What causes tennis elbow in tennis players?

Repeated strain on the forearm tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow. Late contact, a tight grip, stiff or high-tension strings, the wrong grip size and sudden increases in playing time are common contributors.

Can strings help with tennis elbow?

They can help. Softer strings such as multifilament or natural gut, strung at a moderate tension, transmit less shock to the arm than stiff polyester at high tension.

How to Prevent Tennis Elbow

3 video lessons

Technique, equipment and simple exercises to protect your arm.

Quick answer & tips ▾

Tennis elbow is pain on the outside of the elbow, usually from overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons. Common contributors include late contact (especially on the backhand), gripping the racquet too tightly, stiff strings at high tension and the wrong grip size.

Prevention usually combines a relaxed grip and good technique, arm-friendly equipment such as softer strings at a moderate tension, and forearm strengthening exercises. This is general guidance, not medical advice: if pain persists, see a qualified professional.

Key tips

Relax your grip between shots and on contact.
Make contact out in front, especially on backhands.
Try softer strings at a lower tension if your arm is sore.
Strengthen your forearm and rest when it hurts.

FAQ

What causes tennis elbow in tennis players?: Repeated strain on the forearm tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow. Late contact, a tight grip, stiff or high-tension strings, the wrong grip size and sudden increases in playing time are common contributors.
Can strings help with tennis elbow?: They can help. Softer strings such as multifilament or natural gut, strung at a moderate tension, transmit less shock to the arm than stiff polyester at high tension.