tenniswire.org Tennis Industry Association NEWSMAKER LOGIN
become a newsmaker
SITEWIDE SEARCH

FREE NEWSLETTER!

Sign up now and receive:
- automatic entry in the WINNERS CONTEST
- latest headlines from Newsmakers
- the 411 on participation and trends
- original coverage of tournaments and trade events
- exclusive interviews with key figures


View Sample | Privacy Policy

Category: Racquets & Strings

04/18/07 - Rafael Nadal Enters Extended Partnership with Babolat Read more >>

04/17/07 - Dunlop Sports Group Teams Up with Peanuts Comics Read more >>

04/16/07 - Jelena Jankovic Wins 2007 Family Circle Cup Read more >>

Company: Babolat VS North America

04/18/07 - Rafael Nadal Enters Extended Partnership with Babolat Read more >>

02/20/07 - The Babolat Propulse Tennis Shoe, an Andy Roddick exclusive Read more >>

01/23/07 - Robby Ginepri Chooses Babolat Tennis Shoes Read more >>

Category: Racquets & Strings - Company: Babolat VS North America
Rafael Nadal Enters Extended Partnership with Babolat

Nadal to play with new Aeropro Drive at the Masters Series Monte-Carlo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Robin Ashmore or Annie Coghill
1905 Sherman Street
Denver,
303 832 2700
robin@ameliecompany.com, annie@ameliecompany.com

04/18/07 - Babolat, one of the leading manufacturers of tennis racquets, announces that the company has just signed an extended contract with back-to-back French Open Champion, Rafael Nadal.

Rafael Nadal (#2 in the ATP rankings) has signed a contract with the Babolat brand that will equip him with racquets, strings, grips, accessories and bags for the next 10 years. Thus, with the 21 year-old champion, Babolat will continue to develop the best technical equipment to suit his game.

With the announcement of the new contract, Babolat is also introducing the new Aeropro Drive racquet equipped with the Cortex System, the result of collaboration between the brand and the young Spanish champion. Rafael Nadal started playing with this new racquet at the Masters Series Monte-Carlo Tournament that began April 14, 2007.

“Rafael Nadal has signed a new contract with Babolat for 10 years. This is a true sign of confidence,” said Eric Babolat, CEO of Babolat. “We are proud of the collaboration with such a champion. We accompany him on his major tournaments; we listen to him to design a racquet that best fits his game. This collaboration is large for him and for us.”

Two-time champion of the French Open in 2005 and 2006 and record holder of 60 consecutive clay court wins, Rafael Nadal has always played with a Babolat racquet. “I am very happy,” said Rafael Nadal. “My first racquet was a Babolat. Today, Babolat has developed a new Aeropro Drive racquet for me. It corresponds perfectly to my game, very fast. Thanks to the Cortex System, I have a new feel of the ball. And I love its look.” Passionate and competitive, Rafael Nadal perfectly embodies the attributes of the Babolat brand, entirely dedicated to tennis since 1875.

About the new Aeropro Drive racquet with Cortex
Third generation of racquets with the aerodynamic profile for maximum power, the new Aeropro Drive racquet has been enhanced with the Cortex System to optimize the feel of the ball at impact. Located at the base of the throat of the racquet, this new Babolat Cortex System technology filters unnecessary vibrations, keeping only those that players are looking for when the ball comes in contact with the racquet.

The state-of-the-art technologies and a new design playing on the asymmetry of the colors make this a decidedly modern racquet. Baseline hitters who like heavy topspin will appreciate the aerodynamics of the Aeropro Drive for its power.

Product Specifications:
Composition: High modulus graphite
Technologies: Aero Modular technology, Cortex System
Head size: 100 sq. inches/645 cm2
Weight: 10.6 oz./300g (unstrung)
Balance point: 320 mm
Suggested Retail: $185.00 (sold unstrung)
Available in stores starting May 2007

About Babolat
Founded in Lyon, France, in 1875, Babolat is the first company to have specialized in racquet sports and the world leader in the production of natural gut strings. Easily recognized by its trademark “double-line” (two stripes on the racquet frame and black on the stringing bed), Babolat is still family-owned. Today, with U.S. operations in Boulder, Colorado, the company also manufactures synthetic strings, shoes, full range of accessories for all racquet sports as well as a best-selling line of racquets used by 20% of the top 100 players in the ATP and WTA including Rafael Nadal, Andy Roddick and Kim Clijsters. To find out where Babolat products are sold, log on to www.babolat.com or call (877) 316-9435.

Photos available upon request.

Amélie Company Contacts: Robin Ashmore or Annie Coghill, (303) 832-2700