Xavier Dixon - Explains the MK Carbon
Australian Team Member and World Number 84 Xavier Dixon recently returned to Melbourne for a quick stop over mid-season in Germany where he is based and I took the time to have a chat to Xav about his equipment.
Simon Gerada - Why the MK Carbon Xav?
Xavier Dixon - I need something light, whilst I lose a little power using the MK Carbon, it helps my backhand through extra racket speed.
Simon Gerada - Call me old fashioned and a little silly, but I also like the look of this blade, does that resinate with you at all?
Xavier Dixon - Yeah, a little. I mean I always like use equipment I like looking at so yeah. I would say that is true and that yes I agree; it's a good looking blade.
Simon Gerada - How about the rubber, you are using K3 on both sides, has that taken long to adapt to?
Xavier Dixon - No, not at all. As you would know, as some level it should only take a few sessions to completely understand the rubbers characteristics.
Simon Gerada - Can a rubber eliminate mistakes?
Xavier Dixon - In some ways, yes! But in many ways, no. In short, once you understand a rubbers characteristics, we then train to make position and adjust our shot, stroke or play to make the ball. At the end of the day, the opponents job is try make life as hard as possible for you. So "no"... the rubber does not eliminate mistakes. But... now here's the trick, one must understand where a high percentage of strokes are played, won and lost in their game which can then allow a change in rubber to help make adjustments to such areas.
Simon Gerada - So in the case of K3 and your specific game?
Xavier Dixon - Due to the top-sheet characteristics ( The Hybrid K3 boasts an incredibly catchy, almost sticky surface, delivering exceptional elasticity) it compliments my receive and counter-topspin game, it minimises mistakes from my side or helps create a higher percentage of important balls through my shot select if you like.
Simon Gerada - Okay... so due to the K3, you find it easier to counter-loop, keep the ball short when receiving and flick more often off difficult backspin services?
Xavier Dixon - Yeah, thats right. I mean I could do it with any rubber, but it would come at a cost. So, that's where K3 works for me.
Check our Xavier's set up next time you in store or online:
09c - Similar characteristics
