Ever wonder what makes a tennis pro’s racket truly stand out on the court? Wilson’s new Ultra 99 Pro V5 is turning heads at the U.S. Open with its stunning design and game-changing tech. But what about the trusty Blade 98? Find out which racket is serving up success this season!
The prestigious U.S. Open is once again the stage for cutting-edge sports technology, with Wilson’s latest tennis rackets, the Ultra 99 Pro V5 and the Blade 98 v9, garnering significant attention from both professional players and enthusiasts alike. These innovative designs are not merely tools but extensions of an athlete’s will, engineered to redefine performance on the grandest tennis courts.
Taking center court, the Ultra 99 Pro V5 stands out as the flagship model in Wilson’s acclaimed Ultra series. Its glossy, electric blue and black colorway has undeniably turned heads throughout the Open, combining aesthetic appeal with formidable engineering. This visual magnetism, however, only hints at the profound functional advancements within.
Wilson prides itself on a player-centric design philosophy, leveraging direct feedback from its cadre of professional tennis players to meticulously craft the new Ultra racket. This collaborative approach promises users a significant upgrade in crucial areas: augmented power, enhanced consistency in shot placement, and superior overall control, catering to the nuanced demands of competitive play.
At the heart of the Ultra 99 Pro V5’s performance lies Wilson’s proprietary SI3D Frame Technology. This innovative structural design is specifically engineered to deliver improved stability upon ball impact, translating directly into more precise and accurate shots. Such technological sophistication empowers players to execute their game plans with greater confidence and less deviation.
Further augmenting its playability, the Ultra’s open 16×18 string pattern is meticulously designed to offer a blend of “forgiveness” and an extra dimension of spin, allowing players to generate more aggressive topspin shots with ease. Concurrently, Wilson’s commitment to a thinner beam construction is often lauded by players for providing an exceptional “feel” and greater flexibility, crucial for intricate shot-making and adaptability during rallies.
The transition of top-ranked athletes underscores the Ultra’s rising prominence. Notably, the 27th-ranked Marta Kostyuk and eighth-ranked Alex de Minaur, both previously loyal to Wilson’s reliable Blade 98 rackets, made the strategic switch to the Ultra just in time for the current U.S. Open season. Their adoption speaks volumes about the new model’s competitive edge.
For those with a preference for a classic, albeit updated, feel, Wilson also offers a special U.S. Open version of its enduring Blade 98 v9 racket. This limited-edition model boasts a sophisticated black and graphite New York-inspired colorway, subtly complemented by authentic U.S. Open branding elegantly etched on the inside of the racket head, providing a unique blend of heritage and modern design.
