About Eric Babolat
In 2012, Eric Babolat presented the "Play & Connect" prototype racquet at Roland Garros, describing it as "la première raquette communicante" (the first communicating racquet). He stated that the racquet would allow players to obtain information about their game, improve their play, and share data with others via a community platform. Babolat noted that the company had explained the project to the tennis community in January and had tested it with a professional player in February. He outlined next steps, including making prototypes available to development teams in September 2012 for testing with academies, professional players, and amateurs worldwide, with a goal of launching a product in 2013.
In a separate overview of Babolat's history, Eric Babolat stated that the company was founded in 1875 by his great-great-grandfather, who invented the first tennis string. He noted that his father entered the racquet industry in 1994, and that he himself decided to launch a range of apparel and footwear in 2003. Babolat also remarked on the company's practice of signing young players, saying, "We signed Rodic when he was 16. Kener is at 13. Nadal at 11."
Source: AI-verified profile updated from Eric Babolat's recent appearances.
Browse all interviews →
Transcript (17 segments)
I
Interviewer0:07
Dear friends, today we have a special guest in the studio. This is the president of Babolat, Eric Babolat.
E
Eric Babolat0:25
Welcome to Saint Petersburg. I am happy to be at the tournament. Our brand has a long history in Russia.
I
Interviewer0:47
Welcome to Saint Petersburg and to the tournament. What good wind brought you to Russia?
E
Eric Babolat0:57
I must say that Babolat is very important for tennis, and this tournament is very important. We have been working in Russia for 20 years. Our official representative is the company Ne sport, and that's why we are here to celebrate this anniversary.
I
Interviewer2:39
When in Russia we celebrate a round date of 20 years, we like to sum up statistics. What data can you give us, Eric?
E
Eric Babolat2:47
I want to remind that our company was founded in 1875. We started by producing strings for tennis rackets. Even then we supplied strings to Russia. Our cooperation has lasted many years. We work with Russian partners and tennis players. Besides strings, we also produce shoes, rackets, and equipment. Both Soviet and Russian tennis players have used our products.
I
Interviewer3:50
Share specific statistical data on your business in Russia, please.
E
Eric Babolat4:05
I can say that we are first in rackets and strings in the world, and for ten years we have been first in Russia. This is largely thanks to the head of Ne sport, Pavel Solovyov.
I
Interviewer5:25
Please explain such a tremendous success. Is it the merit of your distributor, your partner in Russia, or the Russian customers who like to buy bright and advanced products like yours?
E
Eric Babolat5:42
Yes, our distributor has done excellent work, but we also work closely with Russian customers. They have deep roots in tennis culture. We specialize in tennis and study many things, including ballistics for racket creation and footwork for shoe design.
I
Interviewer7:13
Could you give examples besides the St. Petersburg tournaments? For instance, Roland Garros, where you are an official supplier of tennis balls and equipment.
E
Eric Babolat7:25
Yes, besides St. Petersburg, I would mention two Grand Slam tournaments: Roland Garros, where we are the supplier of strings and provide racket services for players; and Wimbledon, where we supply tennis shoes and also provide racket services.
I
Interviewer10:04
We know Babolat as an innovative company. You started with strings, then rackets, then shoes, and now high-tech devices that measure speed and accuracy. What do you do to stay in the vanguard?
E
Eric Babolat10:35
I can say that we always love to move forward. After strings and rackets, we developed new products. In partnership with Michelin, we developed tennis shoes. Tennis players run side to side, so grip is crucial. As for rackets and strings, they are like a race car: strings are the engine, racket is the body. And yes, our high-tech device on the racket measures several performance indicators at the moment of impact, such as direction, accuracy, and speed of the ball. Ballistic characteristics are very important.
I
Interviewer13:04
How important is cooperation with these two St. Petersburg tournaments, men's and women's?
E
Eric Babolat13:10
It is very important because we can address the Russian audience. Internationally, two leaders, Rafael Nadal and the new world number one Caroline Wozniacki, play with Babolat rackets. That is very important for us. Another statistic: 70 percent of Russian winners play with Babolat rackets. That is crucial for our business in Russia. It is important for them to see current world leaders using our products and to emulate them.
I
Interviewer14:30
Congratulations to you and your company on 20 years of business in Russia. Continue in the same vein, continue the good work. I wish you all success and hope you enjoy the tournament matches and maybe play some tennis yourself if time allows. Thank you, friends. With us was the president of Babolat, Eric Babolat. See you soon.
