In the dynamic world of tennis, Wilson continues to build on nearly 20 years of dominance with the introduction of the Blade v9 – the ninth iteration in the celebrated Blade franchise. This isn’t just a tennis racket; it’s a powerful stride toward excellence on the court, tailored for high-level players looking to level up in 2024 and beyond.
With a new season of challenges and triumphs on the horizon, now is the perfect time to give yourself an upgrade worthy of the pros. The Blade v9 is meticulously designed with the same careful consideration as past models while also incorporating updated and innovate features such as the revolutionary StableFeel technology and a Dynamic Emerald Night Green matte finish. Its sleek design not only catches the eye, but also reflects the power and sophistication that the Blade v9 unlocks on the court.
Join us on a journey through the innovations that define the Blade v9 as we detail who this racket is tailored to, delve into its upgraded technology, and discuss why it’s a must-have for any serious tennis player. Continue reading to discover how the Blade v9 is poised to elevate your game to new heights in 2024.
WHO WAS THE BLADE V9 DESIGNED FOR?
The Blade v9 is engineered to elevate the game of those who seek nothing but excellence. Tailored for competitive, high-level players, the ultimate goal of the v9 is to instill unwavering confidence during pivotal moments.
The v9 stands as a beacon of innovation for those looking to achieve new goals on the court. Whether you’re a rising star on the junior circuit, a collegiate player refining your skills, or a seasoned pro competing at the highest levels, the design of the Blade v9 caters to the nuanced needs of individuals who thrive in the competitive arena. The defining feature of the v9 is an immediate enhanced stability that leads to increased feel and control over the ball at contact. Despite fast-speed swings, the v9 ensures a more connected-to-the-ball feel for the players who wield it.
Wilson’s commitment to excellence has made the Blade franchise the most preferred racket on both the ATP and WTA Pro Tours. Serena Williams notably chose a prototype of the original Blade to secure victory at the 2007 Australian Open, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey. She went on to win 16 of her 23 Grand Slam singles titles with various versions of the Blade, cementing its place in history as the ultimate weapon of choice for champions.
This rings true today as the Blade is still the go-to choice for professionals who understand the importance of precision in every stroke, including the back-to-back champ of the 2023 and 2024 Australian Opens, Aryna Sabalenka. There are currently 40 players using the Blade across both the ATP and WTA top 100 rankings including Beatriz Haddad Maia (11), Jelena Ostapenko (12), Madison Keys (18), Stefanos Tsitsipas (7), Alex de Minaur (10), Karen Khachanov (15), and Sebastian Korda (29).
WHAT SETS THE BLADE V9 APART?
The Blade v9 is built on a legacy that starts with the racket’s debut in 2006 and includes players of great caliber. Wilson developed the Blade in response to a shift in tennis in the early 2000s from a serve and volley style to aggressive baseliners dominating. As the game got faster, players started using more spin and power to craft shots that were previously thought impossible. Thus, the Blade emerged as a tool to give advanced players the feel and control they needed to swing fast and hit punishing grounds that finished points in a variety of ways.
The Blade was a hit among the pros almost instantly. In 2008, when Wilson launched the second model in the series, the KBlade, both Australian Open finalists in the men’s tournament, Novak Djokovic and Jo Wilfred Tsonga, played with the racket.
Over the past seventeen years, the series had undergone a metamorphosis, continuously adapting as the game has evolved. Each iteration represents a step forward in technology and design and a commitment to providing competitive players with the tools they need to dominate on the court.
In the latest chapter of the Blade saga, the Wilson team set out to create a “shaper Blade” that would give players more confidence in big moments. The v9 introduces new features designed to enhance the racket's performance, at the forefront of which is the innovative StableFeel technology.
Unique to the Blade v9 racket line, StableFeel enhances the v9’s frame stability for a more connected feel, offering players unparalleled control and confidence with every stroke. Players will especially notice more control on off-center hits compared to the previous Blade v8 line.
*Pros often customize the rackets they use. Racket specifications on endorsed consumer models may vary from the models used by pros for match play.
WHY CHOOSE THE BLADE V9?
Woven into the rich tapestry of tennis history, Wilson stands tall as the gold standard of the sport. Since our inception in 1914, we’ve been the architects of tennis evolution, continually reshaping the landscape of tennis rackets. Our history spans such iconic racquets at the Jack Kramer Autograph, the T2000, the Chris Evert Autograph, the Pro Staff 85, and of course, the Blade.
With each passing year, Wilson has become an emblem of innovation. Now, 110 years later, Wilson continues to raise the bar for tennis rackets for our five key franchises, the Blade, the Ultra, the Clash, the Pro Staff, and the Shift, each of which offers unique features and advantages to players.
The Blade series has long held a special place in the hearts of tennis enthusiasts, and the v9 model only builds on that legacy. In a sport not known for shaking things up, we’ve continued to push the boundaries of what’s possible. In the last 17 years, the Blade has gone from a newcomer on the court to the number one racket on tour.
The Blade has always been about the feel, and that hasn’t changed with the v9. The flexibility and stability of the Blade is designed to give aggressive players more connectivity with the ball. Feeling the vibration of the ball on the racket’s string bed is what helps these players to feel more confident with aggressive swings. The Blade’s smaller headsize (98 sq. in) and thin beam (20.6mm) allow more in-tune control over every shot – an invaluable asset in high-pressure situations.
For those who approach the game with a relentless determination, the Blade v9 isn’t just a racket; it’s an extension of your aspirations. Backed by the legacy of the most popular racket on the pro tour circuit and equipped with brand new features including StableFeel technology and a striking matte green finish, the v9 is your key to unlocking a future defined by victory and unparalleled performance on the court.