Stick shift: Tsonga ‘proud’ to make Babolat switch

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 11:51

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has agreed to join racket giants Babolat, leaving Wilson in favour of the French brand.

The world No.10 and French No.1, who is also sponsored by adidas, will start using Babolat rackets, strings and accessories from January 1 2010, it was announced over the weekend.

I am very happy to start playing next season with Babolat rackets and strings,” said Tsonga, who will use the new Aero Pro Drive in the new year according to Babolat sources.

“I am equally proud of this partnership with a French brand with whom I share the same values.”

Because we are a French brand – considered among the world leaders in tennis racquets and strings – we are particularly proud to welcome into our Team a French player, who is top 10 in the world, said Eric Babolat, president and CEO of Babolat.

We share the same competitive spirit and the same passion. Our values are bringing us closer.

Jean-Christophe Verborg, head of competition for Babolat, added, We are very happy that Jo-Wilfried has chosen Babolat. He is a very nice player and extremely charismatic.

“His arrival in the team reinforces Babolats visibility among the top players in the ATP: Rafael Nadal, Andy Roddick, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, and Fernando Gonzalez.

ATP top ten players’ rackets

1. Roger Federer – Wilson
2. Rafael Nadal – Babolat
3. Novak Djokovic – HEAD
4. Andy Murray – HEAD
5. Juan Martin del Potro – Wilson
6. Nikolay Davydenko – Prince (non-contract)
7. Andy Roddick – Babolat
8. Robin Soderling – HEAD
9. Fernando Verdasco – Tecnifibre
10. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga – Babolat (from Jan 1 2010)

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