Babolat Carlitos Junior 26 Tennis Racquet

Getting a child into tennis is one thing. Keeping them interested is another. The Babolat Carlitos Junior 26 handles both.

Inspired by the racquet of world number one Carlos Alcaraz, the Carlitos Junior 26 is designed from the ground up as a first serious racquet for young beginners. The frame is lightweight aluminium, which makes it easy for an 11 or 12-year-old to swing freely without fighting the weight. At 26 inches / 66cm, it sits correctly for juniors standing 145 to 155cm tall, putting the sweet spot in exactly the right place for a developing swing arc.

What sets this racquet apart from a generic starter frame is the built-in educational system. The Carlitos Junior range includes a Memo/Improver teaching grip printed directly on the handle, showing young players where to place their fingers for a correct forehand grip. Visual stroke aids on the frame support the same idea: the right habits learned early make a real difference later. These aren't gimmicks; they're the result of Babolat's research in collaboration with movement biology experts, applied specifically to how children learn.

On court, the 100in² head provides a generous sweet spot that rewards off-centre contact with clean, consistent shots rather than mis-hits. The 16x17 open string pattern gives the strings room to move and snap back, which helps young players start generating topspin without needing a technically advanced swing. The uniform 20/20/20mm beam keeps everything forgiving and stable.

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

The right racquet for a child who wants to follow in Alcaraz's footsteps from day one.

FAQ

Does this racquet come strung?

Yes. The Carlitos Junior 26 arrives factory-strung and is ready to play straight from the box.

Does it come with a cover?

Yes. A cover is included with this racquet, protecting the frame during transport and storage.

What are the teaching aids on this racquet?

The Carlitos Junior range 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 the Carlitos Junior 26 designed for?

It's built for juniors aged 11 to 12 who stand between 145 and 155cm tall. Players shorter than 145cm would typically be better matched to a 25" frame, while those over 155cm may be approaching the point where a 26" graphite composite or adult frame is more appropriate.

How does the Carlitos Junior 26 differ from the Aero Junior 26?

The Carlitos Junior 26 uses a full aluminium construction and includes built-in teaching aids, making it the more beginner-friendly choice for a child who is just starting out. The Aero Junior 26 uses a graphite composite build, making it a step up in performance for juniors who already have some technique and want a more responsive frame.

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

When the aluminium frame starts to feel limiting and they're playing regularly with developing technique. Most juniors making that step are between 12 and 14, but playing level and height are better guides than age alone.