Donna Vekić’s Racquet, Strings, and Grip Setup – What Pros Actually Use

The Truth About Donna Vekić's Equipment Why Her Setup Matters More Than You Think

Donna Vekić has climbed as high as world No. 17 in January 2025, reached the Wimbledon semifinals in 2024, and won an Olympic silver medal the same year.

Yet if you scan the comments on any gear forum, you'll find people arguing about her racquet, strings, and grip as if they're dissecting a scientific paper. The reality is simpler and more instructive: Vekić uses a Yonex VCore 100 Tennis Racquet, Yonex Poly Tour Pro Tennis String, and Tourna Grip Original Overgrip.

But here's the kicker—her choices reveal more about player psychology than about "optimizing" your game. Let's start with the racquet.

The Yonex VCore 100 is not a beginner's frame. It's a 100-square-inch head with a 16x19 string pattern, designed for players who generate their own spin and pace.

Vekić, who hits a heavy ball and relies on aggressive baseline play, doesn't need a racquet that does the work for her. She needs one that translates her energy into controlled power.

The VCore 100 does exactly that—it's crisp, responsive, and rewards clean contact. If you're a recreational player trying to mimic her setup, ask yourself: Do you swing as fast as a top-20 WTA player?

If not, that racquet will punish your mishits. The string choice is equally telling.

Yonex Poly Tour Pro is a co-polyester string that offers excellent control and spin, but it's stiff. Vekić strings it in the high 40s to low 50s (pounds), which is standard for tour-level players who want feel without sacrificing tension maintenance.

But here's the catch: a co-poly string at that tension will feel like a board to most amateur players. You'll lose power, and your arm might ache.

The lesson? Vekić's setup is optimized for her, not for you.

Equipment	Model/Spec	Why It Fits Vekić	Warning for Rec Players
Racquet	Yonex VCore 100	Spin generation, control	Requires fast swing speed
Strings	Yonex Poly Tour Pro	High spin, tension stability	Very stiff; arm fatigue risk
Overgrip	Tourna Grip Original	Absorbs sweat, thin profile	Needs frequent replacement

The grip is where Vekić's pragmatism shines. Tourna Grip Original is thin, absorbs sweat, and provides a tacky feel without adding bulk.

It's not flashy, but it's reliable—exactly what you need during a three-set battle at Wimbledon where you're fighting cramps and heat. Vekić doesn't experiment with rainbow grips or cushioned wraps.

She uses what works, and that mindset is worth copying. Stop chasing gimmicks.

Start choosing gear that solves problems, not creates them. Now, before you rush to buy a VCore 100, consider this: Vekić's ranking has fluctuated between No.

70 and No. 17 over the past two years.

She didn't get to the Wimbledon semifinals because of her racquet. She got there because she almost quit tennis in May 2024—then chose to fight.

That's the real story. The equipment is just a tool.

Use it wisely, or don't use it at all.

The 2024 Season That Almost Never Happened A Lesson in Resilience

In May 2024, Donna Vekić was ready to walk away from tennis entirely. She told her coach, Nick Horvat, that she wanted to pull out of the French Open and that, at 27, she was thinking of quitting.

This isn't a feel-good anecdote—it's a documented fact from The Athletic. She had been struggling with results, and the mental weight of the tour had become unbearable.

Fast forward to August 2024, and she's one win away from an Olympic gold medal. That's not a redemption arc; it's a masterclass in how to handle pressure.

Her 2024 season statistics paint a clear picture. She reached the Wimbledon semifinals—the longest match in tournament history—losing to Jasmine Paolini 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 after nearly three hours.

She won the Monterrey Open earlier that year, and at the Olympics, she avenged a previous loss to take down the defending champion in Bad Homburg. But the numbers don't capture the emotional cost.

After her Wimbledon exit, Vekić said she felt like she was "going to die" during the third set. That's not hyperbole; it's the reality of elite sport.

What changed? According to reports, the ability to "reset" after tough moments became her mantra.

Pam Shriver, part of her coaching team, emphasized this skill. Vekić didn't suddenly become a better player—she became a better competitor.

She learned to let go of the bad points and focus on the next one. That's a skill you can develop, regardless of your racquet or string tension.

