What is the correct string tension for a tennis racket?

Let's discover all the key elements related to tennis racket string tension, as well as their relationship with the game dynamics.

Does the string tension influence the game?

When stringing a tennis racket, it is important to be clear about the difference between applying too much or too little tension to the string. We must not forget that this is the only element that touches the ball, so its tuning will directly influence the dynamics of the game. There are many string qualities and technologies, as well as different diameters, weights, and tensions.

The main types of strings that you can find in the market are:

- Natural gut strings.
- Multifilament synthetic strings.
- Synthetic monofilament strings.

Hitting power and ball control are directly related to string tension. When hitting the ball, the strings vibrate depending on how tight they are. Therefore, loose strings will offer a much greater range of motion than strings with more tension.

The greater the movement of the strings, the greater the energy they store and, therefore, the greater the power generated. This string configuration penalizes the angle at which the ball will come out of your racket. However, when the string is tighter, your range of motion will be smaller, and you will have more control over the direction and power of the ball.

Normally, the string tension of a racket is usually between 22 and 26 kg. If you apply a tension less than 23 kg, you will be putting a low tension, while if you do it above 25 kg, the strings of your racket will have a high tension.

It is important to change the string of the racket with some frequency and not wait for it to break. The friction with the ball is consistent and the strings progressively lose tension. Therefore, a defective stringing will negatively affect your game.

What is the ideal stringing tension?

The first time you take your racket for stringing, it is normal to have doubt about which tension to choose. If you are an amateur player you must bear in mind that, when we are not yet able to hit the ball with the sweet spot of the racket, we need a looser rope that allows generating power. Before you master the technique, it is most likely that you do not hit with the central part of the strings or complete the swing.

On the contrary, if you are already an experienced player, who varies the effects and hits the ball aggressively, you will need to have maximum control of your shots.

Stringing a racket is an almost artisanal process, combining the manual work of a specialized technician with the support of a stringing machine. The time needed to finish stringing a racket is between 15 and 20 minutes. Each racket has a tension range recommended by the manufacturer. This information is usually shown on its frame.

What tension does Rafael Nadal use for his rackets?

The string used by the Spanish tennis player is the Babolat RPM Blast with 25 kg of tension. Rafa Nadal uses 16 vertical ropes by 19 horizontal ones, a very common pattern among clay court players. Depending on the altitude, surface or weather, the tension can be changed for each tournament. In addition to power and effect, this setting offers full control over the game.

What tension does Novak Djokovic use for his rackets?

Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic uses 18 vertical strings by 20 horizontal ones. A hybrid stringing formed by the Babolat VS Team gut at a tension of 25 kg in the verticals, and the Luxilon Alu Power Rough monofilament of 24 kg in the crusades.

This configuration allows you to have a lot of control over the ball. It is a fairly common scheme among players who specialize in fast tracks and play with flat definitive shots.

As you may have seen, the string tension of a tennis racket is a very personal matter and depends on the game style of each tennis player. If you still do not know what the right tension for your hit is, it is best to be advised by a professor or specialized technician.