How many times have you gone looking at a new racquet, string, or even shoe, and been told for example, "This is the racquet that Rafael Nadal uses."  As if that should have any impact on what frame we choose for ourselves and our personal style.  More importantly, for the people that buy a racquet based off the popularity of their favorite stars, would you be upset to find out that the pros are using customized gear?

The buzz of a new year invariably brings with it questions of player equipment changes.  Whether it be changing sponsors or just moving to a new racquet, it happens and the first major of the year, the Australian Open serves as the very first mainstream peak at new equipment changes.  This year brought about fewer changes among the top men than most years, with the only major change being world #3, Novak Djokovic.