Key Takeaways
- Babolat and Juan Lebrón provided an inside look in Madrid at the new 3.1 range as their partnership approaches 10 years.
- Babolat staff emphasized Lebrón’s deep engagement with aesthetics, stating, “One, he loves fashion. So we do a lot of meetings during the year with the different product managers.”
- The 3.1 racket range features three distinct specifications: the 370-gram Viper, the 365-gram Viper Soft, and the 360-gram Carbon Flex model for developing players.
Behind the scenes of Juan Lebrón’s equipment in Madrid
Babolat has offered an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the development of the new Babolat Lebrón 3.1 range during a launch campaign shoot in Madrid. The project highlights an enduring partnership between the French brand and former world number one Juan Lebrón, an alliance that is approaching a major decade-long milestone.
Team members Patricia and Enric reflected on the dynamic of collaborating with the Spanish star on and off the court. One team member noted that Lebrón brings immense dedication to promotional duties, explaining, “He really is a committed player and of course committed on the shootings when it comes to shootings. He really is willing to give the most out of it and always trying to do it like really nicely.”
Describing their working relationship, the team added, “So yes, very easy. We’re very happy that he’s with us. It’s very fruitful collaboration.” When discussing the length of their partnership, they highlighted, “It’s been already 10 years that he’s with us. So, we are really happy.” The presence of Lebrón on the professional circuit has also pushed Babolat beyond its traditional boundaries: “Juan has been very important for us to put the brand into more than tennis brand. So we are now I think more considered as a brand as well.”
Fashion focus and aesthetic evolution
Lebrón’s involvement goes far beyond testing prototypes. The team revealed that the Andalusian native maintains an active voice in product meetings, guided by a genuine interest in apparel and style. “One, he loves fashion. So we do a lot of meetings during the year with the different product managers,” the team shared. “So yeah, for him I think it’s very important to feel that we care and that we want to do things as he likes knowing that we have to follow some trends in terms of fashion.”
Reflecting on recent cosmetic designs, the team noted, “And I think the collection is looking super super good. And we have shown this in the past collections. The orange racket was a I think it was a very nice racket. The green and dark blue as well. And this one I think it’s my favorite. Hopefully it brings us some trophies.”
Technical specifications of the Lebrón 3.1 lineup
When it comes to technical adjustments on Lebrón’s primary weapon, Babolat opts for stability: “So basically in the record, as Juan said, we normally don’t touch a lot of the racket because Juan is very comfortable with what he’s playing with.” However, the wider range provides tailored choices across different weights and materials.
| Racket Model | Weight | Target Player Level | Key Materials and Feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viper | 370 g | Competition / Top players | Dual-faced design matching apparel, stiffer feel for aggressive play |
| Viper Soft | 365 g | Competition / Top players | Softer EVA density and soft carbon for enhanced comfort and maneuverability |
| Veron | 360 g | Amateurs starting to compete | Carbon Flex (rigid carbon combined with fiberglass) |
As the product specialists outlined, “Basically, we have two rackets that are really for the top players, for the competition players. One that is the soft that is a little bit more comfortable because of the density of the EVA and also the softer carbon that it has inside and the racket that Juan is playing with.” The Viper Soft sits at 365 grams to provide extra handling speed compared to the 370-gram standard Viper, while the Carbon Flex model targets developing competitors with an accessible 360-gram build.
The range extends into a complete panoply that matches rackets with footwear, technical outerwear, and bags. Summarizing the design philosophy behind the launch, the team explained, “The aim with this collection is to have a complete collection, but we have to cater to Juan’s need and specific professional player needs. But we also want this collection to be addressed to all our power players everywhere in the world.”
