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Top Tennis Stars Offer Advice to Players In New 'Up Your Game' Campaign

NEW YORK, N.Y. (May 27, 2019) — A new industry campaign designed to help consumers get the most out of their equipment has enlisted the help of some of the game’s biggest stars—including Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal. The tennis stars offer their advice on videos produced by and airing on Tennis Channel and social media channels, and in print ads in Tennis Magazine.

The “Up Your Game” campaign brings advice from a dozen top pros on their gear, new technology, the importance of new strings and other areas to help recreational players enjoy the game and play better. The tour pros interviewed were:

• Kevin Anderson (plays with Dunlop racquet)
• Marin Cilic (Head racquet)
• Roger Federer (Wilson racquet)
• Taylor Fritz (Head racquet)
• Angelique Kerber (Yonex racquet)
• Madison Keys (Wilson racquet)
• Christina McHale (Head racquet)
• Garbine Muguruza (Babolat racquet)
• Rafael Nadal (Babolat racquet)
• Denis Shapovalov (Yonex)
• Serena Williams (Wilson racquet)
• Caroline Wozniacki (Babolat racquet)

The Tennis Channel sat down with the tour players in March, during the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif. Not only did the top pros take the time to share advice and insights designed to help all players, but Tennis Channel also interviewed key equipment directors at each of the five brands: Babolat, Dunlop, Head, Wilson and Yonex.

“Getting the most out of your gear is vital to getting the most out of your game,” says Jeff Williams, president of the Tennis Industry Association (TIA) and director of publishing with Tennis Channel/Tennis Magazine. The TIA worked with Tennis Channel and racquet manufacturers to help coordinate the messaging.

“The latest game-improvement tennis equipment and products are constantly evolving, and we look to better inform and encourage recreational players to get or seek advice,” says TIA Executive Director Jolyn de Boer. “With our partners at the Tennis Channel, the tips and recommendations we’ve compiled from both top professional players and key racquet manufacturing executives will help all players to enjoy the game more and play better.”

The best advice for players, when searching for a new racquet and even new strings, is to demo the products, de Boer emphasizes. “Find a tennis facility or retailer near you and ask the experts to properly match the correct gear to your game.”

The tips for recreational tennis players compiled by the Tennis Channel and TIA include these general guidelines and recommendations:

• Recreational players should restring their racquets three to four times a year.
• Seek the advice of professional stringers or Master Racquet Technicians, since string tension affects control, power, spin and playability, all of which are lost over time with any type of string. Visit playtennis.com/gear to find a stringer/technician.
• Racquets and strings are very susceptible to the environment, particularly to heat and humidity. Do not leave racquets in your car or trunk.
• Materials used in racquet frames break down over time, resulting in loss of power and less control. The TIA recommends that recreational players upgrade their racquet every two to three years.
• Racquet technology continues to improve with every new model released, which can help players gain more control, spin, power and comfort.
• Players’ games change over time, so it’s important to ask the expert and match the correct equipment to help maximize your playing style.

To view all the videos from top tour players, searches and tips on the proper care of tennis gear and advice from leading manufacturers, visit playtennis.com/gear.

Posted on May 27, 2019
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