GEAR NEWS
ASICS
Berrettini takes on ambassador role
Matteo Berrettini will wear ASICS Gel-Resolution 8 tennis shoes after agreeing a long-term partnership with the Japanese brand. Last year’s Wimbledon runner-up and Queen’s Club champion will also become an ASICS ambassador. The Gel-Resolution 8 shoes Berrettini will be wearing are designed for baseline players who need stability and support. The Italian said that ASICS were the only brand that designs shoes specifically to suit different styles of play. “For me, I need a lot of stability and support as an aggressive baseline player,” Berrettini said. Motoi Ayama, the chairman of ASICS, said: “Matteo brings good will, a successful and growing career and a positive mindset to the partnership. His energy and drive to improve will be a welcome addition to our entire organisation. Right away we hope to get him involved in product development.”
HEAD
GRAYS
Head are believed to be the first brand to conduct research into the use of auxetic materials in the manufacture of their rackets. Auxetic materials become thicker when stretched and thinner when compressed. Two British scientists have been working with Head on the project. Professor Andrew Alderson, from Sheffield Hallam University, has been researching auxetic materials for many years, while Dr Thomas Allen, from Manchester Metropolitan University, is an expert in racket technology. Professor Alderson said: “My understanding is that the auxetic construction increases players’ confidence in their shots as you get an enhanced feel for the ball, including when it is off-centre. If it’s slightly off-centre it stretches some strings more than others, and you’re getting a reaction where you need it, so you’re getting more feeling and control. That’s feeding back to the player, who can feel the shot better.” Scientists explore use of auxetic materials
New racket named after tennis pioneer
The British sporting goods company Grays has joined forces with the Australian-based Wood Tennis Club to launch only the second new all-wood tennis racket in more than 30 years. The racket is called the Wingfield in recognition of Major Walter Wingfield, a British Army officer who pioneered the development of lawn tennis in the 19th century. Grays, which has been manufacturing wooden rackets for more than 160 years, launched its first new model since the 1980s, the Masterpiece, in 2019. Stephen Murphy, the founder of Wood Tennis Club, asked Grays to make both the Masterpiece and the Wingfield. “Wood Tennis is not only about the nostalgia,” Murphy said. “We are also focused on giving players a different way to enjoy the game they love, now and into the future. Importantly also, wood rackets are a more environmentally sustainable alternative to standard rackets.”
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