Tournament	Result	Opponent	Score	Key Takeaway
Wimbledon 2024	Semifinal	Jasmine Paolini	5-7, 6-4, 6-4	Longest match in history
Paris Olympics	Silver Medal	Multiple	N/A	Came back from quitting
Monterrey Open	Winner	Multiple	N/A	Title in 2024
Bad Homburg	Win	Defending Champ	6-3, 6-3	Avenged 2024 final loss

Here's the raw truth: Vekić's equipment didn't change during this period. She was using the same Yonex VCore 100, the same Poly Tour Pro strings, the same Tourna Grip overgrip.

What changed was her headspace. If you're reading this and thinking, "Maybe a new racquet will fix my game," stop.

It won't. A new racquet can help, but it can't rebuild your confidence.

That work happens between your ears, not between the strings. The most striking stat?

Her career-high ranking of No. 17 came in January 2025, months after she nearly quit.

That's not a coincidence. Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom to realize you have nothing left to lose.

Vekić's 2024 season is a reminder that the best gear in the world is useless if you don't have the mental fortitude to use it. So before you obsess over swing weights and string gauges, ask yourself: Are you playing to win, or are you playing to avoid losing?

Vekić chose the first option. That's why she's still on tour.

Yonex VCore 100 The Specs That Matter (And the Marketing That Doesn't)

The Yonex VCore 100 is one of the most popular racquets on the WTA tour, and Donna Vekić's endorsement of it is no accident. But here's what the glossy ads won't tell you: this racquet is demanding.

It's designed for players who generate their own pace, not for those who wait for the ball to come to them. If you're a baseliner who loves heavy topspin and aggressive shot-making, the VCore 100 could be your weapon.

If you're a counterpuncher who relies on blocking shots back, you'll struggle. Let's break down the specs.

The VCore 100 has a 100-square-inch head, which offers a larger sweet spot than a 98 or 95. That's a plus for consistency.

But the 16x19 string pattern is open, meaning the strings move more and create more spin. That's great for Vekić, who hits with heavy topspin, but it also means less control on flat shots.

The racquet's weight is around 11.2 ounces strung (315 grams), with a balance that's slightly head-light. This makes it maneuverable at net but stable enough for baseline rallies.

Here's the real test: swing speed. The VCore 100 performs best when you're swinging fast.

If you're a recreational player who swings at 60% effort, you'll find the ball flying long. The racquet's stiffness (RA rating around 68) adds power but reduces feel.

For Vekić, who has elite timing, that's fine. For a 3.5-level player, it's a recipe for arm pain.

Spec	Yonex VCore 100	Impact on Play	Who Should Use It
Head Size	100 sq. in.	Larger sweet spot	Players wanting forgiveness
String Pattern	16x19	High spin potential	Topspin-heavy players
Weight (strung)	~11.2 oz / 315g	Stable but mobile	Intermediate to advanced
Stiffness (RA)	~68	Extra power, less feel	Aggressive hitters
Balance	Head-light	Maneuverable at net	All-court players

The marketing department will tell you the VCore 100 is for "everyone." That's a lie. It's for players who can handle a stiff frame and generate their own pace.

If you're a beginner, look elsewhere. If you're an advanced player who wants to hit with more spin and pace, yes, this racquet can help.

But temper your expectations. Donna Vekić didn't reach the Wimbledon semifinals because of the VCore 100.

She did it despite the fact that she almost quit tennis two months prior. The bottom line: The Yonex VCore 100 is a tool for a specific job.

It's like a chef's knife—great if you know how to use it, dangerous if you don't. Before you buy, borrow one from a friend or demo it for a week.

Pay attention to how your arm feels after two hours. If it aches, move on.

There's no shame in using a more forgiving racquet. Vekić could use a 98-square-inch frame if she wanted, but she chose the 100 for a reason.

Make your own choice based on your game, not hers.

String Tension and Grip The Overlooked Variables That Shape Performance

We've talked about racquets, but the real game-changer in tennis equipment is often the strings and grip. Donna Vekić uses Yonex Poly Tour Pro string and Tourna Grip Original overgrip.

These choices reveal a philosophy: prioritize control and sweat management over comfort or flash. Let's examine why this matters.

First, the strings. Yonex Poly Tour Pro is a co-polyester string known for its excellent tension maintenance and spin potential.

Vekić strings it at a tension that's typical for WTA players—high 40s to low 50s in pounds. This low tension provides a trampoline effect that generates power, but it also means the string bed is less forgiving on off-center hits.

For Vekić, this trade-off is acceptable because she strikes the ball consistently. For an amateur player, low-tension co-poly can feel like a slingshot—unpredictable and difficult to control.

The grip is equally important. Tourna Grip Original is thin, tacky, and highly absorbent.

