Inventor of the first tennis string in 1875, Babolat launched its first tennis racquets in 1994. After more than a century devoted to strings and racquet accessories, designing its own tennis racquets marked a turning point in the brand's history. Curious and disruptive by nature, innovation is part of the DNA. Three decades of victories, emotions, and continued collaboration with players from their first time on court to capturing Grand Slam titles has established Babolat's leadership in the tennis. Thirty years of success in 150 countries around the world. In France, Europe, the USA, and Japan, with best sellers such as the Babolat Pure Drive, with its iconic blue color, and the Babolat Pure Aero, the racquet synonymous with Rafa, domination at the French Open, and now Carlos Alcaraz. This anniversary will be celebrated in the presence of Group Chairman Éric Babolat and many of the brand's champions, at the famous Lagardère Paris Racing club in Paris.
30 years of Babolat Tennis Racquets celebrated at a major event in Paris
In the world of tennis racquets, Babolat is in its thirtieth year, and it's well worth a special anniversary. It was celebrated in the remarkable setting of Lagardère Paris Racing's Bois de Boulogne club in Paris, in the presence of Eric Babolat and Rafael Nadal, as well as Carlos Moya (first Grand Slam winner with a Babolat racquet, at the French Open in 1998), Carlos Alcaraz (youngest number 1 in tennis history), Felix Auger-Aliassime, Holger Rune, Arthur Cazaux, Fabio Fognini, Cameron Norrie.
A unique series of interactive workshops, combining surprises and emotions, was offered, notably on a blue clay court, in which champions and children from Yannick Noah's “Fête le Mur” association, of which Babolat is the historic partner, participated.
It's an opportunity to revisit Babolat's history in tennis, a family saga that began with the first natural gut strings and continued with VS strings, made famous by the French Tennis Musketeers (Lacoste, Borotra, Cochet, Brugnon) and Suzanne Lenglen, as well as other great champions such as Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras and Boris Becker, and developed through a series of inventions, such as the first stringing machine (Cordynel) and synthetic strings. Babolat also launched its tennis ball business in 2001, then its tennis shoe business in partnership with Michelin, and its textile business in 2002, to offer a complete range of products to all lovers of the game. A brand in constant motion.
Babolat, close to tennis champions for nearly 150 years
Babolat's history is rich in fascinating, virtuous collaborations and close relationships with legends of the sport. The champions who have made us dream have all benefited from the brand's products, services, and innovations, constantly driven by a concern for performance. Many of these legends have dominated the tennis world: Carlos Moya, Li Na, Kim Clijsters, Karolina Pliskova, Garbine Muguruza and, of course, Rafael Nadal (since his 10th birthday in 1996, winner of French Open for the first time in 2005, No.1 since January 2008).
Babolat's relationship with the Majorcan goes far beyond his incredible list of achievements - 22 Majors, including 14 French Opens, 2 Masters, 5 Davis Cups, Olympic titles in singles (Beijing 2008) and doubles (Rio 2016). Rafael Nadal has been an integral part of the Babolat family since the age of 9, when he was still hesitating between tennis and soccer. He signed his first international contract with Babolat in 2001. Through his exemplarity, humility, and the respect he inspires, the Spaniard continues to an exemplary ambassador for the brand and its values.
This unique relationship is the best expression of Babolat's desire to unearth the talents of tomorrow. The transition began several years ago, notably with Carlos Alcaraz, who joined the Babolat team at the age of 10 by winning the Babolat Cup. You can't make this stuff up. World No. 1 from September 2022, already winner of two Majors at the age of 21, the Spaniard formally extended his partnership with Babolat until 2030. Like these two Iberian gems, other jewels of the circuit won a Grand Slam by playing with a Babolat racquet : Dominic Thiem, Sofia Kenin, Li Na and the pair Roger-Vasselin - Benneteau (French Open 2014), for example, have also experienced this joy, while others, such as Jo-Wilfried-Tsonga and Nicolas Escudé, have made tennis history through Masters 1000 or Davis Cup titles. All these careers inspire the leaders of the younger generation, such as Holger Rune, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Arthur Fils, Arthur Cazaux, Leylah Fernandez and Clara Burel, who today place their trust in Babolat.
This anniversary is an opportunity for Babolat to present a new limited edition (30,000 units) of the Babolat Pure Drive racquet, which revolutionizes the game and breaks codes with its versatility, maneuverability, and power. Each individual Pure Drive 30th Anniversary racquet features a unique paint cosmetic, combining all the blues in the iconic Pure Drive’s history. It is an impressive confirmation of Babolat's incredible ability to reinvent itself. For the brand, thirty years is an opportunity to look back. And, above all, a lot ahead.
Team babolat pro players may play with a customized or different model than the equipment depicted.