Tommy Paul Gear Guide | Racket, Strings, Apparel & More
Tommy Paul has had a lot of success on the ATP Tour in recent years winning his first title at the Stockholm Open in 2021 and reaching the semi-finals of the 2023 Australian Open.
But what is the gear he uses to help him be so successful?
Well in this guide we will explore all the equipment he uses such as rackets, strings, apparel and much more so you can learn if Tommy’s gear is the right fit for you.
Type | Tommy Paul's Gear |
Racket | |
Strings | |
Grips | |
Bag | |
Apparel | |
Shoes |
Racket
Tommy Paul signed a new sponsorship deal with Yonex at the beginning of 2023 and has chosen to play with the Yonex VCORE 98.
The Yonex VCORE 98 is a very popular racket and is used by many pros with the biggest names being Denis Shapovalov, Caroline Garcia and Elena Rybakina.
Yonex VCORE 98 | Specs |
Head Size | 98 in / 632.26 cm |
Length | 27 in / 68.58 cm |
Strung Weight | 11.4oz / 323g |
Balance | 6 pts HL |
Swingweight | 318 |
Sitffness | 62 |
Beam Width | 23mm / 23mm / 21mm |
String Pattern | 16 Mains / 19 Crosses |
Yonex is known for its isometric head shapes, and it is no different when it comes to this racket. It is said that with this unique racket shape, you can get more spin on the ball which is definitely the case with the Yonex VCORE 98.
The VCORE 98 has a slightly smaller head size than other rackets on tour at 98 in2 but make no mistake, this racket still packs a punch. In fact, the only downside I have with the Yonex VCORE 98 is that it is so powerful that some players may find it hard to control. However, paired with strings made for control you can find the perfect blend.
The VCORE 98 also has a very soft feel to it, making it perfect for players that like to mix up their game with drop shots and volleys. But for players that rely on being rock solid at the baseline, this may not be the racket for you and I would recommend a stiffer racket with more control.
We can never know exactly what racket professional tennis players are using as many choose to stick with a familiar racket they are comfortable with and add a paint job to look like the racket they are endorsing. But we are certain that Tommy Paul is using a Yonex racket as the unique head shape cannot be manufactured by any other company.
Strings
The Luxilon Alu Power 16L is a very popular string on tour providing a beautiful blend of precision and control. In fact, it is so popular that even the likes of Roger Federer and Andre Agassi used the Luxilon Alu Power.
The Luxilon Alu Power is a firm polyester string made for spin and control. It is used by many pros on tour so they can control their explosive shots as well as their gracious drop shots.
It is very common to see many professional tennis players use rackets that are heavier than standard rackets to achieve more power on their strokes which is why having a string that can control that power is very important.
Tommy Paul uses the Yonex VCORE 98 which is known for being a very powerful racket so paired with the Luxilon Alu Power 16L makes this the perfect combination of power and control.
If you’re looking for a tennis string that provides more power, then this is not the string for you.
Grips
Tommy Paul uses the Yonex Super Grap Overgrips and wraps these over a replacement grip.
They provide a good amount of tackiness and absorb shocks and perspirations giving you a comfortable experience.
Whilst it is unknown what grip size Tommy Paul uses, the most common is size 3 or 4 ⅜. See the table below for all racket grip sizes:
Size | Inches | Millimeters |
0 | 4 | 102 |
1 | 4 1/8 | 105 |
2 | 4 1/4 | 108 |
3 | 4 3/8 | 111 |
4 | 4 1/2 | 114 |
5 | 4 5/8 | 118 |
6 | 4 3/4 | 121 |
Bag
Seeing as he is sponsored by Yonex, it is no surprise that Tommy Paul uses the Yonex Pro Racket 12 Pack Bag.
The bag can hold up to 12 rackets and is made from durable materials so you can take it anywhere. One of the compartments also features a climate protective lining so you can protect your tennis rackets and any valuable equipment from harsh temperatures.
It also comes packed with storage space for all your belongings and is the perfect travel bag for any tournament!
Apparel
Tommy Paul is sponsored by New Balance for all of his clothes.
Many major tennis clothing brands will change the design of their gear throughout the year, normally releasing new designs around the time of the Grand Slam events.
I’m a huge fan of the designs by New Balance and I loved the clothing he wore during his run at the 2023 Australian Open.
Shoes
Tommy Paul also relies on New Balance for his shoes.
New Balance is one of the most popular brands when it comes to tennis shoes due to the comfort and stability they provide players. This is very important for professional tennis players as they will spend multiple hours on the court and need a pair of shoes they can trust.
Tommy is currently using the New Balance Fresh Foam X Lav v2.
Image Source: 6ABC