It's not cushioned, which means you'll feel every vibration from the racquet. Some players prefer a thicker grip for comfort, but Vekić chooses thinness for feel.

She also knows that a sweaty grip leads to a loose hold, which compromises control. Tourna Grip dries out quickly and needs replacing every few matches, but that's a small price for reliability.

Component	Option	Pros	Cons	Best For
String	Yonex Poly Tour Pro	High spin, tension stability	Stiff, arm fatigue risk	Advanced players
String Tension	48-52 lbs	Power, feel	Less control on mishits	Consistent strikers
Overgrip	Tourna Grip Original	Sweat absorption, thin	Needs frequent replacement	Players who sweat a lot
Overgrip Alternative	Cushioned grip	Comfort	Thick, less feel	Players with arm issues

Here's the hard truth: Most recreational players should not use Vekić's string setup. Co-poly strings at low tension are harsh on the arm and demanding on technique.

If you're a 4.0 player who wants more spin, try a hybrid setup—a co-poly in the mains and a softer multifilament in the crosses. That gives you spin without sacrificing comfort.

And for the grip, test Tourna Grip Original for a session. If you find yourself regripping the racquet mid-point, it's working.

If your hand slips, try a different option. The grip is the part of your equipment that connects you to the racquet.

It's not a luxury; it's a necessity. Vekić uses Tourna Grip because it solves a problem: sweat.

She doesn't care about aesthetics or branding. She cares about performance.

That's the mindset you should adopt. Stop buying overgrips based on colors or celebrity endorsements.

Buy based on how your hand feels after 15 minutes of play. If it's comfortable and secure, keep it.

If not, change it. The best grip in the world is the one you don't think about during a match.

What You Should Actually Do A Practical Decision Guide

By now, you've read about Donna Vekić's equipment, her mental journey, and the specs that power her game. But you're probably wondering: "What should I buy?" The answer is not a simple recommendation.

It's a process. Here's how to think about it.

Step 1: Assess your level honestly. If you're a 3.5 or lower NTRP player, do not buy the Yonex VCore 100. It's too stiff and demanding.

Instead, look for a racquet with a larger head size (100-105 sq. in.) and a lower stiffness rating (RA below 65).

Your priority should be comfort and forgiveness, not spin potential. The best racquet for you is the one that lets you play without pain.

Step 2: Choose strings based on your arm, not your idol. Co-poly strings like Yonex Poly Tour Pro offer great performance but at a cost. If you have a history of tennis elbow or wrist issues, stay away from full poly setups.

Consider a hybrid or a multifilament string instead. Tension should be in the mid-50s to low 60s for most recreational players.

Lower tension can help with power, but only if you have consistent technique. Step 3: Fix your grip before anything else. Tourna Grip Original is a solid choice for players who sweat.

Buy a 10-pack and try it for a month. If your hand slips, try a cushioned overgrip.

If the grip feels too thin, add a second layer. Your grip should be the most personal part of your setup.

Don't let anyone else tell you what's "right."

Decision	If You Are...	Do This	Avoid
Racquet	Beginner/Intermediate	Demi 100-105 sq. in., RA <65	Stiff frames like VCore 100
Racquet	Advanced	Demo VCore 100 for 1 week	Buying without testing
Strings	Arm-sensitive	Hybrid or multifilament	Full poly setup
Strings	Advanced with good technique	Yonex Poly Tour Pro at 48-52 lbs	Tension below 45 lbs
Overgrip	Sweaty hands	Tourna Grip Original	Thick cushioned grips
Overgrip	Dry hands	Any tacky overgrip	Tourna Grip (dries too fast)

Step 4: Watch your mental game. Vekić nearly quit tennis, then reached an Olympic final. Her equipment didn't change; her mindset did.

If you're frustrated with your game, ask yourself: Are you practicing with intent? Are you resetting after bad points?

Are you enjoying the process? If the answer is no, no racquet will fix that.

Here's your action plan for this week: Demo a Yonex VCore 100 if you're an advanced player. Buy a pack of Tourna Grip Original and re-grip your current racquet.

String your racquet with a comfortable multifilament at 55 lbs. Play three matches or practice sessions.

Then ask yourself: Did I play better? Did I enjoy the game more?

If the answer is yes, keep the changes. If not, revert.

There's no shame in using equipment that makes tennis fun. That's the real lesson from Donna Vekić's journey.

She chose to keep playing when quitting seemed easier. Your equipment should support that choice, not undermine it.

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