What Strings Do Pro Tennis Players Use? Top Choices Revealed

By Emma Wilson · April 6, 2030

Professional tennis players use a variety of high-performance strings, with polyester being the most dominant choice due to its control, spin potential, and durability. Top brands like Babolat, Luxilon, and Wilson are widely used, often customized in gauge, tension, and string pattern to suit individual playing styles.

Why Do Pro Tennis Players Choose Specific Strings?

The string selection is critical for performance on the court. Professionals prioritize control, spin generation, feel, and durability when choosing their strings. The right string can enhance power, improve touch on drop shots, and withstand the intense demands of modern baseline play.

Key Factors Influencing String Choice

Playing Style: Aggressive baseliners prefer stiffer strings for greater control and spin.
Injury Prevention: Players with arm issues may opt for softer multifilaments or hybrid setups.
Tournament Conditions: High-altitude or humid environments influence string behavior and tension loss.
Sponsorship Deals: Many pros are contractually required to use specific brands.
Personal Feel: Some players rely heavily on tactile feedback from the stringbed.

Most Popular String Types Among Pros

While several string types exist, three dominate the professional circuit:

Polyester (Poly) Strings

Used by over 80% of ATP and WTA players, polyester strings offer excellent control and allow players to swing aggressively without losing accuracy. They are particularly favored in full-bed configurations for maximum spin potential.

Luxilon ALU Power vs. Babolat RPM Blast

Luxilon ALU Power is known for its crisp response and durability, while Babolat RPM Blast features a sharper edge for enhanced bite on the ball. Both are top choices among elite players seeking heavy topspin.

Multifilament and Hybrid Setups

Some players, especially those prone to arm discomfort, use multifilament mains or hybrid systems (poly crosses with natural gut or multifilament mains). This balances comfort and performance.

Player	Main String	Cross String	Tension (lbs)	String Pattern
Rafael Nadal	Luxilon Alu Power Rough 16L	None (Full Bed)	55 / 57 (mains/crosses)	18x20
Novak Djokovic	Babolat Xcel Tour 17	Babolat Xcel Tour 17	55 / 53	16x19
Iga Świątek	Luxilon Alu Power 16L	Luxilon Alu Power 16L	52 / 50	16x19
Carlos Alcaraz	Luxilon Alu Power 16L	Wilson Natural Gut 16	53 / 51	16x19
Aryna Sabalenka	Yonex Poly Tour Strike 16L	None (Full Bed)	54 / 52	16x19

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows a strong preference for full poly setups among top players, especially on the ATP Tour. However, emerging stars like Carlos Alcaraz use hybrid configurations to balance arm health and performance. Tensions typically range between 50–57 lbs, with slight variations between mains and crosses to optimize feel and stability.

String Tension and Its Impact on Performance

Lower tensions (<50 lbs) increase power and dwell time but reduce control. Higher tensions (>55 lbs) offer precision and reduced deformation, preferred by aggressive players. Most pros string within a narrow window tailored to their racquet and style.

Common Tension Ranges by Play Type

Baseline Dominators: 53–57 lbs for control and spin
All-Court Players: 50–54 lbs for balanced power and touch
Net Rushers: Slightly lower tensions for quicker response at the net

Frequently Asked Questions About Pro Tennis Strings

What string does Rafael Nadal use?

Rafael Nadal uses Luxilon Alu Power Rough 16L in a full bed setup at approximately 55 lbs in the mains and 57 lbs in the crosses. This setup maximizes spin and control, complementing his heavy topspin forehand.

Do any pros still use natural gut?

Yes, some professionals, including Roger Federer during his career, used natural gut in hybrid setups. Today, players like Taylor Fritz and Stefanos Tsitsipas occasionally use natural gut in the mains for added comfort and elasticity.

Why do most pros use polyester strings?

Polyester strings resist deformation and maintain tension well, allowing players to generate extreme spin without sacrificing control. Their stiffness supports modern swing mechanics and high-impact rallies common in today’s game.

How often do pro tennis players restring their racquets?

Most pros restring every 7–10 hours of play or before every tournament. Some, like Nadal, restring daily during Grand Slams to ensure consistent performance and feel.

Is Luxilon the best tennis string for spin?

Luxilon, particularly Alu Power and Alu Power Rough, is widely regarded as one of the best strings for spin due to its stiffness and ability to snap back quickly after ball impact, creating extra rotation. It remains a top choice among top spinners like Nadal and Świątek.