Matchup Shop · Pro setup
Carlos Alcaraz's setup
Alcaraz's equipment is surprisingly unspectacular: an almost stock Babolat Pure Aero 98, just 5 g extra in the shaft. Realistic to replicate.
Prices are guide values, as of August 2026 — they change seasonally. · How to buy: this shop's cart (demo).
The three things that matter
Racket, string, overgrip — that's the actual purchase, about 90 % of the setup. The rest is cosmetics.
Important — don't copy the tour tension
25 kg with a poly is often the direct route to tennis elbow for amateur arms. Start at 22–23 kg — or better a hybrid (RPM Team mains, multifilament crosses): same spin character, far more comfort.
Shoes
No dampener
Alcaraz plays without a vibration dampener — nothing to buy. Shown here deliberately as information, not as a product.
Uncertainties — honestly flagged
- Pro-stock question: whether the old Pure Aero VS 2020 mould hides under the paint job is an enthusiast debate. There is no official spec sheet for his match frame.
- Cross tension: sources say 23 or 24 kg. Mains at ~25 kg are consistent and confirmed for the 2026 Australian Open.
- Overgrip: match spec (VS Original) vs. retailer bundle (Pro Tour 2.0 Comfort) — a small discrepancy.
- Dampener: the majority of sources say “none”; a minority source claims a custom damp.