What happened to square-shaped tennis racquets?

Question

Back in the late 70s early 80s some top players (Navratilova was one, I think) started using tennis racqets with a rather square shape to them. I owned a Yonex which a squared head back then. I don't see them any more.

Why are they not popular? Were they banned? Did players decide that they were inferior? I think the idea at the time was that a square shape gave the racquet a larger sweet spot. But the most important factor was that it looked really cool!

Answer 1

I have a Yonex RQS 22, which is kind of square. And absolutely love it. Bought it like 6 months ago. So they are still here.

Answer 2

Yonex racuets are still square-ish, but a more streamlined version.  Rossignol and Snauwaert also made square-head racuets in the 80's, but I don't think those companies even make tennis equipment anymore (they still make skis though).

Answer 3

Aerodynamics and stability were issues for those exagerated shapes. The idea was not bad in theory, but practice is different. I think what Yonex still has today is the perfect compromise. I have only been playing with a Yonex for about 1 year, but I find that their isometric technology is awesome. I am probably a Yonex fan for life now.

Answer 4

The boxeyness of the raquet caused a lack of aerodynamicness.  This makes it difficult to swing with speed.  Also a more even string tension can only be achieved through a oval shaped head.