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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 and the future King George V and VI both Grays customers whilst at Cambridge University. Grays moved to larger premises to accommodate the increasing production and developed 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 1935, the famous Light Blue racquet was launched during the war Grays acquired Hazells who were also known for their distinctive Streamline racquets use by Bunny Austin. By 1991, Grays was the only remaining manufacturer of wooden lawn tennis racquets which it supplied to Bjorn Borg for his unsuccessful come back.

In 2020, Grays was approached by Stephen Murphy the founder of the Wood Tennis Club and agreed to recommence production of wooden lawn tennis frames for the club.

Wood Tennis Club

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

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

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

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.

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170 years in
the making

Our Journey