Strings and Tension Used by Pro Tennis Players: ATP Setups and Tension Guide

Professional tennis players are very particular about their string setup. The type of string, gauge, and tension can affect power, control, spin, comfort, and feel.

In this guide, I’ve listed the reported strings and tensions used by leading ATP players, including Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, and other well-known pros.

Most ATP players use polyester strings or hybrid setups combining polyester with natural gut. However, tensions vary widely depending on the player’s style, racket, surface, and conditions.

The average string tension used by the players listed below was just over 53 lbs, with Andy Murray having the highest string tension at 62 lbs and Cameron Norrie having the lowest string tension at 44 lbs.

What strings do professional tennis players use?

Most professional tennis players use either polyester strings or a hybrid setup that combines two different string types. Polyester strings are popular because they offer control, durability, and spin potential, while hybrid setups can add extra feel, comfort, or power.

Common strings used by ATP players include Babolat RPM Blast, Luxilon ALU Power, Head Hawk Touch, Yonex Poly Tour Pro, Wilson Natural Gut, and Babolat VS Touch Natural Gut.

On the ATP Tour, even small adjustments to string type or tension can have a significant impact on power, control, spin, and feel.

While most professional players use polyester strings for their durability and spin potential, the exact model and tension vary widely.

Some players string tight for maximum control, others go lower to generate extra power and comfort.

Many use hybrid setups, combining different strings in the mains and crosses to fine-tune performance.

In the table below, we’ll look at the strings and tensions used by players on the ATP Tour and former pros like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, highlighting common trends and individual preferences.

You’ll see how the pros balance control and spin at the highest level — and what you can learn from their setups for your own game.

The information below is based on publicly reported pro string setups from stringers, tennis equipment sites, player interviews, and retailer databases

Tensions may vary depending on surface, weather, balls, altitude, and tournament conditions.

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