Tips
British No.1 Jack Draper on finding the right tennis racket
Are you in need of a tennis racket but aren’t sure what to look for? Who better to take advice from than one of the best men’s players on the ATP Tour - Jack Draper.
Just last month, Draper took part in a shoot with Dunlop at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton ahead of the launch of his brand new Dunlop FX 500 range - available exclusively through Pro:Direct Tennis with special benefits for LTA Advantage members.
There, the three-time ATP titleholder spoke all things rackets with The Tennis Mentor Ashley Neaves – from power and feel to how to test a new racket and knowing when its time to make a change.
Here are Draper’s expert tips on finding the right racket and how to make the most out of your racket.
When trying out a new racket, what are the top three things that any player should look for?
“For me, the big three are power, feel and control.
"Modern tennis is all about power - you need a racket that helps you create it easily, but without losing your touch. The Dunlop FX 500 gives me that balance. I can hit big when I need to, but I still get the feel for drop shots and slices. It’s versatile, which is exactly what my game demands.”
What’s the best way for players to test tennis rackets? Is it just rallying? Are there any good drills?
“It’s definitely more than just rallying. You need to test the racket across every part of your game - serves, returns, volleys, and defensive shots. That’s how you feel if it suits your style.
“You can try specific patterns - hit your favourite shots, but also the ones you struggle with. For me, when I’m testing rackets, I’ll look at how much spin and control I can get, not just how hard I can hit it.”
Meanwhile, tennis mentor Neaves recommends taking the racket into match play as even a short set can give you an indication of how it performs under pressure, so you can determine then whether it feels right.
How do you know when a racket is right for you?
“You’ll know it’s right when the racket feels like an extension of your arm. You shouldn’t be thinking about it when you’re hitting - that’s the best sign.
“When I first picked up the FX 500, I felt that instantly. It gave me power and spin, but still felt natural and easy to control. Once you find that setup, stick with it and focus on improving your game rather than constantly switching gear.
“Then, once it feels right, refine, don’t overthink.”
When and why would you look to change your strings or tension?
“It’s one of the most underrated adjustments. I usually string between 52 and 54 pounds, but I’ll tweak it based on conditions.
“If it’s cold, I’ll drop the tension for a bit more bounce. At altitude, like in Madrid, I’ll go tighter - around 55 or 56 - because the ball flies more.
“I also mix in softer strings if I’m looking for more feel or comfort. It’s small margins, but they make a big difference.”
What are some of the changes in your new Dunlop FX 500 racket and how does it suit your game?
“This latest FX 500 feels like a step forward. It’s got that explosive power I need but with more stability through contact. I’ve been working a lot on attacking and finishing points at the net, and this racket helps me do that while still feeling solid on defence.
“It’s modern, fast, and gives me confidence to play freely, which is what tennis is all about.”
The Dunlop FX 500 series is available exclusively at Pro:Direct Tennis.