When the temperatures drop, your tennis racket doesn’t perform quite the same—and your strings are a big part of the reason why. Cold weather can have a surprising effect on both string tension and playability, making it essential to adjust your restringing habits during the winter months.

Tighter Strings, Stiffer Feel
Tennis strings naturally contract in cold temperatures. This means your string tension effectively increases, even if you haven’t made any adjustments. The result? A stiffer string bed that delivers less power and a smaller sweet spot. Shots that normally feel crisp and lively may suddenly seem dead or off-center, forcing you to swing harder to achieve the same pace. Players who rely on topspin may also notice less bite on the ball since stiffer strings don’t snap back as efficiently.

Increased Risk of String Breakage
Cold air makes strings—especially polyester and multifilament types—more brittle. The reduced elasticity causes the material to lose its ability to absorb impact, making breakage much more common. If you play outdoors in the winter, this can mean more frequent restringing, particularly if your racket has been sitting in a cold car trunk or garage before a match.

Performance Differences by String Type
Natural gut tends to handle cold temperatures better thanks to its superior elasticity and ability to maintain tension. Polyester strings, on the other hand, become significantly stiffer and less forgiving. If you’re a frequent winter player, consider switching to a softer or hybrid setup until warmer weather returns.

Keep Your Racket Warm—and Ready
The easiest way to protect your investment is to store your racket indoors and away from temperature extremes. If you play in cooler climates, bringing your racket inside between matches helps preserve string life and performance.

At Racket Express, we make it easy to stay game-ready all winter long. Our door-to-door restringing service ships your racket directly to your trusted stringer—with discounted UPS Ground shipping and custom boxes that protect your gear from the elements. Stay consistent, play your best, and let us handle the logistics.