There was a time when Ivan Lendl was the best tennis player in the world – many years later; people still want to know what tennis racket he used.
He won 8 Grand Slam titles and was one of the most dominant players of his generation.
But what tennis racket did he use? Why did he choose his specific racket?
In this article, we will look at Ivan Lendl’s career and find out what racket he used to achieve such fantastic success.
Who is Ivan Lendl?
Ivan Lendl is a former professional tennis player from Czechoslovakia.
He is considered one of the greatest players in the sport’s history and was one of the most successful players on the pro tour in the 1980s.
During his career, Lendl won eight Grand Slam singles titles- two at Australian Open, three at the US Open, and three at the French Open.
In addition to his impressive Grand Slam record, Lendl won two Masters 1000 titles and 27 ATP Tour singles titles, reaching number one in the world rankings for 270 weeks.
He was born on March 7, 1960, and is considered one of the best tennis players ever.
He was not only the No. 1 player in the world for more than 270 weeks, but he also broke many records during his fantastic career, which gave him American citizenship:
He was the first player to win at least 20 titles in a single season and the first player to earn more than $12 million in prize money.
He is also credited as Andy Murray’s coach and helped him win Wimbledon in 2013.
Ivan Lendl’s playing style
Ivan’s playing style was very aggressive, and he was always looking for an opportunity to take the ball early and put pressure on his opponent.
He would often take the ball on the rise and hit it hard and flat, which made it difficult for his opponents to control the points.
His backhand was not as strong as his forehand, but he compensated for this by using a lot of drop shots and lobs to keep his opponents guessing.
His forehand was his biggest weapon, and he used it effectively against his opponents.
His excellent playing style and famous forehand gave him nicknames like “The Father of the Modern Game” and “The Father of the Inside Out Forehand.”
What racket did Ivan Lendl use?
Like all the tennis players who reached excellent records and fame, Ivan Lendl used many tennis rackets during his career.
But his most famous tennis racket was the Graphite GTX Pro by Adidas that he used to win the French Open in 1984-
This is the racket that Ivan Lendl used to defeat John McEnroe in one of the most famous matches in French Open history.
This graphite tennis racket had a hollow neck and came with white gut strings.
The frame was pale blue and had a brown leather handle with a red logo and text. Along with the handle and throat of the racket, the head was also covered in a blue dot pattern.
Why did Ivan Lendl use this specific racket?
This question has no definitive answer, but a few theories might explain why Ivan Lendl chose this particular racket.
One theory is that Lendl liked the feel of the Graphite GTX Pro and found that it gave him more power and control over his shots.
Another theory is that Adidas sponsored Lendl and gave him the Graphite GTX Pro to use in tournaments.
Whatever the reason, it is clear that this tennis racket helped Ivan Lendl achieve some of his most significant victories on the professional tour.
Can I buy Ivan Lendl’s tennis racket?
No, the Graphite GTX Pro is no longer in production and isn’t easy to find on the secondary market.
However, if you are interested in buying a tennis racket used by Ivan Lendl, there are a few replica versions of the Graphite GTX Pro that you can find online.
But honestly, you better buy and try more modern tennis rackets than the outdated racket used by Ivan Lendl:
Let’s not forget that Ivan retired in 1994 and that tennis racket technology has dramatically evolved in the last two decades.
Still, it is interesting to see what kind of rackets some of the greatest tennis players have ever used during their careers.
Lendl is one of my heroes, and I enjoyed researching and writing this blog post.
Is Adidas a good brand for tennis rackets?
While there is no question that Adidas is an excellent brand for sneakers and sportswear, their tennis rackets are not as highly rated by consumers.
However, they have a few models worth considering if you want a new tennis racket.
The Adidas barricade is a popular choice among beginner and intermediate players.
It is a lightweight racket that provides good power and control.
The Adidas response is an excellent option if you are looking for a more advanced racket.
It is made with carbon fiber and has a large sweet spot, making it easier to hit powerful shots.
No matter what level of player you are, Adidas has a tennis racket that can suit your needs.
Does Adidas make tennis rackets?
Yes, Adidas is a well-known brand that manufactures all sports equipment, including tennis rackets.
As one of the leading manufacturers of sports equipment, Adidas offers a wide variety of tennis rackets for all levels of players.
Whether you are just starting or a professional player, Adidas has a racket that can meet your needs.
Just notice their rackets are less popular now than the major tennis rackets brands such as Wilson or Head.
In conclusion
Ivan Lendl is a legendary tennis player who used many rackets during his prosperous career.
His most famous racket was the Graphite GTX Pro by Adidas, which he used to win the French Open 1984.
This racket is no longer in production, but there are replica versions that you can find online.
Adidas is a well-known brand that manufactures sports equipment, including tennis rackets.
While their rackets are not as popular as other brands, they have a few models worth considering.
No matter what level of player you are, Adidas has a tennis racket that can suit your needs.
Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed this blog post.
Let me know if you have any questions or if there is anything else you would like to know about Ivan Lendl and his famous tennis racket.
Do you have a favorite tennis player? Let me know in the comments below!
And if you want to know about active players’ rackets, click here.
Happy Tennis! 🙂
