Babolat has risen from the third most popular brand of tennis racket in 2003 to the number one spot in 2004.

Sports Marketing Surveys is undertaking the 20th Racket, Clothing and Equipment Census at the Wimbledon Championships, and can now reveal that Babolat has overtaken Wilson as the most popular racket brand, which had been dominant for the last 10 years.

Head is the brand of choice in the Men’s Singles event, but Babolat dominates the Ladies’ Singles with over one quarter of competitors wielding a Babolat-branded weapon.

Nike remains the most popular brand of footwear in the Singles category ahead of adidas and Lotto, while Reebok is a notable absentee from the most popular brands, with only 7 of the 256 singles players wearing Reebok footwear.

Roger Federer, the favourite for the title, plays with a Wilson racket, and wears Nike-branded apparel, while British favourite Tim Henman uses a Slazenger racket and wears adidas-branded apparel.

For more information or to order a copy of the Census Report, please complete the order form at www.sportinginsights.com/census/order.htm or contact Erica George.

Sports Marketing Surveys Ltd
Tel: +44 1932 350600
Email: ericag@sportsmarketingsurveys.com
www.sportsmarketingsurveys.com