The Best Tennis Racquets in Australia (2026): Our Picks by Level
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There is no single best tennis racquet.
There's the best racquet for you. And that depends on three things: your level, how you swing, and what your arm can handle.
We see hundreds of players every year in our Moonee Ponds shop. This guide is how we'd steer you if you walked in today, using racquets you can actually buy in Australia right now.
We'll cover:
- How to work out your level honestly
- Our picks for beginners, intermediates and advanced players
- The best racquets for spin, control and comfort
- How to narrow it down before you spend $300 or more
Quick answer: Beginners and improvers do best with a light, forgiving 100 sq in frame around 270 to 285g. Intermediates suit a 100 sq in frame around 300g. Advanced players with fast swings usually move to a 97 or 98 sq in head at 305g or more.
Step 1: be honest about your level
| Level | What it looks like | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | New to tennis, or back after a long break. Rallies are short. | Light (255 to 285g), big head (100 sq in plus), easy power |
| Intermediate | Can rally consistently, plays social or pennant tennis, developing a full swing. | Around 285 to 300g, 100 sq in head, a balance of power and control |
| Advanced | Long, fast swings. Generates own pace and spin. Plays competition. | 300 to 320g, 97 to 98 sq in head, more control and stability |
Most adults overestimate their level by one step.
If you're unsure between two, go with the lower one. A slightly easier racquet will help you more than a demanding one will.
Best racquets for beginners
You want help from the frame. Light weight, a big sweet spot, and easy power so the ball goes deep without a perfect swing.
- Head Boom MP L. Easy power and a forgiving feel. See the Head Boom range.
- Wilson Clash 100L. Very flexible and comfortable, great if you're worried about your arm. See Wilson Clash.
- Yonex EZONE 100L. A big, forgiving sweet spot with lots of easy depth. See Yonex EZONE.
- Yonex VCORE 100L. If you already like to hit with topspin. See Yonex VCORE.
Buying for a child under about 11? Start with our junior racquet size guide instead.
Best racquets for intermediates
This is the biggest group, and the one with the best choice. You've got a decent swing, so you want a frame around 300g that gives you some free power but still lets you control it.
| If you want... | Look at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The best all-rounder | Head Speed MP | Balanced power and control. Suits almost every game style. |
| More spin | Yonex VCORE 100 or Babolat Pure Aero | Spin-friendly frames that make the ball dip. |
| Easy power | Head Boom MP or Yonex EZONE 100 | Big sweet spots and plenty of depth. |
| All-court feel | Head Radical MP | Great at the net as well as the baseline. |
| Comfort | Wilson Clash 100 | Flexible and kind on the arm. |
Browse Head Speed, Yonex VCORE, Babolat Pure Aero and Head Radical.
Torn between two VCOREs? Read VCORE 98 vs VCORE 100.
Best racquets for advanced players
At this level the racquet should do less of the work. You want stability, precision and control, because you're already supplying the pace.
- Head Speed Tour. The first Speed with a 97 sq in head. Control without losing the Speed feel.
- Yonex VCORE 98. Heavy topspin with real control. See VCORE.
- Wilson Blade 98. A long-time favourite for feel and precision. See Wilson Blade.
- Head Gravity Tour. A huge sweet spot and a plush feel for hard hitters. See Head Gravity.
- Wilson Pro Staff 97. Classic, solid and precise. See Wilson Pro Staff.
- Yonex Percept 97. Built for control and feel. See Yonex Percept.
Best racquets for comfort and sore arms
If your elbow or shoulder is already grumbling, comfort comes first.
- Volkl Vostra and V8. Built around comfort.
- Wilson Clash. One of the most flexible frames you can buy.
- Yonex EZONE. Forgiving and smooth.
Strings matter just as much here. Read our full guide to racquets for tennis elbow.
How to narrow it down
- Pick your level from the table above.
- Pick two or three frames from that section.
- Check the specs that matter: head size, weight and balance. Our racquet specs guide explains each one.
- Check the version. Most racquets come in lighter and heavier versions. Our guide to L, UL, Pro and Tour versions explains the difference.
- Get your grip size right. See our grip size guide.
- Hit before you buy. Take them on court through our demo program, or try our racquet finder.
Tip from our stringers: The string you choose can change a racquet more than people expect. A great frame with the wrong string will feel wrong. Ask us to set it up for your game when you buy.
Ready to choose?
Browse all tennis racquets, or come into the shop at 644 Mt Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds. We'll talk through your game, put a few frames in your hand and string your pick, usually by the next day through our racquet restringing service.
Quick questions
What is the best tennis racquet for beginners?
A light, forgiving racquet around 255 to 285g with a 100 sq in or larger head. The Head Boom MP L, Wilson Clash 100L and Yonex EZONE 100L are good examples.
What weight tennis racquet should an adult beginner use?
Most adult beginners do well between 255 and 285g unstrung. Heavier racquets are more stable but harder to swing until your technique develops.
Is a 98 or 100 head size better?
A 100 sq in head is more forgiving and powerful. A 98 gives more control. Most intermediates are better off with a 100.
How much should I spend on a tennis racquet in Australia?
Most quality adult performance racquets sit between about $280 and $450. Beginner and junior frames cost less. Restringing is extra unless it's included.