The Babolat Pure Drive, with its explosive power and exceptional ability to smash winners from any part of the court, is a truly unique and iconic tennis racket. Babolat's recent announcement of a new Pure Drive, following its last release in 2021, is a significant event. To honor this iconic launch, let's explore the history of the Babolat Pure Drive and the profound impact it has had on the game of tennis, shaping its legacy forever.
The Babolat Pure Drive, released in 1994, was Babolat’s first racket. Unlike other rackets at the time, the Pure Drive was focused on combining explosive power with exceptional feel and control, unlike the traditional control-oriented racket by 2000. The Babolat Pure Drive was available almost everywhere in the world and had been broadly popularized by Carlos Moya, who would win the 1998 French Open with the stick. In addition, this frame would also be used by players like Andy Roddick and the Bryan Brothers. The Pure Drive had officially established itself as an iconic frame, and Babolat would continue to release better and more solid versions of the Pure Drive. Here is a quick timeline of each release:
1994- Pure Drive Officially Launches
2001 - Pure Drive Swirly
2003 - Pure Drive Team
2006 - Pure Drive Cortex
2009 - Pure Drive GT (Graphite Tungsten)
2012- Pure Drive Cortex Active
2015 - 7th generation Pure Drive
2018 - 8th generation Pure Drive
2019 - 9th generation Pure Drive VS
2021 - 10th generation Pure Drive
2025 - 11th generation Pure Drive
The release of the 11th generation Pure Drive introduced itself with a new paint job, contrary to the typical true blue and black colorway Babolat has been implementing for the past few generations. Babolat continues its legacy as a primary tennis racket manufacturer with this new generation, and countless juniors, professionals, recreational players, and more are using the Babolat Pure Drive. Countless more will likely switch to this new model because of its increased stability, comfort, and controllable power.
Sources:
https://allthingstennis.co.uk/blogs/reviews-tips-and-tricks/history-of-the-babolat-pure-drive
Image Courtesy:
https://www.tennisnerd.net/gear/racquets/the-babolat-pure-drive-2025/42376
https://www.forbes.com/sites/timnewcomb/2025/01/01/babolat-pure-drive-gen-11-racket-updates-feel-and-customizable-power/
Pure Drive 11th Generation