Tennis racket manufacturers design rackets with open or closed string patterns. This refers to the number of vertical, or long strings, and the number of horizontal, or cross strings. The difference in the pattern has a definite effect on the racket’s performance. You should assess your style of play and your restringing budget when deciding which stringing pattern design suits your needs the best.
Visible Differences
When you examine a strung tennis racket, you should be able to see the most noticeable difference, the number of strings used for the long, or main strings, and the cross strings. The more main and cross strings in the string bed, the denser the pattern. This means that the squares created by the main and cross strings are smaller than those created with an open pattern. An example of a racket with an open string pattern is one with 16 main strings and 18 cross strings. A racket with 18 mains and 20 crosses is considered to have a dense or closed pattern.
Spin Potential
Tennis players who play with spin may find an open string pattern beneficial. When the ball is struck with a racket that has an open pattern, more of the ball is embedded into the space between strings. With fewer strings coming in contact with the ball, the strings grab or "bite" into the nap, which allows you to impart more spin on the ball. Some spin can still be achieved when playing with a closed-pattern racket, but you will need to hit the ball with a lot more power.
Durability
You may find that you have to have your racket strung more often if you play with spin and the stringing pattern is open. The lack in durability is because of the movement of the strings. With fewer strings, the impact of hitting a tennis ball causes the strings to spread. As the strings repeatedly move back and forth, the friction between the strings causes them to notch and break. With a tighter, dense pattern, the strings don't move as much, less friction is created at impact and the strings last longer.
Power vs. Control
Simply put, a racket with an open string pattern provides more power, and one with a dense pattern provides more control. When a tennis ball makes contact with an open-pattern racket with fewer strings, the strings stretch, quickly snap back and return energy to the ball as it flies off your strings. With more strings and a dense pattern, there is less deflection of the string bed. The ball stays in contact with the strings slightly longer which equates to less energy returned to the ball and more control of your shot.
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