Novak Djokovic’s Tennis Racket

Novak Djokovic has been reigning supreme in the world’s best tennis players’ top list for a long time now, thanks to his powerful physique and incredibly sharp mind in the game, which has earned him a place among the greatest. The Serbian superstar has won 22 grand slams in his career, and since he is still very much active on the court, it would be no surprise if he breaks the tie with

Nadal and sets the record as the most-awarded tennis player in history. After all of his amazing success, it’s only normal that fans would like to know everything about him, especially when it comes to the Novak Djokovic racket. 

Let’s be honest; most of us can only dream of emulating all of his amazing skills on the court, but surely we can at least try. And what better way to do this than to consider using the same tennis racket as he does? In case you are wondering as well, in this article, you will find all the Djokovic racket’s details and more. Keep scrolling! 

Novak Djokovic Tennis Racket Specifications

Novak Djokovic’s racket is the “dream black canvas of tennis.” What I mean by that is that PT113B was first produced as a limited edition by the Head company, with particular specifics on the technicalities that are fit for the star player. After giving it the latest paint job, the racket is shipped to Djokovic, and even after that is heavily customized by his technician in order to fit the player’s needs on the court. 

Currently, PT113B has a small 95 sq. inch head size, typical of highly advanced play, as the frame allows high precision and control. The racket length is only slightly bigger than the standard of 27 inches, which provides more than enough leverage on the court.

At 12.4 ounces, this can be defined as a hefty frame, which comes as no surprise as Novak is known for his incredible physique, so it’s safe to assume that he has no problem generating enough power himself with each shot while having no problem on managing the racket while switching to different positions. 

When Novak first started using PT113B in his official matches, the starting point of the frame’s swingweight was 370 grams. Still, since then, it has been reduced to 360 grams to allow more maneuverability in exchange for less power after several elbow injuries. The racket is also adjusted to be more flexible and features an in-between 18×19 string pattern, which provides a lot of spin and stability. The Serb player also uses a dampener to reduce the shock impact and harsh vibrations on his arm. 

Head PT113B tennis racket specs:

• Head size: 95 sq”/ 612 cm² 
• Length: 27.1 inches / 68.83 cm
• Weight (strung): 12.4 oz / 353 grams
• Balance: 5 pts HL 
• Stiffness: 60 RA 
• Swing weight: 360 g 
• String pattern: 18 mains / 19 crosses 
• Grip size: Head Finest Calfskin Leather Grip + 2 Overgrips
• Grip shape: Head Rectangular TK57 Pallet
• Dampener: Yes 

Head PT113B vs. Head Graphene 360+ Speed Pro

Novak Djokovic famously endorses the Head Graphene 360+ Speed Pro, and that’s why most people wrongly assume that this is the tennis racket he normally uses. If you thought so too, it’s not a far fetch considering that Graphene 360+ Speed Pro has the same cosmetic and paint job as PT113B. However, this is solely done for marketing purposes by the company. When comparing technicalities or performances, these two rackets are quite different. 

For starters, Graphene 360+ Speed Pro features a mid-sized 100 sq. inch head that provides a nice combination of both spin and power. At 11.6 ounces, the weight is considerably lighter than Djokovic racket weight, which makes this frame noticeably easier to maneuver on the court. However, it provides much less control and precision than the famous player is used to having. 

The frame has an 18×20 dense string pattern that is ideal for heavy spin, but it has a slightly smaller sweet spot. Novak Djokovic’s racket also features a thin beam that is aimed to enhance touch and control; however, the thicker beam of Graphene 360+ makes up for a more forgiving feel and added power potential. 

Don’t get it wrong; Head Graphene 360+ Speed Pro is still very much a player’s racket, suitable for advanced levels only; however, it’s not made for a player like Djokovic. 

Here’s a side-to-side comparison of Head pt113b and Head Graphene 360+ Speed Pro technicalities comparison. 

	Head PT113B	Graphene 360+ Speed Pro
Head size	95 sq² / 612 cm²	100 sq² / 645.16 cm²
Length	27.1 inch / 68.8 cm	27 inch / 68.58 cm
Weight (strung)	12.4 oz / 353 grams	11.6 oz / 329 grams
Swingweight	360	329
Balance	5 pts HL	6 pts HL
Stiffness	60	62
Beam width	22 mm / 22 mm / 22 mm	23 mm / 23 mm / 23 mm
String pattern	18 mains / 19 crosses	18 mains / 20 crosses
Grip type	Head Finest Calfskin Leather Grip	Head Hydrosorb Pro

Novak Djokovic Racket History

Novak Djokovic received his first-ever tennis racket as a present from his parents in 1991. It was bright pink and enough to make a little child who had expressed interest in tennis more than happy. While nowadays, Novak enjoys tremendous success in the tennis world, his start was rocky and often insecure. 

