23 inch junior tennis racquets — designed for kids aged 6-8 progressing through the Tennis Australia Hot Shots Orange stage. Sturdy Racquets stocks 23" tennis racquets from Wilson, Babolat, Tecnifibre, Dunlop and Head — pre-strung and ready for serious learning.
What is a 23" junior tennis racquet?
23" tennis racquets weigh approximately 200–215g — the right size for kids transitioning from the smallest Hot Shots Red stage into the Hot Shots Orange stage on Mini Orange courts (18m x 6.4m). Pair with Stage 2 Orange tennis balls for the matched playing experience. The 23" frame delivers more power and reach than 21" frames while remaining easy to swing.
Top 23" picks
Popular 23" frames include the Wilson Intrigue Jr 23, Wilson Slam Jr 23, Babolat B'Fly 23, Babolat Comet Junior 23, Babolat Ballfighter 23, Tecnifibre TFight Club 23, Tecnifibre Tempo Iga 23, Dunlop FX Jnr 23, and Babolat Carlitos Jr 23.
When to upgrade
When your child outgrows 23", move up to 25" tennis racquets (ages 8-10). This typically coincides with the move from Orange stage to Green stage with Stage 3 Green balls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is a 23" tennis racquet for?
Approximately ages 6-8. Some smaller 9-year-olds may also use 23" before progressing to 25". Check fit by holding the racquet at the side — the head should reach roughly the child's hip-height.
What's the Hot Shots Orange stage?
Tennis Australia's structured progression for ages 7-10. Played on a Mini Orange court (smaller than full-size) with Stage 2 Orange balls — slightly faster than Red but still much slower than yellow. Designed to develop full-stroke technique on age-appropriate courts.
Are 23" racquets pre-strung?
Yes — all 23" junior tennis racquets ship pre-strung. Many include a protective cover.
What balls go with a 23" racquet?
Stage 2 Orange tennis balls are the recommended pairing for Hot Shots Orange stage play. Some clubs use Stage 1 Red for younger 23"-using players. See our Stage 2 Orange balls range.
What's the difference between Wilson Intrigue Jr and Slam Jr?
Both are entry-level Wilson juniors at similar prices. Intrigue Jr has a slightly more modern frame design; Slam Jr uses a classic profile. Either is suitable — pick by colour preference or whichever suits your child's hand size.