What Is Federer’s Most Famous Racket?

Michael Stone
Nov 3
4 min read

The Most Famous Racket: Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph

Yeah, that’s the one.The Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph isn’t just another tennis racket. It’s the Federer racket. His name is literally engraved on it. It’s the model that carried him through his comeback, his record 18th Grand Slam in 2017, and those final years where his game became more art than sport.

Why it’s iconic

Designed by Federer himself.Federer worked directly with Wilson’s engineers to create this racket. It’s the only Wilson model that carries his autograph right on the frame—proof that this wasn’t just branding, but personal. He wanted precision, control, and that buttery smooth feel on every shot.
The specs that scream “Federer.”
- Head Size: 97 sq. in.
- Weight: 340 g (unstrung)
- Balance: Head light
- String Pattern: 16x19
- Material: Braided Graphite + Kevlar
Translation? It’s heavy, precise, and not forgiving. You don’t just swing this casually—it demands skill. But if you can control it, it delivers that classic Federer ball feel: clean, crisp, surgical.
The comeback racket.This is the weapon Federer used when he returned from injury in 2017 to defeat Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open final. Remember that? Down a break in the fifth set, he flipped the script and took home his 18th Grand Slam after a six-month layoff.That win re-ignited his career. For fans, the RF97 became a symbol of resilience—the racket that proved Federer wasn’t done yet.
The look.Let’s not pretend aesthetics don’t matter. The RF97 in matte black is pure elegance. Minimalist. Mature. It mirrors the player himself: calm, confident, lethal when it counts. Wilson didn’t just design a tool—they designed an icon.

The History Behind Federer’s Rackets

To really appreciate why the RF97 stands out, you’ve got to know where he came from.

Early career (1998–2002): Federer used the Wilson Pro Staff 85, the same model Pete Sampras made famous. It had a tiny head size and required pinpoint timing. It forged Federer’s clean technique.
Mid-career dominance (2003–2014): He transitioned to the Wilson Six.One Tour 90, his main weapon during his 17-major golden era. It gave him incredible precision but had a small sweet spot.
The evolution (2014–2017): As the game sped up and rivals like Nadal and Djokovic pushed physicality to new levels, Federer needed more forgiveness and power. Enter the Pro Staff RF97 Autograph—slightly larger head, same control DNA.

This was more than an equipment change—it was Federer adapting, evolving, and proving he could still outplay the next generation on his terms.

Why Fans Obsess Over the RF97

Because it’s not just a racket—it’s part of his mythology.When you hold one, you’re not just holding a piece of carbon fiber. You’re holding the exact tool Federer used to write his comeback story.

Collectors love it because it’s tied to historic moments.
Players love it because it delivers unmatched precision and feel.
Fans love it because it looks badass hanging on a wall or sitting in a display case.

And when you see the autograph on the throat, that little scripted “Roger Federer,” it’s like shaking hands with the GOAT himself.

Federer’s 2017 Australian Open: The Defining Moment

Let’s be honest—if you had to pick one match that defines the RF97, it’s that Australian Open final in 2017.Federer vs. Nadal.Fifth set.Down a break at 1–3.The crowd on edge.

What happened next wasn’t luck—it was Federer rediscovering his full-court genius. He went full offense mode, took the ball early, flattened his backhand, and won five games in a row to take the title.

That match made the RF97 immortal. Every collector, fan, and tennis nut remembers the image of Federer collapsing to the court, racket in hand, tears in his eyes. That wasn’t just a win—it was redemption after years of doubt.

Why the RF97 Still Matters Today

Even though Federer’s retired, the RF97 continues to sell like crazy. Why? Because it’s timeless. It represents everything fans loved about him—grace, power, and the refusal to give up.

If you’re a player, it’s a challenge: can you handle Federer’s racket?If you’re a fan, it’s a statement: you understand tennis on a deeper level.If you’re a collector, it’s a future heirloom—something you’ll still admire twenty years from now.

How to Spot an Authentic Federer RF97

If you’re hunting for one—especially a signed version—here’s what to look for:

Signature placement: Authentic RF97 Autographs have Federer’s signature printed on the frame, but hand-signed versions (like from federer16of18.com) will include a real pen signature plus a certificate of authenticity.
COA (Certificate of Authenticity): Never buy without it. Check for a serial number and a verifiable source.
Packaging and branding: Genuine Wilson Pro Staff RF97s have clean, sharp printing, no blurred text, and Wilson’s holographic authenticity seal.
Seller reputation: Stick to trusted platforms—official Wilson dealers or specialized memorabilia sites.

The Bottom Line

So—what is Federer’s most famous racket?No question: the Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph.

It’s the racket that brought him back to greatness. The one tied to his sweetest victory over Nadal. The one that reflects his style—precise, elegant, and unrelenting.

Owning it isn’t about hitting forehands like Federer. It’s about owning a piece of what he represents: excellence, longevity, and class.

If you ever get the chance to grab a signed RF97, do it. You’re not just buying a racket—you’re buying the story of the greatest comeback in tennis history.