Back when he was just a little boy, he lived with his family in former Yugoslavia, which was falling apart, and the disaster of the war that followed inflected everyone’s lives. At the time, tennis not only wasn’t big in Serbia, but it wasn’t a priority either. Both of Djokovic parents had to make many sacrifices and even borrow some money to buy their child’s first equipment and pay for his training so that Novak could follow his big dream. 

And that he did. Soon after, Novak Djokovic would prove himself to be worthy of all his parents’ sacrifices as he started playing in the world’s stadiums. 

2005: Wilson Blade Pro

One of his first rackets as a professional was Wilson Blade Pro, as he signed to be an athlete representative of the company from 2005 to 2008. This particular Wilson tennis racket is famous for its dynamic performance, light frame, and the perfect mix of power, spin, and control that it is able to deliver. Obviously, it is made for advanced players only; however, Novak notoriously asked for some personal adjustments on the technicalities, which made the Wilson racket more similar to what the Head company had to offer. 

2009: Youtek Graphene Speed Pro

Being a Head athlete at his heart, in 2009, he signed for the well-known company, which he still endorses to this day. In the Australia Open of that year, Novak used Youtek Graphene Speed Pro. This racket is perfect for an aggressive player like Djokovic, that constantly aims for flat strokes and precision on the targets. This frame is known to be very solid and stable, while it also delivers power, spin, and maneuverability. 

In 2011, Novak switched up his racket for Head PT113B, which he is currently using in all his official tours and matches. 

Using Djokovic’s Racket Effectively

We can all agree that it is very tempting to use Novak Djokovic’s racket in hopes of playing just as well as he does. However, this can only be possible if you are exceptionally good in the game and are willing to adopt some of the Serb player strategies in order to use the racket more effectively. 

Djokovic is known to keep his strokes flat, take the ball earlier, and try to redirect the trajectory of the shots instead of blasting winners. This game style helps him defend exceptionally well and also hit great first serves.

If you aim to do the same, it’s important that the racket provides a lot of control and stability, meaning that the weight should be hefty. A denser string pattern combined with a lower swingweight, just like Novak has adjusted in his matches, allows more spin and speed while also helping to keep the trajectory at the desired flat angle. 

To achieve all this with more ease, you can copy Novak’s adjustments on the racket by adding more weight on the frame while simultaneously lowering the swingweight and going for an in-between 18×19 string pattern. It will help you be more in control of where the ball is going, hit with more precision, and even protect you from elbow injuries. 

It’s worth highlighting the fact that for most players, finding a Head PT113B racket can be impossible since this is one of the rarest frames on the market. Even if you are lucky enough to get your hands on one, most likely, it will be used and at a hefty price. This is just not realistic to the average tennis player, so it would probably be easier to settle for a Graphene 360+ Speed Pro as the next best thing and make some personal adjustments to it to make it more similar to a Djokovic racket. 

What Strings does Djokovic use?

Novak Djokovic uses a hybrid string setting for his frame and has chosen to combine Babolat VS Team Natural Gut for the mains and Luxilon Alu Power Rough for crosses. This is a smart choice for a professional, as it allows Djokovic to enjoy the burst of power potential and the silky touch of the natural gut while at the same time adding more durability to the bed frame and enhancing control levels due to the polyester strings.

Other Novak Djokovic Tennis Gear

Naturally, many fans are interested in more than the racket for a player like Novak Djokovic. He is known for his incredible success and victories but also for his effortlessly cool style on the court. If you want to look more like him the next time you hit the court, here are some of his iconic tennis gear that Novak regularly uses or wears. 

• Asics Court FF 2 tennis shoes – durable, comfortable, and stylish. These shoes come in various designs and at reasonable prices. This is great even when playing on hard courts, as the shoe design is made to protect the foot and allow better movement, 
• Head Pro X Racket XL tennis bag. Practical, with lots of space and a luxurious feeling, this bag has it all. It can take up to 12 rackets at once, while it also has many compartments to put other stuff away. 
• Lacoste x Novak Djokovic collection. No one can’t deny that Djokovic has some serious style every time he hits the court. His collaboration with Lacoste just makes sense, as the brand is known for the great designs and high quality of its products. The Djokovic collection delivers just that, as it offers the fan a wide range of clothes with colorful designs and lightweight materials.
• Head Djokovic Tennis dampener. Perfect for reducing the shock impact and the harsh vibrations, improving the racket’s feel, and decreasing the risk of injury. 

