Best Tennis Racquets for Control

Best control racquets

Wilson Blade 98 16x19 v8

Ability level: Intermediate to advanced
Bottom line: For this version Wilson adds some speed and stability while keeping the sublime feel and spin-friendly targeting of the previous generation. At 11.3 strung and boasting a speedy 320-RDC swingweight, this racquet is ideal for intermediate and advanced players, especially if they crave maneuverability. This stick also packs a buttery 61-RA stiffness, giving it outstanding ball feedback.

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Head Radical MP 2021

Ability level: Intermediate to advanced
Bottom line: For 2021 this racket not only packs a little extra weight and stability, it also has a lower, more arm-friendly stiffness level. As with previous versions of the Radical MP, this racket's controllable power and solid feel will appeal to a broad class of intermediate and advanced ball strikers. The signature technology is Graphene 360+, which combines the stability and easy power of Graphene 360 with SpiralFibers in the lower head to enhance feel.

Prince Phantom 93P (18x20)

Ability level: Advanced
Bottom line: With its midsize head, flexible feel, buttery thin beam and dense string pattern, the Phantom 93P (18x20) belongs in the dictionary under control and feel. Advanced players looking for the undeniable precision of a traditional player’s racquet should start here. Be advised, the rock-solid feel at impact is addictive.

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Babolat Pure Strike 18x20 3rd Gen

Ability level: Advanced
Bottom line: The Pure Strike 18x20 is the most control-oriented racquet in the line and offers added mass behind the ball for great plow through. This racquet's low-powered precision provides big hitters with the freedom to attack the ball without fear of overhitting. Endorsed on tour by Dominic Thiem!

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Head Prestige Tour 2021

Bottom line: Head updates the Graphene 360+ Prestige Pro with a new name and material technology. This update is called the Prestige Tour 2021 and it gives you the stability of a tour level swingweight without feeling overly sluggish in the front court. The payoff is a racquet that optimizes ball feedback according to impact location. The Prestige Tour also benefits from Graphene 360+ (labeled Graphene Inside), which strengthens the frame in key locations to provide a more powerful and stable hitting experience.

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Wilson Pro Staff RF97 v13

Ability level: Advanced
Bottom line: With the Pro Staff RF97 Autograph v13 Wilson updates Roger Federer's racquet with a new cosmetic but keeps everything else the same, including the magical target specs and sublime feel that Roger Federer helped engineer with the original red/black version. Featuring a slightly wider, more angular beam than the traditional box beam of Original 6.0s, this racquet blends surgical control and feel with a dash modern power.

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Yonex VCORE Pro 97D

Ability level: Advanced
Bottom line: For 2021, Yonex tweaks the shaft geometry to help the racquet bend more effectively during impact. They’ve also added a slightly thicker beam for extra pop while keeping the buttery feedback that defined the previous model. Under the hood, Yonex adds 2G-NAMD (Flex Force) to the graphite layup. This is designed to help the fame snapback more effectively during impact. Other material updates include Flex Fuse which utilizes a soft polymer in the layup for added comfort.

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Tecnifibre TF40 305

Ability level: Intermediate to advanced
Bottom line: The TF40 305 is a playtester favourite and impresses with its feel, stability and blend of power and control. From the baseline, the TF40 305 rewards full swings with surgical targeting, and the feedback at impact is exceptional. Our team thinks this TF40 305 is a gem for the intermediate through advanced level player seeking feel and control.

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Dunlop CX 200 Tour 18x20

Ability level: Advanced
Bottom line: With its surgical 95-square-inch head, dense 18x20 string pattern and thin beam, the CX 200 Tour 18x20 not only retains the phenomenal control and feel of its predecessor but also gets a nice bump in plow-through power and improved stability. Players looking for classic control and feel will find it here.

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Head Graphene 360+ Speed Pro Black

Ability level: Advanced
Bottom line: This black cosmetic version of the Graphene 360+Speed Pro has the same specs and playability as the standard cosmetic version. By combining a traditional 18x20 string pattern with a buttery 62-RA stiffness, this racquet gives experienced players an impressive combination of control and feel. In addition to its 23mm beam, this racquet has good stability and plow through. The signature technology isGraphene 360+, which combines the easy power and extra stability of Graphene 360 with SpiralFibers in the lower head to help the racquet bend optimally at impact.