Key insights

• ⚠️ COVID-19 led to shutdowns and suspension of tennis activities, prompting strategic adaptation like on-court consultations and travel tasks delegation
• 🎾 Shift in conversations with racket and string companies towards non-pro tennis, including challenges with stock and new releases
• 🏞️ Operations at Lake Nona suspended due to state shutdown
• 🔄 Uncertainty about upcoming tournaments and changes in racket technology and strings, with Yonex and Head rackets being popular choices
• 🎾 String pattern choice impacts gameplay: 18x20 for control, 16x19 for spin; Brands adapt to changes offering softer, more comfortable rackets
• 🎾 Recommended rackets for players aged 35-50 include ONIX, EZONE, Wilson Blade, and Wilson Clash due to balance of control and power
• 🎾 Rackets now more flexible, lighter, Salinco offers comfortable, powerful racquets, softer polys designed to reduce arm strain
• 🧵 Players experiment with string combinations; Technifiber introduced hybrids within one string; Turner grip remains industry standard for moisture
• 🔄 Trends in grip size, technology for managing sweat, and the evolving impact of new tennis technology on the game

Q&A

• What was discussed regarding grip size, technology for managing sweat, and the impact of new tennis technology on the game?

  The discussion included the trend towards smaller grip sizes, the use of technology for managing sweat, and the evolving impact of new tennis technology on game style, emphasizing angle creation and spin over power.

• How are players experimenting with different types of strings, and what advancements have been made in string technology?

  Players are experimenting with combinations of different types of strings for various benefits. Technifiber has introduced hybrids within one string, offering different materials within a single set of string.

• What are the key developments in racket construction and strings to reduce arm strain and improve play?

  Rackets have become more flexible and lighter over the years to reduce arm strain, and brands like Salinco offer comfortable yet powerful racquets. Softer poly strings are also available to lessen the impact on the arm.

• How does the string pattern choice impact gameplay, and what are the recommended rackets for specific player age groups?

  String pattern choice significantly impacts gameplay, with 18x20 patterns offering more control and 16x19 patterns providing greater spin. Recommended rackets for players aged 35 to 50 include ONIX, EZONE, Wilson Blade, and Wilson Clash for their balance of control and power.

• What are the trends in racket technology and strings in the tennis industry?

  There have been changes in racket technology and strings, with brands like Yonex and Head being popular choices among players and adaptations made to cater to the evolving game.

• What were the changes at Lake Nona, and why were they made?

  Operations at Lake Nona were suspended due to the shutdown governed by the state of Florida, reflecting the broader impact of COVID-19 on tennis facilities.

• What were the main points of discussion regarding non-pro tennis with racket and string companies?

  The conversation mainly revolved around challenges with stock, new releases, and the impact of COVID-19 on the industry, including the changes at Lake Nona.

• How did Roman Procus adapt his business to the challenges posed by COVID-19?

  Roman Procus strategically planned his business to adapt to the challenges by focusing on on-court consultations, delegating travel-related tasks, and making adjustments for the changes in the tennis industry.

• What are the impacts of COVID-19 on the tennis industry?

  COVID-19 had a significant impact on the tennis industry, leading to business shutdowns, suspension of activities, and uncertainty about upcoming tournaments.

• 00:01 Roman Procus, a prominent racket technician, discusses the impact of COVID-19 on his business and the tennis industry. He also shares his views on the situation in New York City and the changes at Lake Nona.
• 07:43 The tennis industry is experiencing uncertainty about upcoming tournaments, and there have been changes in racket technology and strings. The Yonex and Head rackets are popular choices among players.
• 14:55 The choice of string pattern in tennis rackets can significantly impact gameplay, with 18x20 patterns offering more control and 16x19 patterns providing greater spin. Technological advancements and player preferences have led to variations in string patterns. Brands such as Babolat have adapted their rackets to cater to changes in the game, including the need for softer and more comfortable rackets. Selecting the right racket weight and balance is crucial to preventing fatigue and injury, especially for older players. For players aged 35 to 50, rackets like the ONIX, EZONE, Wilson Blade, and Wilson Clash are recommended for their balance of control and power.
• 22:06 Rackets have become more flexible and lighter over the years, making them easier on the arm but less powerful. Salinco is known for its comfortable yet powerful racquets, and there are softer poly strings available to reduce arm strain. Pros use a combination of strings, often opting for thinner gauges for more feel and power.
• 29:22 Players are experimenting with combining different types of strings for various benefits. Technifiber has introduced hybrids within one string, and there's a need for lighter, transportable string machines. Turner grip remains the industry standard for handling most moisture.
• 36:40 Discussion on grip size, technology for managing sweat, and the impact of new tennis technology on the game. Change in grip size trend, use of technology for managing sweat, and the evolving impact of new tennis technology on the game.