Babolat’s 30-Year Legacy: Disrupting Tennis with the Pure Drive and Beyond
In the annals of tennis, Babolat stands as a beacon of innovation, having revolutionized the sport with its groundbreaking racquets. Three decades ago, the French brand introduced the Pure Drive, a game-changer that defied traditional norms.
The Pure Drive’s larger head, lighter weight, and rigid, variable beam challenged the prevailing paradigm of control-oriented frames. It offered unprecedented power without sacrificing stability, attracting top players like Carlos Moya, Andy Roddick, and Kim Clijsters.
But what truly set the Pure Drive apart was its versatility. Advanced players harnessed its power, while developing players benefited from its forgiving sweet spot. It became the epitome of the “tweener” category, bridging the gap between control and power.
Eric Babolat, the fifth-generation CEO of the family-run company, attributes the Pure Drive’s success to its ability to enhance the game for players of all skill levels. “It helps that if you don’t really center the ball, it still stays in the court and the game is more fun,” he says.
Babolat’s innovation didn’t stop there. The Pure Aero, made famous by Rafael Nadal, became a perennial best-seller thanks to its spin-generating design. The Pure Strike emerged as the brand’s control-oriented franchise, while RPM polyester string accentuated the topspin produced by modern frames.
Despite these advancements, Babolat remains deeply rooted in its heritage. The VS gut string, which launched the company in 1875, continues to be a cornerstone of its identity. “It’s still performing after 150 years, which is quite surprising,” says Babolat.
As the brand enters its 150th year, Babolat envisions a future where tennis becomes more accessible and enjoyable. He believes that improving the grip’s universality could accelerate the learning curve and foster a larger player base.
“That’s all we do, all what we love at Babolat,” he says. “We have plenty of ideas to make it more enjoyable, more accessible for tennis lovers. Because we love it, too.”
