Racket or Racquet? Which Spelling Is Correct in Tennis?
That is the question?
If you have ever searched for a new tennis racket, scheduled a restring or read tennis advice online, you may have noticed something strange: sometimes the equipment in your hand is called a racket, and other times it is called a racquet. That can leave new players wondering whether one spelling is correct, whether the words describe different pieces of equipment, or whether using the wrong version makes you look inexperienced.
Fortunately, the answer is much simpler than the spelling suggests. Both words are accepted, both refer to the same piece of tennis equipment and you will see both used throughout the tennis world. Even major tennis organizations are not completely uniform in which spelling they prefer. Merriam-Webster lists “racquet” as a variant of “racket,” while official tennis organizations use both forms in their published material.
So, Racket or Racquet? The short answer is that either works. But understanding why there are two spellings — and which one you are most likely to encounter — can make tennis terminology a little less confusing, especially if you are a beginner getting familiar with the sport.
Are Racket and Racquet Both Correct?
They Refer to the Same Piece of Tennis Equipment
There is no technical equipment difference between a tennis racket and a tennis racquet. Changing the spelling does not change the frame, strings, grip, head size, weight, balance or any other characteristic of the equipment.
Merriam-Webster uses racket as its main dictionary entry and identifies racquet as a variant spelling. Its definition describes the familiar handled frame with a network of strings used in sports such as tennis and badminton.
That means you do not need to worry about ordering a “racquet” when you own a “racket,” or asking someone to restring your racket when their website uses the other spelling. They are talking about exactly the same thing.
Even Tennis Organizations Use Different Spellings
Tennis itself does not enforce one universal spelling.
The United States Tennis Association frequently uses racquet in its educational material. For example, its equipment guides discuss choosing the right tennis “racquet,” and its tennis terminology pages also use that spelling.
The international rules provide an interesting contrast. The 2026 Rules of Tennis published by the international governing body identify Rule 4 as “The Racket.” Previous official rulebooks also consistently use “racket” when discussing equipment specifications.
If the organizations responsible for American and international tennis can use different versions, recreational players certainly do not need to worry about choosing the “wrong” one.
Why Are There Two Spellings?
The Word Has a Long History
The two spellings make more sense when you look at how old tennis terminology is.
Merriam-Webster traces the tennis meaning of “racket” to around 1520 and connects the word through Middle French raquette, Medieval Latin and ultimately an Arabic word associated with the wrist.
Tennis itself has centuries of linguistic history. The international governing body's history of tennis notes that versions of the game developed long before modern lawn tennis, with strong connections to medieval France. Early forms were even played with the hand before equipment resembling today's rackets became part of the sport.
With words passing through different languages and hundreds of years of usage, spelling variations are hardly surprising.
“Racquet” Preserves a More French-Looking Form
The spelling racquet looks closer to the French raquette, which helps explain why it remains associated with racket sports.
Over time, English also developed the simpler spelling racket. Instead of one version completely replacing the other, both survived.
That is why tennis players today can encounter phrases such as “tennis racket,” “tennis racquet,” “racket stringing,” and “racquet stringing” and still be reading about the exact same services and equipment.
It is a language difference — not a tennis equipment difference.
What Matters More Than Choosing Racket or Racquet?
Your Strings, Tension and Setup Affect How the Racket Plays
Whether you call it a racket or racquet has absolutely no effect on what happens when you hit a tennis ball.
Your actual equipment setup does.
String material, string tension, gauge, frame characteristics, grip condition and your own playing style can all influence how a racket feels. Two identical frames can feel noticeably different if one has fresh strings at an appropriate tension and the other has an old string bed that has lost tension.
That distinction is especially important for newer tennis players. It is easy to focus on purchasing a better frame when the strings or grip may actually be responsible for an uncomfortable or inconsistent feel.
Albuquerque Players Should Pay Attention to Equipment Condition
For players in Albuquerque, maintaining your equipment is more useful than worrying about terminology.
If your strings have lost their feel, are badly notched or break, restringing gives you an opportunity to choose a setup that better matches how you play. Likewise, a worn or slippery grip can make an otherwise good racket difficult to control comfortably.
You do not need to become an equipment expert before having your racket serviced. You simply need to pay attention to how the equipment feels and recognize when something has changed.
That is ultimately much more important to your tennis than whether you use the word with a “c.”
Racket or Racquet? What Albuquerque Tennis Players Should Remember
The Simple Answer: Both Are Correct
So, Racket or Racquet? You can use either.
“Racket” and “racquet” describe the same piece of tennis equipment. Merriam-Webster recognizes both spellings, the USTA frequently uses “racquet,” and the international Rules of Tennis use “racket.”
There is no special type of tennis equipment hidden behind either word, and choosing one spelling over the other will not change your game. If the terminology has been confusing you as you learn more about tennis, consider that question officially resolved.
Focus on the Racket in Your Hand
Instead of worrying about how the word is spelled, pay attention to the equipment itself. Check the condition of your strings. Notice whether your grip feels secure. Think about whether the racket feels comfortable when you play. Those details can actually affect your experience on the court.
If your next question is less about Racket or Racquet? and more about whether your strings or grip need attention, High Desert Mobile String Lab provides tennis racket stringing and gripping services for players in rAlbuquerque. We also provide beginner tennis lessons for players who are still learning the fundamentals of the game.
Our goal is to make tennis equipment and terminology easier to understand so Albuquerque players can spend less time wondering about their gear and more time enjoying tennis.
