21 inch junior tennis racquets — the next step up from 19", designed for kids aged 5-7 progressing through the Tennis Australia Hot Shots Red stage. Sturdy Racquets stocks 21" tennis racquets from Wilson, Babolat, Tecnifibre, Dunlop and Head — pre-strung and ready to play.
What is a 21" junior tennis racquet?
21" tennis racquets weigh approximately 180–200g — slightly heavier than 19" frames to suit growing children. They're designed for the Hot Shots Red stage on Mini Red courts (11m x 5.5m), pairing with Stage 1 Red foam balls. The size delivers more control and reach than 19" racquets while remaining manageable for small hands.
Top 21" picks
Popular options include the Wilson Intrigue Jr 21, Wilson Slam Jr 21, Babolat B'Fly 21, Babolat Comet Junior 21, Dunlop FX Jnr 21, Tecnifibre TFight Club 21, Tecnifibre Tempo Iga 21 (Iga Świątek's junior signature line), and Babolat Carlitos Jr 21.
When to upgrade
When your child outgrows 21", move up to 23" tennis racquets (ages 6-8). Pair with Stage 1 Red balls initially, then transition to Stage 2 Orange as technique develops.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is a 21" tennis racquet for?
Approximately ages 5-7. Some advanced 4-year-olds and smaller 8-year-olds may also use 21". Height and hand size matter more than exact age.
Are 21" racquets pre-strung?
Yes — all 21" junior tennis racquets ship pre-strung. Ready to play immediately.
How does Tennis Australia's Hot Shots Red stage work?
Hot Shots Red is the entry-level stage for ages 4-7, played on Mini Red courts (smaller than full-size) with red foam or felt balls. The smaller court and slower ball lets kids develop full strokes and rallies. 21" racquets are the standard for this stage as kids progress.
Should I buy a 19" or 21" for a 5-year-old?
Most 5-year-olds suit 21" — the slightly larger frame and weight gives better control as their strokes develop. Smaller 5-year-olds may still suit 19" if the 21" feels too heavy.
What's the Babolat Carlitos Jr?
A signature junior line for Carlos Alcaraz, Babolat's Spanish star. Includes a cover and is popular with kids who follow tour tennis.
