In an unassuming underground room beneath Rod Laver Arena, a team of specialists works tirelessly to ensure the world's top tennis players have perfectly strung rackets for the Australian Open. Jim Downes, leader of the Yonex string team with 30 years of experience, describes the job as high demand. 'A lot of people know how to string, but they might not be quick enough or consistent enough for the players’ needs at this level,' he says.
The 22-person team services around 800 athletes throughout the tournament. British stringer Sarah Bloomfield, at her second Australian Open, notes that weather is a major factor. 'They all arrive in Australia and up their tension because it’s hotter so the ball travels faster, so they all want more control,' she explains. Higher tension offers more control but less power, while lower tension provides the opposite.
The process begins when a player or coach drops off rackets with tension instructions and chosen string. Used strings are cut and removed, then frames are assigned to stringers, with top seeds paired with experienced stringers for consistency. As the tournament progresses and players exit, the team shrinks, leaving the most seasoned stringers for the final matches.
Stringing techniques have evolved over time. For a century, animal intestines were the preferred material, followed by cow gut in the 1970s. Polyester emerged in the early 1990s, offering more spin and durability but causing strain on wrists, elbows, and shoulders. Today, most players use a hybrid of gut for power and synthetic for control and strength.
The stringers work long days, handling multiple rackets and urgent mid-match requests. With focused but relaxed atmosphere, they ensure that every racket meets the precise specifications of the athletes above.
