Equipment · Strings
Polyester tennis strings: everything you need to know
Polyester tennis strings are stiff monofilaments favoured by competitive players and the vast majority of pros: they give plenty of control, make topspin easier and resist wear. The trade-off is poor comfort for the arm and faster tension loss than other strings. They suit big hitters with strong arms, and are much less suitable for beginners and players prone to tennis elbow.
Key takeaways
- Definition: a monofilament, a single polyester fibre, often with a thin coating to reduce friction.
- Three strengths: durability, spin and control.
- Two drawbacks: reduced comfort (vibration, risk of tennis elbow) and fast tension loss.
- Co-polyester adds resins or polymers for more softness and comfort.
- Tension: string polyester somewhat lower than a multifilament to offset its stiffness.
What are polyester tennis strings?
A polyester string is usually a monofilament: a single, uniform fibre, most often with a thin protective coating to reduce friction. It comes in several gauges and shapes (round, shaped, textured) that fine-tune how it plays. It is designed to maximise control and spin.
It is one of the three main string families, alongside natural gut (comfort and softness, but fragile and expensive) and multifilament (soft and comfortable). To compare every option, read our guide to tennis racquet strings.
What are the benefits of polyester strings?
1. Durability
Much tougher than natural gut or nylon, polyester withstands wear better, even when the strings rub against each other a lot. It is the logical choice for big hitters and frequent players.
2. Spin
This is its main asset. Polyester strings, especially shaped or textured ones, slide over each other at impact and then snap back into place quickly. That movement grips the ball and increases its rotation, particularly on topspin shots.
3. Control
With little elasticity, polyester returns a more predictable ball: the trajectory is easier to control, which is essential when you hit hard and want precision. That is why most tour players use it, on its own or in a hybrid, as our article on pro players’ strings and tension shows.
What are the drawbacks of polyester?
Discomfort and injury risk
Its stiffness makes it harsh on the arm, especially for recreational players or those whose hitting technique is still developing. Vibration is absorbed less well, which can lead to pain in the arm, wrist or shoulder, or even tennis elbow. If you have a history of injury, choose a multifilament or a thinner polyester (a 1.25 mm gauge, for example), and read our article on racquets and tennis elbow.
Fast tension loss
Polyester loses tension faster than other strings: after a few hours of play it becomes less responsive and feels “dead”. That is why high-level players restring it so often. For a club player, a polyester left in the racquet too long combines stiffness with a lack of liveliness: the worst of both worlds.
| Criterion | Polyester | Co-polyester | Multifilament | Natural gut |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Control | Excellent | Very good | Average | Good |
| Spin | Excellent | Very good | Average | Good |
| Comfort | Low | Average | Very good | Excellent |
| Durability | Very good | Very good | Average | Low |
| Tension maintenance | Low | Average | Good | Excellent |
| Who for? | Competitors, big hitters | Competitors wanting more comfort | Sensitive arms, all-round players | Experienced players, bigger budgets |
What is a co-polyester string?
Co-polyester is an evolution of classic polyester: other components, such as resins or polymers, are added to improve softness or lifespan. It is often more comfortable than pure polyester while keeping excellent durability and good control. It is the ideal entry point for a player who wants to try polyester without putting too much strain on the arm.
Ages 9–172 weeksCoached tournamentsTournament Camp JuniorTwo weeks of training and tournaments, with a coach by your side during matches.DISCOVER Which polyester brands and models?
- Babolat: the RPM Blast range is known for the spin it generates; it is the string of Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz.
- Luxilon: Alu Power is one of the most widely used polyesters on tour, notably by Roger Federer in the crosses of his hybrid.
- Wilson: a varied range of polyesters combining durability and control.
The best polyester for you is not necessarily a pro’s: test several models and gauges at a moderate tension before settling on one. And if comfort and budget come first, nylon strings are a softer alternative.
At the Mouratoglou Academy on the French Riviera (Biot, near Nice), competitive players test their strings during camps under a coach’s eye. In the Mouratoglou Method, string choice follows playing style. Discover the Academy.
How to tell whether polyester suits you
The court is the best test. Have a polyester strung at a lower tension than your usual string, then play several sessions noting three things: the depth of your shots, the amount of spin and how your arm feels.
- Balls landing short: lower the tension further or switch to a hybrid.
- Balls flying long despite a full swing: polyester gives you the control you need, keep it.
- Elbow or wrist pain: go back to a softer multifilament.
Frequently asked questions
Are polyester strings suitable for beginners?
Rarely. They are stiff, not very comfortable and need racquet-head speed to work well. A beginner will progress more comfortably with nylon or multifilament, which are softer and more powerful.
What is the most powerful tennis string?
Natural gut, thanks to its high elasticity. Polyester is not a power string but a control string: its strength is letting you hit hard with topspin while keeping the ball in the court.
Which string should I use with tendinitis?
Avoid pure polyester, which is too stiff. A multifilament or natural gut, being softer, absorbs vibration better. If you want to keep polyester, choose a thin co-polyester or a hybrid and lower the tension.
How often should polyester strings be changed?
More often than other strings, because they lose tension quickly. Even without a break, as soon as the string bed feels less lively or harsher on the arm, it is time to restring.
Why do competitive players choose polyester strings?
Because it lets them swing hard while keeping the ball in the court: the stiffness limits the trampoline effect and helps generate topspin. Competitive juniors often move to polyester as their racquet-head speed increases. At the Tournament Camp Junior, coaches help validate this choice according to game style and build.
