Wesley Koolhof on the new tennis rackets from The Indian Maharadja

The Indian Maharadja is just entering the tennis racket market. What do you like most about working with a brand that is breaking new ground in the sport?

“The best thing, of course, is to be there from the start to see how the new product is received and then hear the feedback. You build something together. Experiencing that process, from development to launch, is special.”

Which details or technology 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 frills. In addition, making the core of the frame stiffer is a clever technological trick that has been well received by several players. It provides extra stability and control.”

You have been active at the highest level for many years. What characteristics do you think a racket really needs to have in order 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 must be able to trust what you hold in your hand completely. If you have even the slightest doubts about your racket, your results will suffer.

How would you describe the playing style that these new rackets are best suited to? And how do you notice this in your own game?

“The new line has really been developed for modern, attacking tennis. Lots of power from the baseline, but with enough control to set 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, allowing 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 factors when selecting a racket are its weight and grip size. If the racket is too heavy, it can often lead to injuries. A grip size that is too small or too large is also not beneficial for the arm.

You have played on different surfaces around the world. Do you find that this racket adapts well to different courts and conditions?

"Yes, all rackets are good all-rounders that can be used on different surfaces. You often adapt your own playing style and game plan to the conditions. The racket has to move with you, and these models certainly do that."

The racket line consists of different models, such as the Tapti, Ravi, Sher, and Goi. Can you explain which type of player you think is best suited to each of these rackets?

“The Tapti is really aimed at the attacking player who wants to score quickly and puts a lot of tempo into their game. The Ravi is ideal for players who are looking for a little more forgiveness thanks to its larger sweet spot. This gives 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-around option for players who want a balance of power, control, and comfort.

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

“At the Tapti , I immediately felt that the racket invites you to play forward and apply pressure. It provides an immediate response and a lot of control during fast shots.

The Ravi feels a bit more forgiving. If you don't quite hit it perfectly, you still get a stable ball back. That gives you peace of mind in 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 during heavy rallies from the baseline."

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

“It's great to see that TIM is still looking for new products and continuing to develop. As a result, my role within TIM is constantly evolving. I contribute ideas, test products, and try to share my experience at the highest 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 sleek design of the rackets. They look calm, powerful, and professional."

With the introduction of the Tapti, Ravi, Sher and Goi , as well as our children's rackets (Luni and Devi), The Indian Maharadja shows that it is ready for a new chapter in tennis. Developed with input from top players such as Wesley Koolhof, designed with an eye for detail, and built on trust.

Whether you play competitively or recreationally, ultimately it comes down to one thing: Play your way.

‍