Wesley Koolhof on the new tennis rackets from The Indian Maharadja

The Indian Maharadja is just entering the tennis racket market. What do you find most exciting about working with a brand that is establishing something new within the sport?

“The best part is, of course, being there from the very beginning to see how the new product is received and then hearing the feedback. You’re building something together. Experiencing that process, from development to launch, is special.”

Which details or technologies in the racket line appeal to you most personally, and why?

“I really like the designs of all the rackets. Simple and basic, without too many bells and whistles. Furthermore, stiffening the heart of the frame is a clever technological trick, which has been well-received by several players. It provides extra stability and control.”

You have been active at the highest level for years. In your opinion, what qualities must a racket truly have to be reliable at every level?

“Every player and every racket is different, and every racket can be customized. The only thing that cannot be changed is the frame itself. You have to be able to trust what you have in your hand implicitly. If you have even small doubts about your racket, your results will suffer.”

How would you describe the playing style that these new rackets are best suited for? And what do you notice about it in your own game?

“The new line was truly developed for modern, attacking tennis. Plenty of power from the baseline, but with enough control to dictate the pace. What I notice myself is that I can swing through my shots with confidence. The frame remains stable, even at high ball speeds, which allows me to play aggressively without losing control.”

If you could give young or recreational players one tip when choosing a racket, what would it be?

“The most important thing when choosing a racket is the weight and the grip size. If the racket is too heavy, injuries often follow. Also, a grip size that is too small or too large is not good for your arm.”

You have played worldwide on various surfaces. Do you notice that this racket adapts well to different courts and conditions?

“Yes, all the rackets are well-suited for all-round use on different surfaces. You often adapt your own playing style and game plan to the conditions. The racket needs to move with you in that regard, and these models certainly do.”

The racket line consists of several models, such as the Tapti, Ravi, Sher and GoiCould you explain which type of player you think is the best fit for each of these rackets?

“The Tapti is really aimed at the attacking player who wants to finish points quickly and plays with a lot of pace. The Ravi is ideal for players looking for a bit more forgiveness thanks to the larger sweet spot. That builds confidence, especially during longer rallies.

The Sher is perfect for players who use a lot of spin and are looking for stability on powerful shots. And the Goi is a great all-round option for players who want a balance of power, control, and comfort.”

You’ve played with various prototypes yourself. What differences in feel or playing style did you notice between, for example, the Tapti (attacking), the Ravi (larger sweet spot), and the Sher (extra spin and stability)?

“With the Tapti I immediately felt that the racket invites you to play forward and apply pressure. It provides an immediate response and plenty of control on fast shots.

The Ravi feels a bit more forgiving. If you don't hit the ball perfectly, you still get a stable shot back. That brings a sense of calm to your game.

The Sher offers extra grip on the ball, making it easier to generate spin. You really notice the extra stability in the frame, especially during intense rallies from the baseline.”

What do you think about The Indian Maharadja making more strides in tennis, and how do you see your role in that growth?

“It’s great to see that TIM is always looking for new products and continues to develop. As a result, my role within TIM also constantly involves new components. I contribute ideas, test products, and try to share my experience at the top level to help the brand grow further.”

If you could choose one word to describe the new racket line, what would it be and why?

“Sleek. That’s because of the clean design of the rackets. They look composed, powerful, and professional.”

With the introduction of the Tapti, Ravi, Sher and Goi and also our junior rackets (Luni and Devi) show that The Indian Maharadja is ready for a new chapter in tennis. Developed with input from top players like Wesley Koolhof, designed with an eye for detail, and built on trust.

Whether you play competitively or just head to the court for fun, it all comes down to one thing: Play your way.

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