‘Technically the changes may not have been drastic, but theywere for Rafa. Even very small changes can make a huge difference’
testers to understandwhat the players are saying. Technically the changes may not have been drastic, but they were for himat his level. Even very small changes can make a huge difference.” While Nadal conquered theworldwith a Pure Aero racket, relishing its combination of spin and power, the company’s other ranges have also been very successful over the years.The Pure Drive, endorsed by GarbineMuguruza, is known for its power and versatility, while the Pure Strike, favoured by DominicThiem, offers power, control and accuracy. Nadal’s value to Babolat has been evident. “I think he really helped Babolat to step up,” Verborg said. “He gave real credibility to the product. Hemade people think that we belonged at the very top level. Babolat was no longer a companymany people only
knew for our natural guts, our overgrips, our synthetic strings. Wewere nowalso a company that talked to the fans, to the young kids. He had only just turned 19when hewon Roland Garros for the first time. “After Rafawon his first Roland Garros some peoplewent to buy that black and yellow racket –without realising it was a Babolat racket.The designwas quite different to other brands, which I thinkwas important. People said: ‘Oh, that’s Rafa’s racket. And it’s a Babolat racket.’ So it was great for Babolat that somany peoplemade that link between a product, a player and the brand. Afterwards we had somany requests fromstores with people saying theywanted Rafa’s racket.That was amajor milestone for the company.The kids wanted to buy Nadal’s racket: hewas really talking to this newgeneration.”
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