In the opening round of the 2025 Dubai Championships, Stefanos Tsitsipas, the Greek tennis sensation, took to the court with an unusual choice of gear – a blacked-out racket frame. This deviation from his usual equipment caught the attention of many, leading Tsitsipas to shed light on his choice post-match.
Despite being a top-tier player, Tsitsipas’s performance in the current ATP season hasn’t been up to his usual standards. The Greek player, known for his powerful groundstrokes and tenacity, has had an underwhelming start, with three wins out of six matches. Adding to the concern was his unexpected first-round exit at the 2025 Australian Open.
The sudden switch to a blacked-out racket frame in Dubai, therefore, was seen by many as an attempt to break the rut and bring about a turnaround in his performance. Some speculated it to be a psychological ploy, while others considered it a technical adjustment to his game.
Tsitsipas, however, had a straightforward explanation for his choice. He felt the need to recalibrate his game and found the blacked-out frame to be a tool that could facilitate this change. The altered tool, he believed, would assist him in navigating the challenging start to his season.
As the Greek player continues his journey in the Dubai Championships, fans and experts alike will be keenly observing if the blacked-out racket frame will indeed bring a shift in his game. If it does, it might just become a part of his signature style on the court.
All eyes are on Tsitsipas now, as he steps on the court with his new gear, hoping to turn the tide in his favor. Whether the blacked-out frame will emerge as a lucky charm or just a passing fad, only time will tell. Until then, the tennis world will be closely watching each swing of Tsitsipas’s blacked-out racket, waiting to see if it can indeed change the course of his season.