Babolat's longevity and growing influence in the world of racket sports are a remarkable testament to its expertise, competence, and continuous capacity for innovation. This 150th anniversary is both symbolic and fundamental for Éric Babolat: "We are celebrating 150 years of youth, passion, and innovation. Youth means being curious, carefree, bold, and sharing that enthusiasm. Passion is for the game and its protagonists, with whom we have created a bond that often goes beyond the professional sphere. And at Babolat, innovation never stops. Whether you are a player, coach, collaborator, stringer, store seller, or an industrial or brand partner of Babolat, we share the desire to make the hearts of tennis, padel, badminton, and pickleball lovers beat faster. In 2025, these 150 years will be celebrated on the courts, in clubs, at tournaments—whether amateur or legendary—but also in stores. Because sharing has been in the DNA of the Babolat family for five generations. We are one of the few independent companies in this sector, a uniqueness that further strengthens our identity."
A BIT OF HISTORY
Founded in 1875, Babolat revolutionized the history of tennis by inventing natural gut strings and continues to be a pioneer in manufacturing equipment for tennis, padel, badminton, and pickleball. Rackets, shoes, strings, bags—Babolat's constant innovations allow players of all levels to combine pleasure and performance. This century-and-a-half journey, supported by prestigious ambassadors like Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, Juan Lebrón, Suzanne Lenglen, and Li Na, is marked by a passionate relationship with players. This close bond is one of Babolat’s pillars, as it cultivates its disruptive identity and an enduring desire to advance the sport. Because the future is theirs.
RESEARCH AND INNOVATION AT THE HEART OF EVERYDAY LIFE
In 1875, Pierre Babolat manufactured natural gut for sausages, surgery, and music. At the request of an Englishman, he created the first natural gut tennis string, which became the legendary VS in 1925, used by the famous Musketeers (René Lacoste, Henri Cochet, Jean Borotra, Jacques Brugnon). This string has helped win over 150 Grand Slam titles, including 11 by Bjorn Borg. This spirit of innovation has been a constant, with key milestones cementing Babolat’s reputation. The first synthetic string, which propelled the brand to global leadership in 1955, is part of this legacy. The launch of the first tennis racket frames in 1994, including the iconic Pure Drive, is another milestone.
Babolat introduced its first badminton rackets in 1995. The arrival of Éric Babolat as CEO in 1998 marked another turning point. The commercialization of Babolat’s first padel racket and tennis balls in 2001, the launch of the aerodynamic Aero frame in 2003 -immortalized by Rafael Nadal with his 22 Grand Slam titles, including 14 on the clay courts of Paris- and the production of Babolat’s first tennis shoe range in partnership with Michelin, are some of the innovations that revolutionized these sports and strengthened the brand’s leadership. This drive for progress also materialized with the launch of the RPM Blast tennis string in 2012, the Pure Strike racket range in 2014 -the same year Babolat became an official partner of Wimbledon (rackets, shoes, accessories, bags)- and the introduction of its first pickleball racket in 2020. In 2023, Babolat launched its first padel collection for women. This list is not exhaustive and will soon expand further.
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PASSION AND PEOPLE AT THE CORE OF ITS VALUES
Babolat’s journey has been enriched by numerous prestigious ambassadors, such as Carlos Moyá, who won in Paris in 1998, marking the first of 41 major titles won with a Babolat racket. Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, Juan Lebrón in padel, and Niels Vink in wheelchair tennis have carried the torch forward. Trust and performance go hand in hand with the relationships built with players, the shared passion, and the ongoing camaraderie. Rafael Nadal joined Babolat at age nine: "I feel close to Babolat because it is a family business. Today, the fifth generation is at the helm. For me, that’s important." Carlos Alcaraz, for his part, was just ten years old when he began his association with the brand. In September 2022, at 19 years and four months old, he became the youngest player in history to reach world number one. Two long-standing success stories among many others (Dominic Thiem, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Li Na, Francesca Schiavone…), extending far beyond sports.
A FRENCH SUCCESS STORY WITH GLOBAL REACH
While the future belongs to Babolat, its existing legacy is the result of a collective effort of considerable magnitude. Today, Babolat has 445 employees, 279 of whom are in France, spread across three production sites (Lyon/Corbas, Besançon, Brittany). Beyond its headquarters in France, Babolat has nine subsidiaries (USA, Japan, Italy, Spain, UK, Germany, Austria, Belgium, and China), operates in 150 countries, partners with 20,000 clubs, and is present in 20,000 stores.
With a turnover of €197.3 million in 2023 -75% of which comes from tennis and 54% from the European market- Babolat is rich in experience, encounters, fruitful collaborations, close relationships with its champions, the trust of its partners (Michelin, Wimbledon, Rafa Nadal Academy, Club Med, Human Fab, All In Group), and the joy it has provided to players for 150 years. And that is priceless.
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