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Anyone think the length of Bartolli's racquet gives her some advantage?  I certainly do. What are the rules on length, anyhow.  Player's racquets should be standard for sure!!  I remember M.Chang got a racquet extended an inch or two; but, Bartolli's nearly scratches the ground holding normally from her hip.  No wonder she has to contort that service motion something awful to get that thing around.  Believe me she get's a little extra using that telephone pole of a racquet.  Get them all standard in my opinion.  Then we can see more strategy and mental strength as difference makers, not technology!

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This is so interesting that you brought this up today.

My son played his first USTA tournament yesterday and, at check in, they measured his racquet and denied his use of it!  He was so upset and a little embarrassed.  He plays 10s and the max length is 25".  His stick measured 25.5" and they said no way.  This is the racquet he has been playing with for a year.  It fits his size and he plays great with it.  The opponent and his dad did not care at all, but the organizers would not be swayed.  I can not see why they would have this rule for the kids.  It seems like they should be playing with racquets that they like and that they play well with.  Apparently his racquet is for the 12s division (not the 10s or the 14s!)  Is this a ploy by the racquet manufacturers to sell more racquets?  (To be fair, you can use a 10s racquet in the 12s and a 12s racquet in the 14s etc.)

As for the pros, there is a max length, just like there is a max head size.  I don't think there is a max weight though.

yes its a ploy.. and the USTA is cashing in on it....they can demand more money from contributors by saying we did this.....and the Racquet companies want to sell more crap you dont need.

What you should have done was bend the metal racquet to be correct size...

I dreamed of whipping out a hacksaw and cutting 1/2" off the grip right on the tournament director's desk.  :-)

Now that's a fatherly thing to dream. lol

Just make sure you measure twice and cut once.  It might not go down too well if you see the part that you just cut off measure a full inch.

Use a ruler, a piece of chalk, a strong vice grip and a heavy duty hacksaw. lol

This sounds like it would make a good youtube video.

How did that tournament go Mark?

The rules allow for a maximum of 29.0 inches.  Bartoli's custom racquet (Prince EXO3 Warrior) measures 28.5", so it falls within legal parameters.  Other players are certainly allowed to have the same "benefits," if they chose to partake in it.  However, while a longer racquet can give you more power and extended reach, you lose maneuverability and have to deal with an increased swing time.  In my opinion, if she has patterned her game around an elongated racquet, more power to her.  As long as she (and her dad) realize it has limitations in other areas.

They should limit to 27.5. Anything more than that should be illegal. Bartoli thinks the serve is a giant barndoor that swings open. lol

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