Behind the Scenes: The Unsung Heroes of Tennis Tournaments
In the glamorous world of professional tennis, the spotlight often shines on the players, coaches, and sponsors. However, there’s a group of individuals who play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of every tournament: the stringers.
At major events like the BNP Paribas Open, the stringing room is a hub of activity. Led by Mitch Case, a PTR certified coach and USRSA Master Technician, a team of expert stringers work tirelessly to prepare racquets for the world’s top players.
The stringing room is a dedicated space equipped with 11 primary stringers and machines, a center area for racquet preparation, and a front desk for player interactions. The team consists of experienced stringers with Grand Slam and Masters 1000 experience.
Case describes the atmosphere in the stringing room as “not very glamorous.” Interactions with players are minimal, with most communication occurring through the front desk staff or team members. However, the stringers take pride in their work, knowing that a well-strung racquet can make a significant difference in a player’s performance.
The workload during a tournament is intense. During the early days, stringers handle over 300 racquets per day, with each stringer responsible for 30-40 racquets. The hours are long, with stringers arriving at 7-7:30 a.m. and often staying until the last match of the day.
Stringers are assigned specific players to ensure consistency in technique and machine usage. However, there are exceptions, such as when a player needs an “on-court” stringing during a match.
Case recalls a particularly stressful day when he had 14 racquets due at various times. He also mentions a player who requested the highest possible tension, resulting in a stringbed that moved when weaving crosses.
Despite the challenges, Case finds the experience rewarding. He enjoys the camaraderie with his fellow stringers and the opportunity to collaborate with experts in the field. The challenge of stringing for the world’s best players is also a source of motivation.
