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Tennis: Kneissl takes swing at UK market
Austrian manufacturer Kneissl was big in the world of tennis in the 1980’s and 1990’s, and is now aiming to return to the top of the game in the 21st Century. Mark Limebear of Kneissl UK tells SGB Sports how it is planning to take on the UK market through independent specialists.
Boris Becker, Ivan Lendl, Kevin Curren are all iconic tennis names of the past and all have one thing in common: their success was born out of the craftsmanship of Kneissl rackets which graced courts worldwide throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s, either as its own name or under an OEM deal with other brands.
These rackets were until now not available in the UK, but Kneissl is launching its range into the UK this season to use its knowledge of building rackets to establish itself as a sought-after tennis brand.
Kneissl has produced a highly technical racket based around two tendons each comprising of four layers of Kevlar, to stabilise the racket to minimise deflection when in contact with the ball and ensure an instant return to its original shape. Kneissl’s ‘more area channel’ also provides the largest of sweet spots and as a result ultimate playing comfort with superb ball control. Rackets also have an aerodynamic framespoiler, guaranteeing a faster head speed that improves aerodynamics by 30 per cent and protects the strings from external influences.
Using these technologies, Kneissl has developed four adult rackets, White Star, Red Star, Black Star and Blue Star, as well as three versions of the White Star for junior players to provide a simple choice for all, from professional players to occasional club players. And working closely with the rising star of women’s tennis Anastajia Sevastova, currently ranked 36 in the WPT, Kneissl has reintroduced the White Star which has been redesigned for this season and to support Anastajia’s development. Kneissl wants to deal with the grassroots of tennis via smaller retailers, giving them the chance to build relationships with a growing company and provide their tennis clients with exclusive access to an iconic brand, which is also well-known in the ski and cycling markets and has been manufacturing skis for 150 years.
Kneissl rackets will be available in the UK soon, with further information available from mark@kneissl-uk.com
