionally a defensive shot, turned into an offensive weapon, delivering sharp angles with less effort. The racket’s head‑light balance undoubtedly helped him transition quickly from baseline to net, a tactical shift that caught several opponents off guard.

FAQ

What racket does Felix Auger‑Aliassime currently use?

He plays with the Babolat Pure Aero, strung typically with Babolat RPM Blast polyester at around 54 lb tension.

Can I buy the exact same model he uses?

Yes. Babolat sells the Pure Aero in a “Pro Player” version that matches the specifications of Auger‑Aliassime’s racket, though the exact string pattern and tension are customized by his team.

Why does he prefer a head‑light balance?

A head‑light racket offers easier maneuverability, crucial for quick net approaches and rapid direction changes during high‑intensity rallies.

Is the Pure Aero suitable for intermediate players?

Many club‑level players find the 100‑sq‑in head and 16×19 string pattern forgiving enough, while the added stiffness can be a bit harsh for those prone to arm fatigue. Beginners often start with a slightly softer frame before graduating to a Pure Aero.