Alex de Minaur and Marta Kostyuk, both prominent Wilson-sponsored tennis players, made headlines by switching to the new Wilson Ultra v5 racquet mid-season in July 2025, a bold move driven by their pursuit of enhanced power and performance. The decision, coinciding with the racquet’s launch, was motivated by technical adjustments to their games and confidence in the Ultra’s design, as they prepared for the US Open starting August 24, 2025.
De Minaur’s Switch for Power
De Minaur, ranked world No. 8, transitioned from a customized Wilson Steam 99 (previously a Blade 98) to the Ultra 99 Pro v5 after Wimbledon, seeking a slight power boost to complement his speed-driven game. He explained, “It’s a new racquet with a little bit more power, and I need some more power every now and again.” The Ultra’s thicker, stiffer beam and “elite power flex” technology offered “generous pop and easy playability,” aligning with his aggressive counterpunching style. After a week of testing in training, De Minaur debuted the racquet in Washington, D.C., where he won his first title of 2025, defeating Corentin Moutet in the final. “For us to change mid-season shows the faith we have in the product,” he said, noting the confidence it instilled.
Kostyuk’s Bold Experiment
Marta Kostyuk, ranked No. 27, also switched from the Wilson Steam 100 BLX (often mistaken for a Blade 98) to the Ultra v5, embracing the change with her characteristic flair. “Usually players don’t do these kinds of things, but I’m a little bit crazy!” she said. After modifications to her racquet in 2024 didn’t suit her, Kostyuk sought the Ultra’s power and versatility. She debuted the racquet in Washington, D.C., and wore a matching electric indigo kit, becoming the face of Wilson’s head-to-toe Ultra campaign. “To have me on the racquets is a dream come true,” she said, reflecting on her childhood admiration for Wilson’s player-branded gear. The switch paid off with improved shot depth, though her US Open campaign faces a tough first-round test against Katie Boulter.
Broader Context
The mid-season switch, a rarity in tennis, mirrors bold moves by peers like Coco Gauff, changing coaches, or Luke Littler, navigating darts pressures. Both De Minaur and Kostyuk, alongside Qinwen Zheng and Maria Sakkari, embraced the Ultra v5’s SI3D Frame Technology for enhanced stability and spin. Fans on X praised their adaptability, with one post noting, “De Minaur’s power boost with the Ultra is scary!” (@TennisFanAUS, August 23, 2025). As De Minaur faces Chris O’Connell and Kostyuk battles Boulter, their racquet changes signal a strategic push for US Open success.
