Babolat Carlitos Junior 23 Tennis Racquet

At 7 or 8 years old, a child's relationship with tennis is still being formed. The Babolat Carlitos Junior 23 is designed to make that start as enjoyable and effective as possible.

The frame is built from ultra-light aluminium, bringing the total strung weight to just 7.7oz. For a child aged 7 to 9, that's the difference between a session where they're fighting the racquet and one where they can focus entirely on the ball. At 23 inches / 58.5cm, it fits players standing 125 to 135cm tall — the size where correct length genuinely matters for building proper stroke mechanics and avoiding bad habits that take years to fix.

The 92in² head size is notably generous at this frame length. A larger head means a larger sweet spot, which means more rallies, more clean contact and more confidence. That confidence is what keeps children coming back. The 16x16 string pattern is designed for the same purpose: enough string movement to produce power on shorter, less forceful swings, so a 7-year-old doesn't need to muscle every shot to get it across the net.

What truly separates the Carlitos Junior from a generic starter racquet is the built-in Memo/Improver teaching grip, printed directly on the handle. It shows young players exactly where to place their fingers for a correct forehand grip. Visual stroke aids on the frame reinforce the same idea. These tools come from Babolat's collaboration with movement biology experts and are specifically designed around how children this age learn motor skills. Right technique at 7 is a gift at 17.

The design itself is inspired by the racquet of Carlos Alcaraz, giving children an instant connection to the pro game and a genuine reason to want to pick it up every day.

It arrives factory-strung and ready to play, with a cover included to protect the frame between sessions.

FAQ

Does this racquet come strung?

Yes. The Carlitos Junior 23 is factory-strung and is ready to play straight from the box.

Does it come with a cover?

Yes. A cover is included, protecting the frame during transport and storage between sessions.

What are the teaching aids on this racquet?

The Carlitos Junior 23 includes a Memo/Improver grip, printed directly on the handle, that shows children exactly where to place their fingers for a correct forehand grip. Visual stroke aids on the frame reinforce proper technique. These are built into the racquet to help young beginners develop good habits from their very first session.

What age and height is it designed for?

It's built for children aged 7 to 9 standing between 125 and 135cm tall. Players shorter than 125cm would typically be better matched to a 21" frame, while those over 135cm are likely ready to step up to the 25" Carlitos Junior.

How does the Carlitos Junior 23 differ from the Carlitos Junior 25?

Both share the same teaching tools and Alcaraz-inspired design, but differ in size. The 23" is for children aged 7-9 standing 125-135cm tall; the 25" suits older players aged 9-11 between 135 and 145cm. Matching frame length to height is the most important factor at this stage of development.

Why does this racquet have a 92in² head rather than 100in²?

A 23" frame is scaled for smaller players, so the head size is proportionally sized to match. At 92in², it still provides a generous sweet spot relative to the frame length, giving young players the forgiveness they need while keeping the overall dimensions age-appropriate.