Carlos Alcaraz’s racquet steals Dubai spotlight

Stefanos Tsitsipas entered last year’s ATP 500 event in Dubai with three wins in 2025. The Greek raised his level at one of his favorite tournaments, beating five rivals and clinching his 12th ATP title, the first at the ATP 500 level from 12 finals! 

Tsitsipas intrigued the tennis world by wielding a blacked-out Babolat Pure Aero racquet, typically used by Carlos Alcaraz, despite his ongoing contract with Wilson! The switch, first noticed during the tournament, sparked speculation about Stefanos testing a rival brand’s equipment, potentially signaling a future sponsorship shift.

Wilson we have a problem 👀
Stefanos Tsitsipas plays arguably his best tennis in a long while this week to take the Dubai title. Seemingly precipitated by a racket change rumoured to be Babolat…
Sounds a bit like Madison Keys’ switch to Yonex…pic.twitter.com/6iMUfJ7PUd

— Ground Pass (@GroundPasspod) March 1, 2025

Tennis fans debated whether this move violated the Greek’s Wilson contract, with some suggesting the black paint and Babolat features – like bumpers visible in close-ups – indicated a discreet trial. Whatever happens, Tsitsipas needed a drastic change!

The former Major finalist lost the ground and stepped away from the top-10, losing his sharpness and precision in comparison to the rivals from the top. Stefanos could not reach the ATP final between April 2024 and last week, experiencing a couple of tough losses during that poor streak. 

Tsitsipas presented more efficient tennis in Dubai with his new racquet, heading for his shots and enduring the baseline exchanges. He ousted Lorenzo Sonego, Karen Khachanov, Matteo Berrettini and Tallon Griekspoor en route to a much-needed final. 

It was not a steady ride, but Stefanos endured all the challenging moments and remained on the title course. He played well against Griekspoor and presented even more…