Me and my racket: Stanislas Wawrinka

When did you first try your new Yonex?
I started to practice with it in the summer but I tried all the rackets last season. I played with it first on tour in Chennai this year. I won my first match with it 7-5 in the third set but lost in the quarters!

What do you look for in a racket?
The racket is really important because it’s the main thing that you need to play good at tennis, after your arm! I was looking for something with more power and that’s what I found with Yonex. I can play softly, but I still have all the power.

Is it right this frame has a larger sweet spot than you're used to?
The ball stays easier on the racket and it comes off more clean. As players, we feel everything. That’s why a racket is really important because a small change can change your game in a good way or in a negative way. It’s not easy to find the best racket for you.

Were you involved in customising your new frame?
I did that with Yonex, yes. We tried many different rackets. We talked a lot. They came to try the racket with me to ask me what I wanted to change and then they customised it for me.

Do you think the frame helps your playing style?
I  think I’m at the stage of my career now where this racket will help me a lot. I don’t need to do too much to get the power that I used to have. For me it’s really important that I still have all the same control but I have much more power.

What strings and tensions do you use?
The tension can change – depends on the weather, depends on where I’m playing. Usually its 25-27 kilos but I can move one or two kilos down if it's raining. If it's going to be really hot I go higher a little bit.

How many rackets do you take on court?
In a Grand Slam I usually have 10 or 12 rackets with me. I use more or less two rackets per set.

In your bag, are they strung to different tensions?
Yes, usually I have two different tensions. Mostly I have rackets with the tension that I know I’m going to play with, but I still have two different tensions just in case I want to change. My rackets are strung every morning for each match.

How often do you have a new frame?
More or less every two or three months.

Have you ever experimented with tensions and moved them up dramatically?
Yes, I have. It’s a big change. It’s not easy. For practice it is okay, but when you have a match and you have the added tension and the pressure, it’s impossible.

What grip size do you use?
I use a three and a half with a white overgrip. It’s quite soft, which is good.

Do you use a vibration dampener?
Yes, I have started using one since the beginning of the year because I feel it’s better for my arms not to get so much vibration!

Have you ever lost your rackets in transit?
No never, and I hope it is never going to happen!

Have you become more interested in racket technology?
Yes, I think it’s something that’s come with experience. When I was really young it wasn’t a big thing because I played with the same racket for 10 years. Then, when you start to see the new technology and new products, you tell yourself it would be good to try them – at least to see if something can be better or not. You need to feel good with a racket before you play with it.

Do you have any racket related superstitions?
No not really, and I am happy with that because I think it's not easy if you have too many superstitions!

Can you remember your first racket?
It was a really small, yellow racket but I don’t remember the brand. It was given to me by my parents but I’ve lost it.

When did you last smash a racket?
Last year in Basel when I lost the first set.