Robert DOWNER

Name: Robert Downer
Date of Birth: 24/03/1992
Country: England
Contract: International

Racket: Carboflex 140 Basaltex
String: X-One Biphase 1.18 Red

Questions and Answers:

1. Why is Tecnifibre your brand of choice and how do you perceive the brand?
I chose Tecnifibre because I found a good personal feel for the rackets and the strings. The clothing is also of great quality. I perceive Tecnifibre to be the most popular and suitable brand in certainly the junior game at the moment, and with some of the top 20 players on the PSA rankings using Tecnifibre to boost their games, is a great inspiration to up and coming juniors. The approach Tecnifibre have had on tournament and player sponsorship over the past 3 years has been significant; I am seeing players from England, France, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and also Egypt.

2. What racket do you use and what benefits do you feel this racket gives you over other rackets?
I use the Carboflex 140 Basaltex. This racket has some obvious benefits in my performance in comparison to rackets I've previously used. This racket enables me to feel more free when volleying, hitting short and also playing the ball with very high pace with accuracy. A personal feel to this racket was noticed when I play shots with some side spin or cut to try and get the ball tighter to the wall. Other rackets I have used feel much more rigid and the balance is not as good as Tecnifibre rackets.

3. If you use Tecnifibre string, which one do you use and what does this string offer you that others don't?
I use the red X-One Biphase string. This string is different to that of what I was using previously. The X-One Biphase string is best suited for when I strung it at a tension of 28 lbs, which I find is loose enough for good power and still tight enough for great control and accuracy on my shots. The string is very thin and makes the use of cut and spin on the ball very easy for me.

4. Has a contract with Tecnifibre helped you to progress your game? If so, why?
Yes, the contract has helped me in several ways. The contract I was given made sure that I have plenty of rackets and good racket bags for when I travel to tournaments on the European circuit. The rackets have helped me to some great results since the contract began, making semi-finals of 2 super series events (Nordic and Dutch junior opens) in the U19 category.

5. Who is your favourite professional Tecnifibre player and why?
My favourite Tecnifibre player is Thierry Lincou. I am currently using the same racket as him, the Carboflex 140, and I find his movement around the court and efficiency to play tight shots from anywhere on the court very skillful. Also, his change of pace when at the front of the court is one of his best assets.