The natural gut string is considered one of the best choices for tennis players looking for comfort, power and optimal sensations on court. Used by many professionals, this type of string offers unique advantages that set it apart from other materials. In this guide, we’ll explore why natural gut remains the benchmark, its main characteristics, and what you need to consider before choosing it for your racket – in-depth concepts that are also taught as part of the tennis studies programme at the prestigious Mouratoglou Academy.
Natural gut rope is made from bovine intestines, an organic material that gives it unique properties in terms of flexibility and comfort. This type of string has a long history and was once one of the only types of string available before the advent of synthetic materials. Today, it is still favoured by players looking for an exceptional feel for the ball.
Although natural gut is an excellent choice for many players, it also has some disadvantages that you should consider before making your choice.
Natural casing is ideal for certain player profiles:
If you have arm pain or are looking for a string that reduces vibration, natural gut is a top choice.
For those who want to maximise the power of their shots while retaining control, natural gut is an excellent solution.
If you play regularly and want a string that maintains its tension well over the sessions, a gut string will enable you to maintain optimum performance.
If you decide to opt for a natural gut rope, it’s essential to look after it to maximise its lifespan. Here are a few tips on how to look after your rope:
Natural gut is recommended for players looking for comfort and feel. However, because of its high cost and low durability, it is not always the best choice for beginners who regularly break their strings.
The price of a natural gut string can vary between 30 and 60 euros, depending on the brand and the coating used. It’s a bigger investment, but one that can be justified for players looking for a high level of comfort and performance.
The optimum tension depends on your playing style. In general, a tension of around 24 to 26 kg provides a good compromise between comfort and control with a natural gut string. However, to maximise power, you can lower the tension to around 22 kg.
Natural gut tennis strings are mainly made from bovine intestines, more specifically the small intestines of cows. This natural material is used because of its unique properties in terms of elasticity, flexibility and responsiveness, which offer tennis players excellent comfort and increased power. Natural gut strings are particularly prized for their superior ball feel and ability to hold tension longer than synthetic strings.
The manufacturing process is complex and requires great precision, which partly explains the higher cost of natural gut strings compared with polyester or multifilament strings.
Multifilament is the string that comes closest to natural gut in terms of feel and comfort. Made from several synthetic fibres, usually nylon, multifilament imitates the characteristics of natural gut, offering great elasticity and a soft feel. It is appreciated for its comfort, power and ability to limit vibrations, making it a good choice for players suffering from arm pain, such as tennis elbow.
Although multifilament doesn’t have exactly the same durability and tension retention as natural gut, it remains an excellent alternative at a more affordable price. It is also more resistant to humidity and weather conditions, which can be an advantage over natural gut, which is more sensitive to these elements.
Natural gut strings are still a must-have choice for players who value comfort, power and feel. Although it is more expensive and less durable than its synthetic alternatives, its advantages in terms of maintaining tension and playing quality make it a worthwhile investment for serious players. If you’re looking to improve your performance and get a better feel for your shots, this string could be the key to taking your game to the next level.
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Mouratoglou Academy, Biot, French Riviera, FRANCE
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