Alternative Rackets to Novak Djokovic’s Racket

When choosing a tennis racket, having at least a few alternatives is always good. Just like Novak Djokovic, being picky about your racket features and technicalities can be the best decision to enhance performance. Here are some similar options for you to consider. 

Head Graphene 360+ Speed Pro

The first obvious choice similar to what Djokovic actually uses would be the racket he endorsed. Head Graphene 360+ Speed Pro is suitable for well-experienced, advanced rackets that are looking for control and precision. In fact, this Head tennis racket offers a wide variety of features that make it work well in all areas of the court. 

The brand has integrated new technology to add more stability to the frame while also being more flexible and having that optimal bend when it comes in contact with the ball. Graphene 360+ Speed Pro makes it easy for the player to set a comfortable pace, change the trajectory of the shots, or hit a difficult target by pushing the ball deep in the opponent’s side. 

The only downside to consider is the slightly higher power potential as a result of a larger head size, which can be a deal breaker for some very advanced players, as it can ruin their game’s strategies. 

Specs 

• Head size: 100 sq” / 645.16 cm²
• Length: 27 inch / 68.58 cm
• Weight (strung): 11.6 oz / 329 grams
• Balance: 6 pts HL 
• Swingweight: 329
• Stiffness: 62
• Beam width:  23 mm / 23 mm / 23 mm
• String pattern: 18 mains / 20 crosses 

Wilson Blade Pro (18×20)

Once endorsed by Novak Djokovic, Wilson Blade Pro is now an iconic racket. The latest updates of the brand have noticeably improved playability and performance, making it easier to weaponize by a wide range of advanced players. The racket features a 98 sq² head size that is loaded with spin, speed, and a good deal of power that is not overwhelming. 

The frame allows incredible control and feels very solid due to its hefty weight and dense string pattern. It’s perfect for an aggressive baseliner that aims to control the ball’s trajectory to keep their shots flat. This racket is not the easiest to maneuver; however, the plush feeling and the technologically enhanced comfort will make it easier to connect with it. 

Specs 

• Head size: 98 sq” / 632.25 cm²
• Length: 27 inch / 68.58 cm
• Weight (strung): 11.3 oz / 321 g
• Balance: 6 pts HL 
• Swingweight: 327
• Stiffness: 67
• Beam width: 21.5 mm / 21.5 mm / 21.5 mm
• String pattern: 18 mains / 20 crosses 

Babolat Pure Strike (18×20)

The Babolat Pure Strike is one of those rackets that can easily transform into a true weapon in the hands of an experienced and skilled player. The frame is solid as a rock due to the brand’s new enhancements and can deliver incredible precision when aiming for ambitious targets. It comes in a hefty weight, and the extra mass on the swingweight translates into intense levels of control. 

This racket offers a great mix of spin and speed and allows the player to set the pace. It’s perfect for big hitters that are looking for stable frame that doesn’t get pushed around easily. The only possible downside is the low power potential which comes as no surprise for a racket as such. 

Specs 

• Head size: 98 sq” / 632.25 cm²
• Length: 27 inch / 68.58 cm
• Weight (strung): 11.4oz / 323g
• Balance: 4 pts HL 
• Swingweight: 334
• Stiffness: 66
• Beam width: 21 mm / 23 mm / 21 mm
• String pattern: 18 mains / 20 crosses

Conclusion 

Novak Djokovic can have great talent and a lot of experience on the court; however, his racket is still an important key to his success. Head PT113B is as rare as it is amazing; it delivers the perfect mix of features that a player like Novak needs. Obviously, this is nowhere close to being a beginner, or even an intermediate-friendly racket, as it requires a lot of physical power and advanced technical skills when using it. 

However, one important lesson coming directly from the Serbian tennis star is the importance of adjusting features so that the racket can serve you better and not vice versa. Keep this in mind next time you are looking for a new racket, regardless of the skill level you are currently at. 

FAQs

If you’re intrigued by the tennis racket of Novak Djokovic, you might be curious about a few details. Below, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about Novak Djokovic’s racket, including its worth, his history with racket-breaking, and why he made a significant brand switch.