professional play, the frame of the racket shall not exceed 73.66-cm (29 inches) in
overall length including the handle, as from 1st January 2000. Until 1st January 2000,
the maximum length of a racket for non-professional play shall be 81.28-cm (32
inches). The frame of the racket shall not exceed 31.75-cm (12 1/2 inches) in overall
width. The strung surface shall not exceed 39.37-cm 15 1/2 inches in overall length,
and 29.21-cm (11 ½ inches) in overall width [4].
c. The frame, including the handle, shall be free of attached objects and devices,
other than those utilized solely and specifically to limit or prevent wear and tear or
vibration, or to distribute weight. Any objects and devises must be reasonable in size
and placement for such purposes.
d. The frame, including the handle, and the strings, shall be free of any device,
which makes it possible to change materially the shape of the racket. Or to change the
weight distribution in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the racket, which would
alter the swing moment of inertia, during the playing of a point [5].
4.1 Qualities of modern tennis rackets
Being familiar with the basic performance characteristics of modern tennis
rackets contributes to the most suitable choice of a racket for both the beginner and
the professional player considering his individual nature (physical characteristics,
skills, manner of playing, etc.) and the requirements in the competition (court
hardness, ball brand, etc.). This knowledge also contributes to derive the best
maximum of a given racket. Or, in the language of “profies” – to “squeeze the
maximum capabilities out of a racket” [6]. To achieve this leading players even order
specially made rackets with some modifications to the basic model.
On the other hand, the progress in the development of rackets results in changes
of the manner and skills of the player. The striking technique for a wooden racket is
very much different to that of a racket made of modern composite materials. Every
revolutionary change to the rackets results in modifications in striking techniques [6].
Modern rackets are manufactured and tested mainly to provide the following
basic mechanical and dynamic customer performance characteristics:
This is the distance from the tip of the racket to the end of the handle. A common
tendency is to increase the length of the racket to provide more powerful strike and
