Martina Navratilova urges smaller rackets to restore technique in tennis

Former world No. 1 Martina Navratilova used her Wimbledon appearance to propose that modern tennis equipment be altered, calling for smaller racket heads and a reduced sweet‑spot area. She argued that current oversized racquets favour power over precision, saying, “If I was a tennis star, I would mandate smaller racket heads, so there would be more emphasis on technique.” Navratilova said the change would make volleys and point construction more valuable and could revive serve‑and‑volley play.

In addition to equipment reforms, Navratilova suggested revisiting the format of the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup, proposing a less frequent schedule and hosting ties in different countries to broaden fan engagement and give smaller nations exposure to top‑level tennis.