Two Oldest Names In Tennis—Babolat And Wimbledon—Partner Again In 2026

BusinessSportsMoneyTwo Oldest Names In Tennis—Babolat And Wimbledon—Partner Again In 2026ByTim Newcomb,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Tim Newcomb covers tennis gear/business, stadiums and shoe tech.Follow AuthorJun 15, 2026, 10:34am EDTSummaryTennis giants Babolat and Wimbledon, two of the sport's oldest names, continue their long-standing partnership with a special 2026 collection. Babolat, founded in 1875, predates Wimbledon's first championships by two years, and their alliance, ongoing since 2013, is described as a natural fit shaping tennis history. The 2026 range features special-edition rackets, bags, and a new grass-specific Jet Mach 4 shoe, developed with Michelin, to be worn by ball kids and pro Cameron Norrie. Designers aimed for a bold, modern aesthetic using a premium white and sport-tech grey palette, ensuring each collection feels "instantly Wimbledon, but clearly Babolat." Babolat also serves as the official racket service provider, deploying 25 stringers for over 6,000 rackets during the tournament. The collaborative design process takes two years, ensuring a fresh yet timeless appeal.Show More Babolat teamed with Wimbledon again in 2026 for a range of special products, including a grass-ready Jet Mach 4 Wimbledon.BabolatNot many names in tennis have a longer standing position in the sport than Wimbledon. Babolat predates Wimbledon by two years and two of the oldest names in tennis have again partnered on special collections for Wimbledon 2026, including special-edition rackets, bags and a grass-ready shoe. “For us, the Wimbledon collection is much more than a seasonal product range,” Marion Cornu, head of tennis at Babolat, tells me. “It is a very natural alliance between two brands that have helped shape tennis history.”Babolat, founded in France in 1875, invented tennis string thanks to Pierre Babolat, great-great-grandfather of current owner and CEO Eric Babolat. Wimbledon ho...