What racquet does Carlos Alcaraz use?

The world's number one player swings a Babolat Pure Aero, the same racquet he's endorsed by Babolat since turning professional. Unlike many top players who use different frames than what they endorse, Alcaraz actually plays with the retail version of the Pure Aero—though with significant customizations.

The Pure Aero Setup

Carlos Alcaraz uses the standard Babolat Pure Aero frame, which comes stock at 300 grams and 100 square inches. However, his racquet is heavily customized from the retail version. Professional stringers add lead tape to bring the weight up to around 315-320 grams, shifting the balance point and increasing the swing weight for more power and stability.

The string setup is where things get interesting. Alcaraz uses a hybrid string configuration: Babolat RPM Blast in the mains at around 55 pounds, with a softer synthetic gut in the crosses at slightly lower tension. This combination gives him the spin potential of the polyester with added comfort and power from the synthetic gut.

Why the Pure Aero Works for His Game

The Pure Aero's open string pattern (16x19) and aerodynamic frame design suit Alcaraz's aggressive baseline style perfectly. The racquet naturally generates heavy topspin, which allows him to hit with tremendous pace while keeping the ball in court. The frame's stiffness rating of 71 RA provides the power he needs to dominate rallies from the baseline.

What sets Alcaraz apart from many Pure Aero users is his ability to flatten out his shots when needed. The racquet's versatility allows him to switch between heavy topspin groundstrokes and flatter, more penetrating shots depending on the situation.

The Babolat Partnership

Alcaraz signed with Babolat early in his career, and unlike some endorsement deals where players switch to different frames behind the scenes, he genuinely plays with their equipment. This authenticity in his partnership shows in his comfort level with the racquet—he rarely looks constrained by his equipment during matches.

The Spanish star also uses Babolat strings exclusively, typically opting for their polyester offerings for maximum spin generation. His team experiments with different tensions depending on conditions, but he generally stays in the 53-57 pound range.

Retail vs. Pro Version

Tennis fans can buy the exact same Pure Aero model that Alcaraz endorses, though they won't get his specific customizations. The retail version sells for around $250-300 and offers recreational players a taste of the same technology the world number one relies on.

The key differences lie in the customization work done by professional stringers. Alcaraz's racquet receives careful weight adjustments, precise string tensioning, and grip customizations that aren't available on the retail version. However, the fundamental frame characteristics—the head size, string pattern, and aerodynamic design—remain identical.

For players looking to emulate Alcaraz's power and spin, the Pure Aero provides an excellent starting point, especially when paired with a hybrid string setup similar to what the Spaniard uses on tour.