Gear Q&A: The impact of fine-tuning a racquet’s string tension

I was watching a professional match, and the commentator said that one of the players strung his racquet at a tension of 48/49 pounds. Why would a player want to string the cross strings tighter than the main strings? — Dave P.

Dave,

Professional players are an exacting bunch. Many come to a match with enough freshly-strung racquets that they can switch to a new one at every ball change. Or, they might have frames strung at varying tensions—sometimes as little as a half-pound tighter or looser—to adjust to playing conditions or their own performance.

“A few forehands clipped the tape in the warm-ups? Better switch to a racquet with a lower tension.”

It’s debatable whether this degree of scrutiny is beneficial or necessary. What is less arguable is players do need confidence in their equipment: tour players more so than any other. Dialing in a preferred feel and performance from a string bed is a highly subjective enterprise. It can require tinkering in the finest of details.

Which brings us to the question of differing tensions between the main and cross strings. This is a way for players to hone their racquet’s playability and response. One of the major considerations is whether the mains and crosses are both the same string. Hybrids—using two different strings into one string bed—are quite popular in the pro ranks. Blending the strings can create a near best of both worlds scenario, but it may require unequal tensions to do so.

For instance, at the BNP Paribas Open, Tommy Paul used a polyester as his main string and natural gut in the crosses, and strung his racquet at 53/55 pounds. The natural gut is much softer and more elastic than the polyester, so he opts to string it tighter to firm up the string bed to maintain good control.

On the other hand, at the same tournament, Daniil Medvedev flipped that setup: He put natural gut in his mains and a polyester in his crosses and strung his racquet at 52/50 pounds. In an effort to compensate for the stiffer string in the crosses, he likes to keep that tension lower. His overall tension could be lower than Paul’s because Medvedev’s frame has more strings—18x19 vs. 16x19—which naturally firms up the string bed.

Now if it’s the same string is used in both the mains and crosses, the reasoning may be a little different. The cross strings are shorter than the mains; there are almost always more of them; meaning there’s also less space between them. Pulling them at the same tension as the mains can make them feel firmer. Dropping the tension a few pounds can help create a more uniform string bed. It can also allow the main strings to slide back and forth—or snap back—more freely at contact. If you’re looking for a little extra spin production, this can help.

However, there are some players that prefer to do the opposite. Gustavo Kuerten won his three Roland Garros titles stringing his cross strings about five pounds tighter than his mains. Rumor has it that Tennis Australia is currently advising its players to string their crosses four pounds tighter. The theory may be that the lower main strings provide longer dwell time, while the tighter crosses keeps them more in place. This creates a more predictable string bed and flatter shots that can better penetrate through the court.

Keep in mind, touring pros are the elite of the elite. At the highest levels, they’re looking for every possible advantage. Mixing tensions on main and cross strings probably won’t make a huge difference in recreational circles, but if you’re the type of player who leaves no stone unturned, it could give your game that extra edge.

Got a gear question? Send Jon Levey an email here.