We as Americans are often quick to build up a champion then decide they have won too often, and that it is now time for them to lose.  How many times have you pulled for the underdog just because the other player has won enough in our minds?  That is one of the several reasons we become Dallas Cowboys or Los Angeles Dodgers haters.

What is great to see is not only the greatness of Roger Federer but people around the world still like for the guy to win.  Even the finalist at the French said he hoped Roger could win his Career Slam.  Seldom do you see someone continue to win, be on the verge of breaking records and the majority of people still pull for the champion instead of the underdog.  Did you see the amount of celebrities in attendance at the French Open from other sports?

Congratulations to Roger on his Career Slam (1 of 6 to achieve this title), winning the French Open, and being presented his trophy by another Career Slammer – Andre Agassi.  Most of all congratulations on being a winner that has earned the appreciation and respect of tennis fans around the world.  The action of the audience and tennis fans tells you what a true champion and person you are.  Their actions speak louder than words.

Photo Credits: y.caradec

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This “branding” is applied with a particular kind of ink that can vary in color – usually red or black.  It is applied using a small bottle of ink or paint in a plastic container about 3-4 inches long and about an inch in diameter.

The tube has a felt-like material at the end of the tube.  When the bottle or tube is tilted downward toward the racquet string the ink will flow to the end of the tube that allows it to flow from the tube to the surface of the strings.

When the tilted tube with the felt-like material at the end is rubbed against the strings of the racquet, ink will be transferred to the strings (although I once had a customer who insisted that I “weave” the logo letter into the strings). The tube has a screw on cap that will protect the ink from running out or drying from the air.

The ink is applied by tracing a “stencil” or precut design so the ink will have a chosen shape on the strings.  Once allowed to dry it is semi-permanent until struck repeatedly with a ball or other object and begins to show signs of wear.

Here are 7 reasons to “stencil” or logo a racquet:

1. “Branded” - obviously, the racquet company wants people who are watching you play to be able to recognize that your racquet is their particular brand from 3 courts away.  The more you see their brand the more you will think of their brand when you go to buy your next racquet.
2. “Get paid to play” - the more famous you are the more likely the companies are to actually “pay” you to put their logo on your racquet strings. Now when you are playing on TV, the audience can recognize the brand of racquet you are using.
3. “Just like the pros” - Once you win the match and receive the trophy and millions of dollars, the audience will want to rush out and buy the same racquet for themselves and their family so they can play just like you.
4. “Have a target”- having the logo on the strings can allow you to have a target for the ball to contact while playing – as opposed to always hitting the frame.  The strings are 100 square inches of available hitting space as opposed the ½ inch wide frame.  It is pretty amazing how often we can hit the frame vs the strings.
5. “Wear pattern” - as you play the ink begins to come off the strings as the ball is constantly hit in the middle of your strings – or not.  But it creates a wear pattern that is proof positive exactly where you have been contacting the ball on your strings in practice and match play.
6. “When to string” – while not totally accurate the disappearing logo can be an indicator of when it is time to restring your racquet.  Or at least when to get you logo re-touched up by the local pro shop and have everyone think you have a new racquet or string job.
7. “Can’t touch this” - create your own special logo with your initial or design so no one can steal your racquet.  If they do, you will be able to recognize it is yours from 6 courts away.  Warning, this could lead to a confrontation and embarrassment so be sure there is a big audience around to watch the event.  Hopefully the culprit has not chosen to use the same design as you as this could be embarrassing for you as well – just kidding.

7 reasons to “stencil” or logo your racquet is just a simple thought about an everyday thing that happens in the tennis world.  Do you have other ideas why you would logo a racquet?

Photo Credits: 1

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