What equipment does Alexander Zverev use? The short answer: he plays a racket from HEAD's Gravity series and wears adidas from head to toe – including his Zverev shoes, currently adidas models with a customized outsole. On this page we sum up what is reliably known about Alexander Zverev's gear – racket, shoes and clothing – list the technical specs of his racket model and explain what recreational players can take away for their own choices. As of 4 October 2026.
The racket: HEAD Gravity
Zverev is under contract with HEAD and plays a frame from the Gravity line. According to equipment reports, his tournament racket since autumn 2024 has been a pro version of the Gravity Tour with a 100 sq in head and a dense 18x20 string pattern; before that he played the Gravity Pro. This combination is built for control from the baseline – a good fit for a player who dictates long rallies with his two-handed backhand. What his game looks like in detail is described in the player profile with playing style and strengths.
Signature edition: Gravity Tour Zverev 2026
In August 2026 HEAD released its own signature edition, the “Gravity Tour Zverev 2026”. According to the gear site Tennisnerd, the limited edition came out on 20 August 2026 and differs from the standard model only in its looks: the frame has a two-tone gold and purple paint job that nods to Zverev's personal style, while the technology with the Auxetic 2.0 construction is unchanged. The timing was good: a few weeks later Zverev won the US Open.
Gravity Tour specs
The signature edition is based on the Gravity Tour. For the standard model (2025 version), retailers list the following specs:
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Head size | 98 sq in (approx. 632 cm²) |
| String pattern | 16x19 |
| Unstrung weight | 305 g (10.8 oz) |
| Length | 27 in (68.6 cm) |
| Strung balance | approx. 33 cm / 13 in (head-light) |
| Beam width | 22 mm constant |
| Stiffness (RA) | 59 (fairly flexible) |
| Strung swingweight | approx. 328 |
An important caveat: pros often play customized frames whose weight, balance and swingweight differ from the retail model. Neither Zverev nor HEAD has publicly confirmed the exact specs and string setup he uses – so treat claims about them online with caution. What is known – his rackets year by year, weight, strings and tension – is collected on our Alexander Zverev racket page.
It is standard on tour for players to bring several identically strung rackets to a match. Strings can break, but above all they lose tension with every set. Many pros therefore switch rackets at fixed intervals, for example when new balls come into play, to keep a consistent feel.
Clothing and shoes: adidas since 2016
For clothing, Zverev has been with adidas since 2016. The deal covers his complete kit from head to toe, meaning clothing and shoes. During the 2026 clay season he wore adidas' “Paris Collection” – the line in which he won his first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros in June.
His shoes are adidas too. After several seasons in the Ubersonic, Zverev has been wearing the adidas Defiant Speed 2 with a customized outsole since 2025, according to equipment reports, while the Ubersonic 5 was officially promoted alongside it. Players on tour also often use different outsoles depending on the surface.
What recreational players can learn from Zverev's gear
A pro racket doesn't make you a pro player. If you are thinking of buying Zverev's frame, check first whether the setup suits your own game. The following points apply in general and help with the choice.
Who is the Gravity Tour for?
At 305 grams (10.8 oz) unstrung, with a smaller 98 sq in head and a high swingweight, the Gravity Tour is aimed at advanced players with a full, fast swing. It delivers control but little “free” power. Beginners and players with shorter swings usually get on better with lighter rackets and bigger heads, because these are more forgiving on off-center hits.
Strings: material and tension
The string often affects the feel more than the frame. Polyester strings offer a lot of control and spin but are stiff and harder on the arm – they suit strong players with long swings. Multifilament and synthetic gut strings are more comfortable and easier on the arm. The basic rule for tension: lower tension gives more power and comfort, higher tension more control. An open 16x19 pattern like the Gravity's favors spin but wears strings out faster than a dense 18x20 pattern. Even a string that doesn't break should be replaced regularly: polyester strings in particular lose a lot of tension and elasticity over time, which costs control and puts extra strain on the arm.
The right grip size
In Europe, grip sizes are usually given from L1 to L5. A simple test: holding the racket in a forehand grip, there should be about the width of an index finger between your fingertips and the heel of your hand. A grip that is too thin makes you squeeze harder; one that is too thick restricts the wrist. If in doubt, choose the smaller size – an overgrip can easily make a handle thicker, but not thinner.
Balance and weight
Head-light rackets like the Gravity Tour are maneuverable, which makes quick reactions at the net and on the return easier. Head-heavy models deliver more pop for the same swing but are harder to control. A higher overall weight adds stability against hard-hit balls but is more tiring over a long day of tennis. When play-testing, it pays to watch out for these differences specifically.
Shoes to match the surface
If you mostly play on clay, choose shoes with a herringbone tread that grips and allows controlled sliding. For hard courts and indoor courts, all-court outsoles with hard-wearing material are suitable, and there are special nub outsoles for grass. Running shoes are unsuitable for tennis because they offer too little lateral stability.
Equipment and success
adidas has been with Zverev since 2016, and HEAD dedicated a racket edition to him in the year of his two Grand Slam titles. For fans, the signature edition is also a souvenir of the 2026 season. How he became a two-time major winner in 2026 is shown in Alexander Zverev's Grand Slam record. More on his family and background is in the biography, and curiosities about him are collected in the facts about Zverev.