My good friends Tim Strawn and Grant Morgan are going to be at the Wilson stringing “stage” during the US Open!  Tim and Grant will be answering questions about what “really” goes on in the stringing room at a major event.  Ron Rocchi, of Wilson, is the Director of Stringing and Team Leader of this event.  Ron is normally too busy to answer questions but Tim and Grant are there for you.

I believe this is the first time spectators will be able to ask questions in this kind of setting.  So, if you are at the US Open this year be sure to find these guys.  I am sure their times will be posted somewhere.  Take advantage of this opportunity.

Ask Grant about the time he… huh, well, maybe not!

“Hey, John. Two of the racquets at XXXXXX for you to restring. Let’s eliminate polyester for a little while and give my elbow a rest.”

This request is becoming much more frequent but what makes this one a little unusual is that it is already a hybrid format!  A nice multifilament in the main strings and polyester in the cross strings.  However, the player says he “needs to give it a rest”!

You know by now Racquet Quest does not promote polyester based string for most players.  We believe, however, there are only bad applications, not necessarily bad strings, and will suggest the string we agree is a good application!  If this includes polyester, we will go with it!

No Underage Polyester, Please!

The statement above is typical of many players that simply need a rest from polyester and may never go back.  Never going back is difficult for some players because they simply like the massive strokes required to play the ball deep!

Whatever you do make sure the string suits the application!  That includes the player, the racquet, and injury prevention.

While I was writing this, a client came in, and we were discussing the constant push by coaches to switch players to polyester, probably what they are using!  Coaches, please, some parents do not want their players using polyester!  Fortunately, my clients, typically, do not change based on what a coach may say but others may not be so lucky.

Congratulations to Rich Zarda, Ph.D., for being granted a patent on a new and unique tennis racquet!

Dr. Zarda and The ZSCS Prototype

Rich is a master of simulation and FEM, so the racquet is based on solid science which is confirmed by on court and laboratory data. The premise is a racquet that can be “tuned” to allow the ball and string to move as one and return “spin” energy to the ball. This eliminates the need to hit so hard each time and can contribute to less pain and injury.

This was no easy journey, however, and assistance was required and received from Ron and his incredible team of “doers”!

This first discussion was in May 2013! After that came many iterations of testing equipment, high-speed photography, (and projectiles), and on-court testing!

Congratulations to Rich and Brett on this accomplishment that required immense persistence!  I am glad I was able to help in the effort!

By the way, yours will come without the “tie wraps”!