Wood Tennis
The manufacture of high quality wooden racquets has been at the heart of the Grays business throughout its 170 year history.
By the 20th century, Grays had expanded into Lawn Tennis and famous players of the day such as Max Woosnam, England’s Davis Cup Captain, were using Grays racquets. The future King George V and VI were both Grays customers whilst at Cambridge University. Grays moved to larger premises to accommodate the increasing production and developed what we believe was the first-ever laminated racquet – The Masterpiece – which allowed a better shape and was more durable.
The company opened a second racquets factory in Ireland (Gray-Russell) to meet the growing demand and in 1922, the famous Light Blue racquet was launched. During the Second World War, Grays acquired Hazells who were also known for their distinctive Streamline racquets, most famously used by Bunny Austin. In 1991 Grays, the only manufacturer still able to make wooden lawn tennis racquets, supplied frames to Bjorn Borg for his unsuccessful come back.
In 2018, Grays was approached by Stephen Murphy and agreed to recommence production of wooden lawn tennis frames for his project, Wood Tennis Club.
The Masterpiece
The Masterpiece
Product Code: 72543S0015
Colours: Black / Gold
Standard Weight: Light-Medium 340g / Medium 345g
Our history-making 2019 launch model – the first new all-wood lawn tennis racket released anywhere in the world since the 1980’s, and the descendant of Grays’ 1908 model of the same name. Since 2019 the model has been refreshed but still sports the company’s signature black and gold.
The Wingfield
The Wingfield
Product Code: 72543S0006
Colours: Cream / White
Standard Weight: Light-Medium 340g / Medium 345g
This special Heritage Model honours the man who gave “Lawn Tennis” to the world in 1874, Major Walter Wingfield.
Launched in 2022, ‘The Wingfield’ features authentic heritage Grays of Cambridge cosmetics and design styling.
Mystique
Mystique
Product Code: 72543S0009
Colours: Black / Silver
Standard Weight: Medium 345g
Our new model for 2023 was inspired by the racket Grays made for Bjorn Borg in 1991. The ‘Mystique’ features Borg’s extended grip, made by the same English company as in 1991, Fairway by Balmforth. Partly because of the grip, this is a slightly heavier frame.
Slam
Slam
Product Code: 72543S0016
Colours: Red / White / Blue
Standard Weight: Light-Medium 340g / Medium 345g
The design of this model launched in 2024 is bold! Taking inspiration from another ‘Grand Slam’ model from yesteryear, it displays the national flags of the four Grand Slam tennis nations and the stark red, white and blue colours shared by those flags.
The ‘Slam’ is a celebration of the famous tournaments that represent the ultimate glory in tennis.