A tennis racquet (10) extending along a longitudinal axis (16) and capable of being tested under a lateral bending test and a forward/rearward bending test, includes a frame (12) having a head portion (18), a handle portion (20), and a throat portion (22) positioned between the head and handle portions (18, 20). The head portion (18) forms a hoop (36) that defines a string bed plane (56). At least the head portion (18) and the throat portion (22) of the racquet (10) are formed at least in part of a fiber composite material. The throat portion (22) includes a pair of throat elements. When the racquet (10) is tested under the lateral bending test, the racquet has a lateral deflection of at least 6.0 mm when measured in a direction parallel to the string bed plane (56) and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (16).