Audio: How the Racket Evolved

From wood to “speed wood” to power plays, rackets tell a story. This NotebookLM-generated podcast using AI breaks it down. Hit play to follow the tech behind the swing.

Racquet Bending Machine (ca. 1876) by E. Kent EstateInternational Tennis Hall of Fame

Evolution of Rackets part 1
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Early rackets were crafted from solid wood with natural gut strings. Quality and craftsmanship were the selling points. Models like Bancroft’s “The Winner” changed the game, sparking design shifts across the sport. Want to know how speed became part of the story?

Royal Lawn Tennis Boxed Set (ca. 1875) by Jefferies & Co.International Tennis Hall of Fame

Evolution of Rackets part 2
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As the game got faster, so did the gear. Laminated woods replaced solid ash, improving flexibility and power. “Speed wood” was born. Strings were refined too. Rackets weren’t just beautiful—they were built for performance. Explore how design met ambition.

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The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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