About Donnay

For many tennis players, the choice of racket can shape their entire game—impacting control, precision, and even routine.

Donnay is a brand that has earned its place on courts around the world, trusted by both passionate enthusiasts and elite champions alike.

The story began in 1910 when Belgian craftsman Emile Donnay founded a small workshop in Couvin, Belgium, initially producing wooden tool handles. As the company grew, it expanded into wooden sports gear like gymnastics equipment and archery bows.

By 1934, Donnay had ventured into tennis racket production. The brand quickly gained international recognition, especially after partnering in the 1950s with major American sporting goods companies to manufacture wooden rackets.

Donnay reached its peak in the 1970s, becoming the world’s largest tennis racket manufacturer. Legendary players including Rod Laver, Margaret Smith Court, and Cliff Drysdale played with Donnay rackets.

From 1975 to his retirement in 1983, Björn Borg famously used Donnay rackets during his European matches, including after his first Grand Slam win at the 1974 French Open.

At its height in the 1980s, Donnay was producing millions of ash wood rackets annually. But when the industry shifted towards graphite technology, Donnay struggled to evolve and eventually closed its doors in 1988.

Today, Donnay lives on under the ownership of Frasers Group. The brand continues to be sold internationally—a lasting symbol of innovation and excellence in the history of tennis.