How Polyester Strings Revolutionized Tennis

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How Polyester Strings Revolutionized Tennis

In 1997, Gustavo “Guga” Kuerten exploded onto the scene with a forehand that looked — and felt — like the future.

What few knew at the time was that his whip-like strokes weren’t just about style or talent. They were powered by something far less obvious: polyester strings.

A quarter-century later, polyester has become the standard across the tennis world — from tour pros to local club players. The shift has reshaped how the game is played and how we build our strokes, strategies, and even our racquet setups.

But is poly right for your game? And how can you use it without compromising comfort or control?

What Polyester Strings Changed

Before poly, most players used natural gut — a soft, powerful string with incredible feel but poor durability. Polyester introduced a completely different profile:

  • Tension stability: Poly strings hold their tension longer, giving more consistent response over time.

  • Spin-friendly response: Their slick surface allows the strings to snap back with force, dramatically increasing topspin.

  • Control over power: Their stiffness makes the stringbed feel “deader,” allowing players to swing bigger without the ball flying long.

Guga was among the first to adopt this tech in the 90s — and he built his entire game around it. That decision helped propel him to three French Open titles and the No. 1 ranking.  Within a decade, nearly everyone followed suit.

Why Use Poly Today

Even at the club level, polyester offers clear advantages:

  • Confidence to swing harder without fear of overhitting.

  • More margin through spin, allowing players to aim higher over the net and still bring the ball down inside the lines.

  • Greater consistency, especially in baseline exchanges.

If your game is built around topspin, aggressive groundstrokes, or rallying from behind the baseline, poly can be a game-changer.

Caveats and Customization: Making Poly Work for You

Despite the benefits, polyester isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.

1. Stiffness and Arm Health

Poly strings are inherently stiff — and that can be tough on the arm, especially for older players or those with slower swing speeds.

Solution:

  • Use a lower tension (around 45–50 lbs) to soften the feel and expand the sweet spot.

  • Choose a soft poly if comfort and injury prevention is a priority.

  • Opt for a thinner gauge (e.g., 1.20 mm vs 1.30 mm) to increase string “bite” and feel — thinner strings deform more, creating more spin and comfort, though at the cost of some durability.

2. Hard vs. Soft Poly

Not all polyester strings play the same. There’s a wide range:

  • Hard Polys (e.g. Babolat RPM Blast, Luxilon ALU Power): Built for spin, durability, and control — but can feel harsh.

  • Soft Polys (e.g. Gamma Live Wire, Tecnifibre Ice Code, Yonex PolyTour Air): Designed for greater comfort and playability, mimicking some of the power and feel of gut.

If you’re new to poly, start with a soft version. You’ll get a taste of the benefits without wrecking your arm.

3. Hybrid Setups: Best of Both Worlds

Want the control of polyester without the harshness? Go hybrid — just like all of our Tennis Whisperer coaches do.

By combining polyester with a softer string, you can fine-tune your setup for both performance and comfort. And where you place each string in the racquet — mains versus crosses — makes a significant difference.

  • Poly in the Mains / Gut or Multifilament in the Crosses

    • Maximizes spin and control

    • Adds some comfort and touch

    • The most common hybrid for aggressive baseliners

  • Gut or Multifilament in the Mains / Poly in the Crosses

    • Maximizes power and feel

    • Adds durability and tension maintenance

    • Ideal for doubles players, all-court players, or those prioritizing comfort

Tension Tip:  In hybrids, string the polyester 2–3 lbs lower than the softer string to balance the feel and reduce stress on the racquet and body.

Is Poly for You?

Use poly (or poly hybrids) if you…

  • Hit with moderate to high racket speed

  • Want more control or spin on groundstrokes

  • Play from the baseline and need margin for error

Stick with softer strings if you…

  • Have arm issues or play infrequently

  • Rely on touch, volleys, or feel-oriented shots

  • Need extra help generating power

Wrap-Up

Guga didn’t just lead a string revolution. His decision to switch to polyester gave birth to a new kind of forehand, and a new kind of game.

You don’t need to hit like Kuerten to benefit from poly. But you do need to be smart: match your string setup to your swing style, age, and physical needs — even down to the gauge.