The unsung heroes of tennis are in crisis, and it could change the game forever. Behind every powerful serve and precise backhand at elite tournaments, there’s a team of stringers working tirelessly to ensure racquets are perfectly tuned. But here’s where it gets controversial: while tennis tournaments are booming, the number of skilled stringers is dwindling, leaving the sport on the brink of a hidden crisis. And this is the part most people miss: without these experts, even the greatest players could lose their edge.
For decades, stringers have been the backbone of professional tennis, working around the clock to meet the exacting demands of players. Take Shane Mikic, for example, a veteran stringer from Townsville, Queensland, who’s been in the game for three decades. For him, stringing a racquet is more than a skill—it’s muscle memory. ‘It’s about having a really good technique and doing the same thing, racquet after racquet,’ he explains. Mikic has strung for legends like Rafael Nadal and Venus Williams, and his work is critical at majors like the US Open, Roland Garros, and the Laver Cup.
But why does stringing matter so much? For professional players, the tension and stiffness of their racquet strings can make or break their performance. As Mikic puts it, ‘If the strings are wrong, forget it. The ball’s not going in the court.’ Players rely on the exact string setup they’re accustomed to, and even a slight deviation can throw off their game. Some prefer lower tension for more power, while others opt for a firmer string bed for control. It’s a delicate balance that only a skilled stringer can achieve.
Despite their importance, the stringing profession is facing a shortage. Tennis Australia reports that 7,797 racquets were strung at the 2025 Australian Open, with a record 616 racquets strung in a single day. Yet, the industry is grappling with an aging workforce. Lyndon Krause, a racquet sports equipment manager, notes that the average age of stringers is in the mid-50s and above. ‘The need for stringers is above and beyond anything else,’ he says. With more tournaments than ever, the demand is skyrocketing, but the supply of skilled stringers isn’t keeping up.
To address this, Tennis Australia is relaunching a training program to attract and educate new stringers. ‘The learning curve is very steep,’ says Dr. Krause, ‘so we’re looking for people passionate about tennis.’ But it’s not just about training—it’s about changing the culture. Traditionally, stringers have worked grueling 20-hour days, starting an hour before play and ending an hour after. Tennis Australia is now experimenting with shift-based models and shared machines to make the role more sustainable and appealing.
The pressure on stringing teams is immense, especially during elite tournaments. Mikic describes it as ‘flat out’—starting the day with 15 racquets to string by 11 a.m., only to have players drop in with last-minute requests. It’s a high-stress environment that requires not just technical skill but also an understanding of player preferences and playing styles. For instance, players who hit with heavy topspin can use looser strings, while flat hitters like Bernard Tomic need tighter strings for control.
As the 2026 Australian Open approaches, the question remains: Can the industry attract enough new stringers to meet the growing demand? Is the traditional model of stringing sustainable, or does it need a radical overhaul? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. The future of tennis may depend on it.
