Tennis Icon Serena Williams Debuts New Racket

Wilson Advisory Staff Member and global tennis icon Serena Williams and Wilson Sporting Goods Co., revealed today the new Blade SW102 Autograph racket. Initially seen on court at the 2020 Australian Open as a blacked-out prototype, the new SW102 was co-developed with the 23-time Grand Slam Champion. The hallmark characteristic of the SW102 tennis racket is its smaller head size – 102 square inches versus the 104 square inches of her previous Blade SW104 Autograph racket. Wilson LABS, the innovation hub at Wilson, spent nearly a year working with Serena Williams playtesting prototypes to create a racket that better supported her signature power while enhancing control.

“I love my previous Blade tennis racket, and it’s been a huge part of my game, but I knew I needed to make adjustments,” said Serena Williams. “A tennis racket is such a sensitive thing. I talked with Wilson about wanting more control and what that could look like, and importantly, feel like. So, we got to work. I am really into technology and trying new things out. And while the process was long, we ultimately designed exactly what I need for my game. I’ve had this new racket in my hands for most of this year, and it just feels right.”

“Serena is undeniably the best women’s tennis player in the world,” said Ron Rocchi, Advanced Innovation and Player Insight Manager for Wilson Racquet Sports. “She has always had aggressive goals for her career, and therefore, ever-willing to try new technologies that can complement her on court and give her an edge.”

“The extensive prototyping and playtesting process we underwent allowed us to build a new racket that would support both Serena’s style and high-level of play,” added Rocchi.

Ron Rocchi has designed Serena William’s Wilson performance tennis rackets since she turned professional in 1995.

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