WIRED Staff
Science

Slideshow: Tennis Swaps Grace for Strength

Today's professional tennis is largely a baseline game, with players hanging back to contend with the crushing shots generated by modern rackets. As the U.S. Open gets underway this week, some of the sport's former top players say unlimited racket power is hurting the game. By Mark McClusky.
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Andy Roddick, who holds the record for the fastest serve on the men's tour at 149 mph, dismissed the former players' concerns about the state of the racket.AP Photo/Brian Behrman

See related story: Tennis Swaps Grace for Strength

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High-tech rackets, made of graphite, Kevlar, titanium and exotic alloys, have contributed to a boom in the popularity of the women's game, as have powerful players like Jennifer Capriati.

AP Photo/Bob Child
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Players like Venus and Serena Williams have boosted the power, athleticism and popularity of women's tennis.

AP Photo/Steve Holland
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John McEnroe, left, and Boris Becker, center, are challenging the International Tennis Federation to limit the size and power of today's tennis rackets.

AP Photo/Fabian Bimmer