Testing an entirely new racket takes time. Roger Federer and Wilson took that time over the past two-plus years, culminating in the announcement of the RF Collection, a direct collaboration between the legendary player and the racket company he’s partnered with for roughly three decades.
And this isn’t a one-off racket. Or just a retirement project (although it is that too). The RF 01 racket design was born during Federer’s injury time off, designed by Federer so that when he returned to the court, he had a faster racket.
As we started building it,” he tells me while spinning the RF 01 Pro in his hands, complete with an RF butt cap in black and white, “I was still thinking what do I need to come back?”
Once Federer’s on-court career ended, he didn’t want that to be the end of the new racket release, which had already passed through all the playtesting. “I started thinking for other players, what could they also use?” he says. “I was doing quite extensive racket testing and we landed here in a spot where I think the weight, the size, the shape of the frame, we landed on this very quickly.
Make no mistake, this isn’t a Pro Staff with Federer branding. This is a completely redesigned RF 01 by Wilson. “The new frame design is completely new and unique,” Michael Schaeffer, Wilson global product director, tells me, “and we want it to live with Roger. It won’t fit within our segmentation of Wilson rackets. It really is the Roger Collection by Wilson. This really allows Roger’s creativity and insights to come through in the racket development.”
Federer admits that during the rigors of playing on tour, it can be difficult to have much time for extensive racket testing. But when he was coming back from injury, he had time. “Before, you try to squeeze in between practice and tournaments,” he says, adding that each tweak or test led to another meeting or another test. Once he had time during rehab, he knew he wanted to submerge himself in designing a new racket.
As his career came to an end, he repositioned by having the RF Collection be about more than just him, creating a franchise that could “live and be played on a daily basis,” both for juniors and for pro players, which expanded the initial launch to three different designs.
The RF 01 Tech
Designing the technical aspects of the RF 01 started with Federer dissecting on-court tactics. “When I was starting to build it together with Wilson, I was looking at short crosses,” he says about a specific style of shot that would help him create an offensive design. “I wanted to make sure this racket really goes through the air quickly, back like my [Pro Staff] 85, because it really cut through the wind nicely. And then fast racket head speed where we can enough spin because a lot of players now play with spin—you gotta fight fire with fire—but you also want to be able to play offensive tennis and stay true to my DNA.”
And that meant going lighter—“I have always wanted to go a little lighter,” Federer says. The RF 01 launches in three versions, including the RF 01 Pro, Federer’s more exact specifications, this with a 320-gram weight, lighter than his previous frames. The mainstream RF 01 comes in at 300 grams and the RF 01 Future a lightweight 280.
When tennis icon Roger Federer partnered with Wilson to launch the RF Collection, it marked the beginning of a new chapter in his legendary career. No longer just an athlete on the court, Federer has stepped into the role of a designer and innovator, crafting a series of rackets that blend his on-court expertise with cutting-edge technology.
The RF Collection was conceived during a pivotal moment in Federer’s career—his time away from the court due to injury. For many athletes, time off can feel like a setback, but for Federer, it became an opportunity to rethink his tools of the trade. He collaborated closely with Wilson, a partnership that has lasted nearly three decades, to create something entirely new: a racket designed not just for his comeback, but for the future of tennis.
Federer’s input was instrumental in the development of the RF 01 series. He didn’t just want a racket that carried his name; he wanted one that reflected his approach to the game. This was about more than just branding—it was about innovation. The RF 01 is a testament to Federer’s commitment to excellence, offering something truly unique to players at every level.
The RF 01 isn’t just another iteration of Wilson’s classic rackets; it’s a complete redesign. Federer was heavily involved in the process, particularly during his rehab period, where he had more time to focus on the details that would make the racket stand out. The goal was to create a racket that combined speed, spin, and control—qualities essential for modern tennis.
Federer’s emphasis on speed is evident in the racket’s design. He wanted a frame that would cut through the air quickly, reminiscent of his beloved Pro Staff 85, a racket known for its aerodynamic properties. The result is a lighter racket that still maintains the stability and power needed to compete at the highest levels.
The RF Collection isn’t just a single racket; it’s a franchise with multiple models tailored to different types of players. The RF 01 Pro, with a weight of 320 grams, closely matches Federer’s personal specifications. It’s designed for players who want a professional-level racket that offers precision and control.
For those who prefer something slightly lighter, the mainstream RF 01 weighs in at 300 grams. This version is aimed at a broader audience, providing a balance between power and maneuverability. Finally, the RF 01 Future, the lightest at 280 grams, is perfect for juniors or players who prioritize speed and ease of use.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the RF Collection is how it reflects Federer’s evolution as a player. Throughout his career, Federer has been known for his ability to adapt and innovate. This same mindset is evident in his approach to racket design. He didn’t just want a racket that worked for him; he wanted one that could help others improve their game.
Federer’s focus on spin and offensive play is particularly noteworthy. The modern game is increasingly dominated by players who use heavy topspin to control rallies. Federer recognized the need to “fight fire with fire,” and the RF 01’s design reflects this. By combining a lighter frame with the ability to generate high racket head speed, the RF 01 allows players to hit with more spin while still maintaining the ability to play aggressively.
As Federer transitions from player to designer, the RF Collection is poised to have a lasting impact on the sport. This isn’t just a retirement project; it’s the beginning of a new era. Federer and Wilson have created a line of rackets that will live on well beyond his playing days, offering players of all levels the chance to experience a racket developed with one of the greatest minds in tennis.
The RF 01 series is just the start. As technology continues to evolve, and as Federer continues to refine his ideas, we can expect to see more innovations from the RF Collection. For now, though, the RF 01 stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a player’s passion for the game meets a commitment to excellence in design.
The launch of the RF Collection is more than just a product release; it’s a statement. It shows that Federer’s influence on tennis extends beyond his performances on the court. With the RF 01, he has created something that will inspire and elevate players for years to come. Whether you’re a junior just starting out or a seasoned pro, the RF Collection offers something unique—an opportunity to play with a racket designed by one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
As Federer himself has said, this collection is about more than just him; it’s about the future of tennis. And with the RF 01, that future looks bright.