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Pre-season tournaments have started with Mubadala World Tennis Champs (pretentious name!) in Abu Dhabi. First match was between Ferrer and Tsonga and ended with a royal beating. Ferrer won 6-1 6-1 (highlights here) and looked supremely confident with what appeared to be a surprising racquet switch – a Babolat Pure Drive Plus (specs might be slightly different than retail) instead of his trusted Prince Exo Tour!
Why is this switch surprising?
1. Ferrer is late in his career, a switch is always dangerous because it might throw him off completely without much time to recoup.
2. A Pure Drive is a FAR stiffer and harsher stick than the perhaps over-buttery Exo Tours that has the O-port system which allows for maximum string movement and an arm-friendly but muted feel. It’s, in short, a BIG change since the feedback is different.
3. I doubt Ferrer’s game will benefit a lot from a more powerful racquet, but here I’m perhaps wrong. Maybe this is exactly what he need to win quicker points?
No matter what, very interesting to see how the Babolat Pure Drive Plus will work for Ferrer in 2016. He sure got off to a good start!
PS. Tsonga had kinesio-tape on his arm, so he’s likely suffering from some kind of injury. DS.
In the pic below Ferrer is holding his Prince, but on the overview of endorsed materials, we find the Babolat Pure Drive Plus.
