Babolat Carlitos Junior 25 Tennis Racquet

Some children pick up a racquet and immediately want to play like their hero. The Babolat Carlitos Junior 25 is built for exactly that child.

Directly inspired by the racquet of Carlos Alcaraz, the youngest world number one in tennis history, the Carlitos Junior 25 gives juniors aged 9 to 11 a frame that looks the part and performs it too. The ultra-light aluminium construction keeps the total strung weight at just 8.7oz, making it genuinely easy for smaller arms to swing through the ball without fighting the frame. At 25 inches / 63.5cm, it's sized for players standing 135 to 145cm tall, which is exactly where most 9-to-11-year-olds sit.

What makes the Carlitos Junior range stand out is the built-in educational system. The Memo/Improver teaching grip is printed directly on the handle, showing young players where to place their fingers for a correct forehand grip from the very first session. Visual stroke aids on the frame reinforce the same principle. These tools are the result of Babolat's collaboration with movement biology experts, applied specifically to how children learn motor skills at this age. The right habits learned early are far easier to keep than bad habits corrected later.

On court, the 100in² head provides a large, forgiving sweet spot that turns slightly mis-hit balls into clean, confident shots rather than embarrassing frames. The 16x17 open string pattern gives the strings room to move and snap back, making it easier for developing players to start putting topspin on the ball without needing a technically polished swing. The consistent 20/20/20mm beam keeps the frame stable and forgiving across the full string bed.

It arrives factory-strung and ready to play straight from the box.

A first serious racquet for a child who wants to follow in Alcaraz's footsteps, with the teaching tools to help them do exactly that.

FAQ

Does this racquet come strung?

Yes. The Carlitos Junior 25 is factory-strung and ready to play straight from the box.

What are the teaching aids on this racquet?

The Carlitos Junior 25 includes a Memo/Improver grip, which shows young players exactly where to place their fingers for a correct forehand grip, along with visual stroke aids on the frame. These are built directly into the racquet and help beginners develop proper technique from their very first session.

What age and height is it designed for?

It's built for juniors aged 9 to 11 standing between 135 and 145cm tall. Players shorter than 135cm would typically be better matched to a 23" frame, while those over 145cm are likely ready to step up to the 26" Carlitos Junior.

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

The Carlitos Junior 25 uses a full aluminium construction and includes built-in teaching aids, making it the more beginner-friendly and accessible entry point. The Aero Junior 25 uses a graphite composite build for a step up in performance and feel, suited to juniors who already have some court experience and are ready for a more responsive frame.

How does the Carlitos Junior 25 compare to the Carlitos Junior 26?

The two racquets share the same design philosophy and educational features but differ in size. The 25" is designed for juniors aged 9-11 standing 135-145cm tall; the 26" suits older players aged 11-12 between 145 and 155cm. Matching the racquet length to your child's height is more important than matching it to their age.

When should my child move up to a graphite composite or adult frame?

When the aluminium frame starts to feel limiting and they're playing regularly with developing technique. Most juniors making that step do so between the ages of 11 and 13, but height and playing level are the most reliable guide.