Equipment update for the week

Welcome back tennis fans. What a start at the Pacific Life Open with pro’s all around the world fighting for that coveted ATP masters shield; some trying to make a comeback, others trying to make a name for themselves, and one man seeking to defend the title. Yes that’s right, none other than Roger Federer, the only man in this tournament’s history to have won three consecutive titles. So much diversity is upon us here at Indian Wells California, with players all across the world endorsing products for brand names such as Prince, Wilson, Head, Yonex, and many more. That’s right everyone, the competition between players is crazy for the masters shield, but the competition between these brands is massive as well. Or is it?

I’m sorry, I haven’t even introduced myself. My name is Mario; I’m the other tenniscast writer and co-host of the show who will be focused on the equipment that is currently being used on tour, and what equipment seems to be doing best in the world of tennis. Don’t worry I am not completely biased, but Prince is the best. Wait what? I imagine many of you reading are probably thinking I am biased for making such a claim, so allow me to provide proof, or simply clarify my claim. Prince is currently doing the best in the string department for tennis racquets ending the year # 1 with their “Synthetic Gut with Duraflex” making it their fifth straight year as the industries top seller. The synthetic gut with Duraflex seems to have caught the eye of numerous tennis players due to its excellence in consistency, and durability for all-around performances. So if any of you are looking for the right string to improve your game, make sure to check it out and see if it’s the right fit, it seems to be for many touring pros. It seems though, that the world of tennis isn’t relying solely on Prince for strings, but for racquets as well! Indeed, Prince’s O3 White (used by Maria Sharapova) ended the year as the top selling racquet and was accompanied by the rest of the O3 team. That is, Prince ended the year with four of their racquets with O3 technology in the top 10 for best selling racquets of 2006. To finish the great year, Prince enjoyed a second place in footwear. Good job Prince!

I’ll be following what’s hot this year from racquets, to general apparel, to shoes and strings, and see what is most popular among tour pro’s and the tennis world. Who will end # 1 by the end of 2007? Follow tenniscast the entire year, week to week to enjoy the great results, in depth analysis, and see what equipment seems to making a change in the world of tennis!