Published on March 27, 2026
Roman Prokes, a longtime racket stringer for professional tennis players, reflects on his unique journey in the sport and the intricacies of his craft in a recent microinterview published . With an emphasis on precision and attentive listening, Prokes has earned a reputation for excellence, notably while working with tennis legend Andre Agassi.
When embarking on his career as a professional racket stringer, Prokes shared that he was part of a small team with Jay Schwartz, traveling the tennis tour and stringing for renowned players like the Woodies and Wally Masur. “We would set up in a hotel room and string privately for players,” he recalled, highlighting the intimacy and fluidity of the experience. Eventually, Agassi sought a more personal relationship with Prokes, which would prove pivotal in his professional journey.
Prokes attributes much of his success to his upbringing and a dedication to craftsmanship. “My wife is Austrian, and I’m from Czech,” he said. “Agassi was generous to say that my work is ‘old world.’” He believes this ethos drives his commitment to perfection. “When you do something, it has to be perfect,” Prokes stated.
Listening closely to players has been another cornerstone of Prokes’s methodology. Recollecting an early lesson from an experienced club member, he emphasized the importance of understanding players’ feelings about their rackets rather than dismissing their concerns. “I learned how to listen from then on,” he said, illustrating the balance he strives for — both respecting player feedback and applying his technical knowledge to meet their needs.
Prokes also observed that players often struggle to articulate their sensations, often leading to misconceptions about their gear. “Players say the racket is too heavy. Well, it’s not,” he noted, pointing out that the issue often lies in grip size or how the racket creates pocketing. translating these feelings, he positions himself as both a technician and a translator in the dynamic between player and equipment.
Throughout his experience, Prokes has gleaned insights about racket stringing that highlight misconceptions in player feedback. He notes that a player’s perception of heaviness may stem from grip size rather than actual weight. Additionally, players often comment on string tension without fully understanding its implications, complicating their feedback.
When asked about the most perceptive player he has encountered, Prokes named Petr Korda, father of current player Sebastian Korda. “Petr could detect weight difference within a tenth of a gram,” he remarked, commending Korda’s extraordinary sensitivity to racket feel. Prokes illustrated how minute adjustments in racket weight can be imperceptible to most, yet Korda consistently identified the nuances, demonstrating a remarkable level of insight.
In sharing his experiences, Roman Prokes shines a light on the delicate balance of craftsmanship and communication necessary in tennis. His commitment to perfection and attentive listening not only enhances the performance of the players he works with but also underscores the human element in the high-stakes world of professional sports.
For those interested in diving deeper into Prokes’ insights and experiences, the full interview is available at The Believer.
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