Geared Up: Carlos Alcaraz plays his show-stopping style with ...

A closer look at the equipment of the Spanish sensation.

© © TENNIS PHOTO NETWORK, TEL- +61 433 754 488 TEL - +44 7843 383 012 TEL - +1 646 288 5771 [email protected]

With its smaller head size and thinner, more flexible beam, the Aero 98 is the most demanding and control-oriented member of the franchise. Its 16x20 string pattern reins in some of the prodigious Aero spin, which benefits the frame’s ability to hit smaller targets and employ more all-court tactics. But it’s still capable of producing a lively ball packed with pace and rotation. It just requires more of a swing and cleaner contact from the user than the standard model, which is not a problem for Alcaraz. A nice bonus for competitive players needing multiple racquets is the Aero 98 is offered as a single or in matching pairs. The two matched racquets are intended to have a maximum weight variance of just 1 gram, well below industry standard.

This slim fitting crew is constructed with lightweight, breathable stretch-knit fabric designed to limit body cling while keeping moisture at bay. An innovative wrap-around seam across the shoulders promotes unrestricted movement and a comfortable feel. A French-inspired moire print celebrates the clay-court season, and gives the piece a stylish look.

The added Spandex in these smooth, stretchy woven shorts lets them to adjust to the most aggressive court coverage. The fit is not too baggy or restrictive, with built-in inner compression shorts to provide extra support. An elastic waistband and drawstring enable a comfortable, tailored fit. Deep side pockets ensure nothing escapes during play.

Alcaraz is arguably the most explosive mover on tour, and requires a shoe that can handle his fast-twitch style. This latest in the Vapor line is designed to sit lower to the court than previous iterations for a faster first step and overall quickness. It’s full of features that brace the shoe in and out of cuts, such as the molded sidewall on the lateral side of the shoe that encapsulates the heel. The tongue now has a ½ inner sleeve or bootie construction for better comfort and ease of entry. Cushioning comes via a dense EVA heel, with Zoom Air underneath the forefoot. And the data-informed outsole design has had rubber removed in low wear areas to keep weight at a minimum, while allowing for optimal grip and sliding capabilities.