Roger Federer credits his stealth accomplice for his resurgence.
The world No. 1 told the media in Miami his move to the larger 97 square-inch Wilson racquet from his former 90-inch racquet back in 2015 has paid power dividends.
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Federer said his all-black Pro Staff RF97 frame delivers easier power on serve and on his one-handed backhand, the stroke that was once vulnerable to high, heavy topspin from rival Rafael Nadal.
Federer, who began his career playing with an 85-inch Wilson Pro Staff, detailed the three different racquet specs he's wielded.
"So there are three frames. The 85, the 90, the 97," Federer said. "I had the 85 to 2002, the 90 from 2002 to 2014, and the 97 from then on.
"I just feel like the one I play right now, RF97, is just easier to play on every single day. It gives me easier power on the serve, allows me to attack the backhand more, allows me to hit easier backhand half-volley as well."
The 20-time Grand Slam champion says switching to a larger stick has made stroke production smoother, particularly when pulled out of position.
"I have had to do some minor adjustments maybe on the slice and on the forehand, you know, which were, it was always working, so I just had some adjustments to make there, but I feel like it's helped me just overall on every single day that it's just easier to play tennis," Federer said. "The other (racquets) you had to feel really good, focus, move your legs, you had to be on at all times to play with it. So this one seems a bit easier, and I think it's helped me to keep my confidence up for longer periods of time maybe."
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