Andy Roddick Reveals the Inside Story Behind Switching from Babolat to Wilson Racquet
Andy Roddick’s Journey from Babolat to Wilson: A New Era on the Court
Andy Roddick, the American tennis legend, has embarked on a new chapter in his post-retirement tennis journey. As the former world No. 1 and a Hall of Famer, Roddick is revisiting the sport with a fresh perspective, including a change in racquet brand. After years of using Babolat, Roddick has made the switch to Wilson, opting for their new Wilson Shift racquet, a decision that marks a significant shift in his approach to the game.
It all began with a simple tweet. In February, Roddick took to social media, asking his followers for racquet recommendations. The idea was to play more frequently, beyond the occasional exhibition match, and his old racquets were no longer up to the task. Roddick, who wasn’t up to date with the latest racquet technology, was shocked by the response he received. “I was stunned,” he admitted. He received an overwhelming number of suggestions, showcasing just how passionate the tennis community is about their gear.
Among the advice Roddick received, one stood out: Ron Rocchi, Wilson’s long-time Racquet Innovation Manager, reached out with an offer Roddick couldn’t resist. Rocchi invited Roddick to test out various Wilson racquets, an offer that promised to not only test his racquet preferences but also give him a deeper insight into modern tennis technology. The opportunity for a racquet-testing day was too good to pass up, and soon, Roddick was in touch with Rocchi, sending some of his old racquets for comparison.
The testing process was an eye-opener for Roddick. He was impressed by the wide range of options and the in-depth conversations about racquet technology. After hitting with several models, it was clear that the Wilson Shift was the racquet he would take forward. The Shift, still in its first edition, was designed with aggressive baseliners in mind, offering enhanced spin, power, and control. Its unique bending profile allows for minimal torsional twisting, providing ample energy return and stability at contact.
Roddick was particularly impressed with the Shift’s user-friendly nature, describing it as offering “the late save”—a feature that allowed him to recover shots that initially seemed off. He was also pleased with how the racquet enabled both spin and depth, two essential components for his playing style. Unlike his backhand, which is less reliant on topspin, Roddick’s forehand benefits from the Shift’s ability to produce a lot of spin with ease.
Roddick’s version of the Wilson Shift is slightly lighter than the model he used during his career, with a more balanced weight distribution. This adaptation suits his current needs, as his playing style has evolved since his retirement. Additionally, Wilson’s partnership has given Roddick the chance to experiment with Luxilon strings, which he calls “Pandora’s box of strings”. Luxilon strings, known for their stiffness, have led Roddick to lower his string tension, offering him better control and feel.
As Roddick returns to regular play, hitting the courts 3-4 times a week, he is enjoying the physical challenge but recognizes the toll of aging. “There’s a morning after effect,” he jokes, especially with his old serve, which still causes him back pain. While a comeback is out of the question, he remains content with his new racquet and the freedom it provides to enjoy tennis again.
Roddick reflects on the reality of aging and being on the other side of 40. He understands that his window to play at a high level may be limited, but he still has another 10 years to enjoy athleticism and stay competitive. For now, he is thrilled to be back on the court and rediscovering the joy of tennis.
This switch to Wilson, along with his renewed commitment to the game, signals a new era for Roddick. Whether on the podcast mic or the tennis court, Roddick continues to share his love for the sport, giving fans a glimpse into his post-career life and his evolving relationship with tennis gear.
