Ask RICARDO: Q&A with Ricardo Winter, Set Point Tennis
Oct 19, 2026
As Palm Beach welcomes the busy season, Florida Tennis magazine took time to talk to Ricardo Winter, co-owner of Set Point Tennis, a tennis pro and one of the store’s expert racquet stringers. We covered everything from match day essentials to tips for maximizing your game.
Florida Tennis: What do you love about your role with Set Point Tennis?
Ricardo: I am a co-founder alongside my wife and business partner, Lisa Herbert Winter. Together, we create a curated guest experience. My background as certified CHEK exercise coach and tennis pro paired with Lisa’s years in fashion and design creates a unique balance at the store.
What I love most is being a part of the Hamptons and Palm Beach communities, working with a variety of athletes, coaches and clubs, and helping players find the best performance gear and just the right racquet tension to optimize their play.
Florida Tennis: Let’s talk court essentials. What’s in your tennis bag?
Ricardo: It’s all about the basics: fluids for hydration, high-protein snacks and sunscreen. I also include finger wraps for protection and tungsten tape to add weight to my racquet as needed. I always include a change of clothes for post-match or in between sets.
Florida Tennis: It’s well-known that tennis is both a physical and mental sport. What are your top suggestions for keeping game focus and improving performance overall?
Ricardo: Pressure can easily disrupt your performance but should be used to sharpen your focus and push you to the next level. I find breathwork to be essential in calming the mind, recentering focus and keeping your opponent on their toes. Proper breathing means better play. No matter the outcome, cultivate a mindset where pressure is not a bad thing, but rather an opportunity.
Florida Tennis: What are some of your racquet recommendations for serious players and those just starting to play?
Ricardo: For beginners I’d recommend the HEAD Extreme Elite or Wilson Clash 108, both have a low-flex frame, and offer a bigger head and open string pattern for comfort and maneuverability. For advanced players I’d say the Wilson Blade 98 16/19 or the HEAD Speed Pro. Both offer solid weight for easier power and control, with a balanced head. And for high level players, I’d suggest a heavier racquet with a smaller, softer frame and lighter head to generate more power and higher rate of acceleration. Of course, each player is unique and there are many factors to consider when selecting a racquet.
Florida Tennis: What racquet do you play with?
Ricardo: I usually grab the Head Gravity Pro.
Florida Tennis: We know that string selection is just as important as the racquet itself. What racquet stringing technology do you have at Set Point Tennis?
Ricardo: We take stringing very seriously and believe that having the proper equipment really sets us apart from other retail stores. In East Hampton, we have the Wilson Bairado, which has been used by pros at the US Open, and in Palm Beach, we just brought in the new Tecnifibre X-Cord, which has been used at the Miami Open. Both are top-of-the-line, fast, reliable, and precise.
Florida Tennis: What is your suggested string choice and tension for the average weekend player?
Ricardo: Depending on your level of play, I’d recommend nylon strings for softer tension and cost-effectiveness. Polyester strings are a solid option for players with more topspin in their swing. Many high-level players will use a full polyester string bed for total control and tighter tension. As tennis has been trending more towards power baseline play, we see more players going for less string tension. A hybrid combination is also a great option. We provide our clients with specific recommendations based on their play. Like all tennis equipment, string selection is relative and heavily depends on skill level and individual preferences.
Florida Tennis: What advice would you give to an aspiring pro player?
Ricardo: You must love the sport. As you develop the technical skills and discipline to face challenges on the court, your confidence will grow and you will find your strengths. Take every match as an opportunity to learn from mistakes and improve your game.
Contact: Set Point Tennis for further information or to schedule a stringing or gear and styling appointment. IG: @set_point_tennis (561) 791-6364 setpointeast.com
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By Karen Amster-Young & Allison Sanders for Florida Tennis Magazine
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