Racquet Review: Yonex EZONE 2025 Serves Power and Precision with Sofia Belinskaya and Rick Macci

Florida Tennis took a trip to the legendary Rick Macci Tennis Academy in Boca Raton to test the highly anticipated 2025 Yonex EZONE lineup—and this time, we connected with two very special guests: Sofia Belinskaya, a 13-year-old phenom from Ukraine with nine Battle of Boca titles under her belt, and her coach, Rick Macci, the Hall of Fame coach who’s trained five world No. 1s and countless future stars.

With support from our partners at Tennis Plaza, we put the full range of EZONE racquets through their paces under the South Florida sun.

Sofia, already one of the most promising juniors in Europe, has been swinging with Yonex since the age of 9—and she’s not looking back. “I love this racquet so much,” she said with a wide smile after a training session using both the EZONE 98 and EZONE 100. While she has a preference for the 100, she admitted both models have their strengths.

Above: Sofia Belinskaya sharing her thoughts on the Yonex EZONE racquets with Florida Tennis Entertainment Director and Host DJ Mad Linx. Source: Florida Tennis.

“I have more space to hit in the middle of the 100,” Sofia explained. “It’s easier and feels more forgiving. A lot of women use this one.” As for the 98: “It’s smaller, but when you hit it in the middle, the ball just flies. It’s really fast.”

Currently using a lighter version of the EZONE 100 (270g), Sofia’s aggressive, all-court style meshes well with the racquet’s blend of power and feel. “This racquet is faster—great for players who want to be aggressive. It fits my game perfectly.”

Rick Macci, who’s coached superstars like Serena and Venus Williams, sees something special in Sofia—and in her choice of racquet. “She likes to chip it, dip it, flip it—she’s creative,” he said. “She’s got amazing hands and loves coming to the net. With [this racquet], she can do all that and more. It helps her use her gifts and play her style.”

For Macci, one of the most important jobs a coach has is to identify a player's assets and maximize them. That’s why he values the right equipment, like the EZONE, that can closely match a young player's versatile skill set without limiting their growth.

Above: Rick Macci talking about Sofia Belinskaya’s playing style with Florida Tennis Entertainment Director DJ Mad Linx. Source: Florida Tennis.

This year’s lineup is built for adaptability. Whether you’re a baseline bruiser or a crafty net player, there’s an EZONE to match your style:

• EZONE 100: The all-rounder. With its 100-square-inch head, this is the flagship model—offering a strong mix of spin, control, and power.

• EZONE 98 / 98 Tour: Tour-level precision and buttery feel for more advanced players who want to swing big with confidence.

• EZONE 100+ / 98+: Extended-length frames for added reach and pop on serves and groundstrokes.

• EZONE 105, 100L, and 100SL: Lightweight, arm-friendly frames with Yonex’s vibration-dampening Minolon tech—great for juniors and intermediates.

Photo credit: Yonex

The EZONE 2025 lineup includes models suited for a variety of playing styles and skill levels, from developing juniors to experienced competitors. With slight adjustments in feel and responsiveness, the updated frames aim to provide a balanced combination of power, control, and comfort.

Ready to test them yourself? Head to Tennis Plaza—online or in-store—and try the new EZONE models today.

Video Review

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Interview by Florida Tennis Host & Entertainment Director DJ Mad Linx. Photo (top banner): Sofia Belinskaya of Rick Macci Academy; Photo credit: Florida Tennis.