Wilson US Open Jr Tennis Racket, for Kids, Aluminium, Blue/G

The Verdict

A First Racquet That Won’t Teach Bad Habits

Most kids’ tennis racquets are cheap toys with plastic frames and grips that feel like bicycle handles. The Wilson US Open Jr is not that. It’s a real tennis racquet, sized down for small hands, built from proper aluminum, and pre-strung with actual synthetic gut. At 4.7 stars across 235 ratings, it’s clearly working for families. But before you buy, let’s talk about which size your child actually needs — because that’s where most parents get this wrong.

What You’re Actually Getting

Open the box and you’ll find the racquet pre-strung (good thing, because restringing a junior racquet costs nearly as much as the racquet itself), plus a thin foam handle tape. That’s it. No cover, no dampener, no balls. Wilson keeps the price low by stripping the extras, which is fine for a starter racquet.

The frame is 100% aluminum — not the graphite composite you’d find on adult performance racquets, and not the hollow plastic of Walmart specials. It’s the right middle ground. The head is oversized (roughly 100 square inches on most sizes), which gives kids a forgiving sweet spot while they’re still learning to make contact.

Sizing: The Most Important Decision You’ll Make

Wilson offers this in four lengths: 21, 23, 25, and 26 inches. The 21-inch is for ages 4-6, the 23-inch for ages 6-8, the 25-inch for ages 8-10, and the 26-inch for ages 10-12. Ignore the age labels and measure your kid instead. The racquet should reach the child’s palm when held at their side, with the head touching the ground. If it’s longer than that, it’s too big.

Here’s the trap: parents buy a bigger size thinking their kid will “grow into it.” That’s a mistake. An oversized racquet forces a child to compensate with bad mechanics — arming the ball instead of swinging through it. The 23-inch version weighs only 7.5 ounces, which most 6-year-olds can swing comfortably. The 26-inch jumps to 9.2 ounces, which is a noticeable difference.

Real-World Performance

The synthetic gut string at roughly 50-55 pounds tension gives decent pop for beginner-level ball speeds. Kids won’t be hitting heavy topspin with this, but they shouldn’t be trying to. The open string pattern (16x19) is forgiving and helps generate spin when they’re ready to start experimenting.

What buyers consistently mention is how durable this thing is. Multiple reviewers note it surviving aggressive court drops, bag bouncing, and being left in a hot car. The aluminum isn’t going to crack like composite frames can. One parent wrote: “My son is 7 and he’s been using this for a year. He’s slammed it on the court after losing matches and it’s still straight.” That’s the kind of abuse a kids’ racquet needs to survive.

Where It Falls Short

The aluminum frame has a real downside: vibration. On off-center hits, kids feel a distinct buzz through the handle. Some kids notice it; most don’t. If your child is sensitive to that, a $5 vibration dampener or a thicker replacement grip will solve it.

The stock grip is underwhelming — thin, smooth, and prone to slipping once hands get sweaty. Plan on replacing it with a junior-sized overgrip within the first few months. It’s a cheap fix, but it’s an extra purchase you should budget for.

Also, there’s no protective cover included. If you’re tossing this into a school bag, the strings will take a beating. A $10 racquet cover will extend its life significantly.

Who Should Buy This

Buy it if your child is between 4 and 12, just starting tennis, and needs a real racquet without a real racquet price tag. It’s also a solid choice for school tennis programs and summer camps where equipment takes a beating.

Skip it if your kid has been playing for over a year and is showing serious interest. At that point, step up to a graphite junior frame like the Wilson Clash or Babolat Drive Jr — the improved feel and control will accelerate their development. Also skip it if your child is over 12; the 26-inch model is a stopgap, and most teens should transition to an adult racquet.

FAQ

Q: Does this come with a cover or bag? A: No. Just the racquet, pre-strung. Buy a separate cover if you’re transporting it regularly.

Q: How do I know which size to order? A: Stand your child upright, let the racquet hang at their side. The head should touch the ground when the handle is in their palm. If it’s above or below, adjust accordingly. Age labels are a starting point, not a rule.

Q: Can I restring this when the strings break? A: Yes, but it’s rarely worth it. A junior restring runs $15-25, nearly the price of a new racquet. Most parents just replace it.

The Verdict

Rating: 4.6/5

The Wilson US Open Jr is the best budget-friendly junior racquet on the market right now. It’s light enough for proper swing mechanics, durable enough to survive real-world kid abuse, and pre-strung with quality string at a reasonable tension. The vibration transfer and thin grip are minor annoyances, not dealbreakers.

Buy it if you want a first racquet that won’t hold your kid back or fall apart in three months. Skip it if you have a serious junior player who’s outgrown beginner equipment — they need graphite. For everyone else, this is the safe, smart pick that 235 Amazon reviewers mostly agree on.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.