# Control-Focused Tennis Rackets Functional Tennis Debuts FT-99 With Saber-Like Control By Kanesa David | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-01-27 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ft-99 References: [forbes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/timnewcomb/2026/01/27/functional-tennis-launches-first-full-size-tennis-racket/) & [functionaltennis](https://www.functionaltennis.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqNGSoLT9_Qz_yIDV7zUeOZCIv3AnH1tyaVWM4IRu6h5tYhOQhi)  Functional Tennis, the Ireland-based brand known for its Saber training tool, introduced its first full-size racket, the FT-99, on Jan. 27, 2026. The new frame is designed to give Saber users a seamless transition into match play by echoing the compact trainer’s feel in a regulation 99-square-inch head. Brand owner Fabio Molle positioned the FT-99 as a control-first option that helps players stay confident in unstable court conditions. Developed by the same team behind Saber, the FT-99 underwent extensive prototyping to balance stability and precision. The final design leans more toward control than the power specs Molle first considered, with a rounded head shape that nods to classic rackets while remaining uncommon in today’s marketplace. The launch colorway mirrors the Saber, acting as a visual link and a subtle thank-you to the training racket’s early adopters. For tennis players, the FT-99 offers a dedicated [control frame](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wilson-rf-collection) that supports slices, touch shots, and difficult returns without sacrificing stability. It also extends Functional Tennis’ ecosystem from practice to [competitive play](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mens-tennis-shoe), giving Saber fans a consistent on-court experience. As a small, word-of-mouth brand entering the [crowded racket category](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/badminton-racket-finder), Functional Tennis highlights the growing demand for specialized performance gear that prioritizes feel, feedback, and deliberate shot-making. Image Credit: Functional Tennis ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.4/10 - Popularity: 61% | Activity: 69% | Freshness: 63% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Sports](https://www.trendhunter.com/sports) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Rising Demand for Specialized Sports Equipment:** Athletes increasingly seek equipment that prioritizes precision and control, highlighting a shift towards niche performance gear in sports. - **Integration of Training and Competition Gear:** Brands are designing products that transition seamlessly from practice to professional play, fostering brand loyalty and consistency. - **Heritage-inspired Design in Modern Equipment:** A resurgence in classic design elements within modern sports equipment showcases a growing appreciation for tradition in a contemporary context. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Sports Equipment Manufacturing:** The launch of specialized tennis rackets exemplifies opportunities for manufacturers to innovate with performance-driven designs that cater to niche athlete needs. - **Tennis Gear Retail:** Retailers can capitalize on the demand for control-focused rackets, offering players finely-tuned options that enhance their performance on the court. - **Athletic Training and Development:** Advancements in equipment that mirror training tools emphasize growth in sports development industries, aiming to improve athlete skill through specialized gear. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Elevated Fall Tennis Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/y3-fw25-tennis.md) - [Gamer-Branded Pickleball Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/razer-joola.md) - [Innovative Tennis Training Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tennis-training-robot.md) - [Performance-Driven Tennis Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/feel-the-heat1.md) - [Connected Vision Tennis Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aceii-one.md) - [Performance-Driven Pickleball Paddle Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pickleball-equipment.md) - [AI-Powered Tennis Training Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tenniix-ultra.md) - [Adaptable Performance Racquets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blitz-attack-racquet.md) - [Luxuriously Fashion-Forward Tennis Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2025-tennis-collection.md)