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Understanding Mains and Crosses in Tennis Strings

February 2, 2026 Juan

Tennis racket strings are divided into mains (vertical) and crosses (horizontal), with mains accounting for roughly 70% of your racket's performance and crosses contributing around 30%.

Understanding this split helps you choose the right string combinations to match your playing style. By stringing different strings in your mains and crosses, you are creating what is called a hybrid setup.

In this article, you'll learn how mains and crosses work together, how to choose each type, and how to optimize tension differentials for maximum performance.

Mains and Crosses Explained

When you look at a tennis racket, you'll notice two distinct sets of strings.

The vertical strings running from the top of the frame to the bottom are your main strings. The horizontal strings running perpendicular to them are your cross strings.

These two components work together to create the stringbed that makes contact with the ball during play.

As the name suggests, your main strings are the most important strings for your game. They influence about 70% of the stringbed's performance because they are longer and have more direct interaction with the ball upon impact.

Cross strings complement the mains by providing the remaining 30% of stringbed performance. While they may seem less important, they are essential for creating a complete, functional stringbed.

Whether you're a beginner looking to improve or an advanced player fine-tuning your equipment, knowing the basics of string configuration will help you make better choices for your game.

Mains and crosses tennis strings chart showing the difference in playing characteristics

Primary Role of Main Strings

Your choice of main strings will largely determine how your racket performs on court. Therefore, it is very important to match them to your playing style.

For maximum spin and power, a shaped polyester string like Zero is your best option. The string's design delivers exceptional bite and snapback, perfect for players who want to generate heavy topspin and penetrating shots.

If control and feel are your priorities, a round poly like Sync will give you the precision you need. Its round profile and crisp response help you place the ball exactly where you want it.

Players seeking control and spin, an eco-friendly string like Vivo will be your best option. Made from recycled polyester, it provides a firm feel with excellent grip on the ball, ideal for those who want direct feedback.

For comfort and pocketing, natural gut remains the gold standard for main strings. However, for most players, the extra comfort isn’t worth the extra price. A more affordable comfortable option would be a multifilament or synthetic gut string.

The key is selecting main strings that play to your strengths. Think of it as choosing the foundation of your stringbed.

Secondary Role of Cross Strings

Cross strings are there to complement your main strings. When choosing cross strings, focus on characteristics that aren't your top priority but would still benefit your game.

A great analogy to think about is when you go to a restaurant and order food.

Your mains are like your main dish, providing the primary characteristic you want, while your crosses are like your side dish, adding complementary qualities to your meal.

The beauty of choosing different mains and cross strings is its flexibility. You can fine-tune your racket's performance by experimenting with a huge amount of hybrid setups.

Stringing Mains and Crosses at Different Tensions

We recommend stringing your cross strings 2-3 pounds lower than your mains to maximize string movement and snapback.

This tension differential allows the main strings to move more freely, which improves spin potential while maintaining control. The tighter mains provide stability, while the looser crosses reduce friction between strings, creating better snapback on every shot.

If you're using Zero, Sync, or Vivo, this small tension difference will help bring out the full performance benefits of these strings.

Finding Your Perfect Mains and Crosses Setup

Finding your perfect string combination takes time and experimentation. Even professional players regularly adjust their setups to match changing conditions and playing styles.

For example, take Kei Nishikori's journey with hybrid setups.

He used polyester in the mains with natural gut in the crosses early in his career. This "poly dominated" setup gave him excellent ball control, though it was somewhat unforgiving since the stiff poly made up roughly 70% of the stringbed's feel.

Later, after experiencing wrist injuries, Nishikori switched to natural gut in the mains with poly in the crosses. This "gut dominated" hybrid proved more forgiving on his arms and wrists. While he sacrificed some control, the added comfort made the trade-off worthwhile for his game.

At ReString, we’d encourage you to experiment and adapt to your changing needs on court. We believe trying new string setups is all part of the fun.

Conclusion

Main strings and cross strings each play distinct roles in your racket's performance. Your mains determine roughly 70% of your stringbed's character, while crosses account for about 30%.

Start by choosing main strings that match your primary playing need. Add cross strings that bring complementary characteristics to round out your setup. String your crosses 2-3 lbs lower than your mains to maximize string movement and spin potential.

The key is experimentation. Try different combinations until you find what works for your game. Even pros like Nishikori continue adjusting their setups throughout their careers.

Whether you're seeking maximum power and spin with Zero, precise control and feel with Sync, or eco-friendly control and spin with Vivo, ReString has the perfect string combination for you.

About the Author: Juan is the co-founder of ReString. He was born in Argentina, raised in Japan, and moved to the US to pursue college tennis. He now plays as an ATP & WTA hitting partner.