The Spaghetti Racket: Tennis’s Short-Lived Revolution In the world of tennis, where tradition often guides the rules, the “spaghetti racket” stands out as a unique chapter of innovation and controversy. This unusual racket design briefly took the tennis world by storm in the late 1970s, challenging the sport’s conventions and leaving a lasting legacy.

Early Racket Innovation

In modern tennis, racket composition is strictly regulated by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), requiring a uniform string bed. However, this wasn’t always the case. Unconventional designs, like double-strung rackets, appeared as early as 1881. These designs reemerged periodically, with the most famous iteration being Werner Fischer’s “spaghetti racket.”

Fischer’s Vision and Creation

The spaghetti racket was conceived in 1971 by Werner Fischer, a West German horticulturist. It featured a unique double-strung system with five pairs of cross strings between two sets of mains, allowing for exaggerated topspin. As Fischer explained, “I was used to the tremendous cut and spin you could get with the foam-covered Ping-Pong paddle and I wanted the same effects in tennis.”Fischer’s design evolved with the help of German inventor Siegfried Kuebler, and by 1976, the “Original Werner Fischer” racket was released. Despite its unconventional appearance, it quickly gained a following in Germany.

Media Attention and Early Success

Fischer’s racket found success with amateur players and gained media attention. Erwin Müller, a teammate of Fischer, used it to defeat higher-ranked players, becoming a Bavarian team champion in 1977. Despite this success, Fischer struggled to gain acceptance from professional players. He noted, “Unfortunately, Müller, like me, was a working-class kid in an upper-crust game. He has a hick accent, he drinks beer between games, and he doesn’t behave in the classic manner. He turned off the rest of the pros.”

Controversy on the Professional Circuit

The spaghetti racket’s professional debut came in 1977 when Australian Barry Phillips-Moore used it at the French Open. He described the racket as “the greatest thing since boiled water.” American Mike Fishbach later used a homemade version at the US Open, upsetting top players like Stan Smith. Fishbach famously stated, “Of course it’s legal. I could play with a shoe or a tree or a bottle of apple juice and it would be legal.”The racket’s unpredictable spin baffled opponents. British player John Feaver commented, “You don’t know what’s going on with the bloody thing. You can’t hear the ball come off the face. It looks like an egg in flight.”

Fishbach’s success with the racket was highlighted when he qualified for the 1977 U.S. Open, defeating Billy Martin and upsetting 16th-seeded Stan Smith. His use of the racket, described as having “loose, dangling strings” that imparted tremendous spin, became a phenomenon. Georges Goven used it to upset world No. 9 Ilie Năstase, who initially refused to play against it but later adopted it himself. The racket’s peak came when Năstase used it in the final of the 1977 Raquette d’Or, leading to Guillermo Vilas resigning in frustration. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) eventually banned the racket in 1978, prompting a reevaluation of equipment standards in tennis. Despite its brief presence, the spaghetti racket left a lasting legacy, highlighting the tension between innovation and tradition in sports

The ITF’s Intervention

As the racket’s popularity grew, so did calls for regulation. The ITF, under pressure from players and officials, temporarily suspended the racket in October 1977, citing its drastic impact on the game’s nature. After commissioning studies, the ITF permanently banned it in July 1978, introducing rules to prevent similar designs.

Aftermath and Legacy

Fischer’s business suffered greatly due to the ban. “If the ban had come one year later, I would have become a millionaire, but instead, I was financially ruined,” he lamented. Gunter Harz, Fischer’s business partner, attempted to market a modified version, but legal challenges ensued, ultimately losing a lawsuit against the US Tennis Association in 1981.Though its time in professional tennis was brief, the spaghetti racket forced the ITF to redefine equipment standards. Today, these rackets are rare collectibles, valued for their unique place in tennis history. The saga of the spaghetti racket highlights the tension between innovation and tradition in sports, reminding us that even the most established games can be upended by creative thinking.

“I was used to the tremendous cut and spin you could get with the foam-covered Ping-Pong paddle and I wanted the same effects in tennis.” – Werner Fischer

“Unfortunately, Müller, like me, was a working-class kid in an upper-crust game. He has a hick accent, he drinks beer between games and he doesn’t behave in the classic manner. He turned off the rest of the pros.” – Werner Fischer

“I took the racket to a teaching pro and he said it was ugly, primitive and, besides, the major makers had tried everything, and I should forget it.” – Werner Fischer

“I saw a training model of Fischer’s racket and hit 10 balls with it. It was the greatest thing since boiled water.” – Barry Phillips-Moore
“I saw Barry playing with it in Brussels, and, just by looking at it, I had a gut feeling that it was the racquet for me. It fit my type of stroke perfectly.” – Mike Fishbach

“Of course it’s legal. I could play with a shoe or a tree or a bottle of apple juice and it would be legal.” – Mike Fishbach

“You don’t know what’s going on with the bloody thing. You can’t hear the ball come off the face. It looks like an egg in flight. When it bounces, it can jump a yard this way or that, and up or down.” – John Feaver

“After my return from the US Open, where I had lost in the qualifications, I saw one lying around at Roland, I tried it and found it great. For the Poree Cup, I ordered three of them from my stringer. It did incredible spins. The difference was as big as between a Ping-Pong racquet made of foam and a wooden board. And with its incredible effects, it gave a huge advantage to the player who were using the spin.” – Christophe Roger-Vasselin

“That’s the first time I’ve played against someone using one of those things. It’s also the last. In future I shall refuse to play.” – Ilie Năstase

“I am completely disconcerted and discouraged by the trajectory of those balls. You understand that Nastase, plus the racquet, that’s just too much.” – Guillermo Vilas

“Guillermo simply is unbeatable with the double-stringing system in his training matches!” – Ion Tiriac

“If the ban had come one year later, I would have become a millionaire, but instead, I was financially ruined.” – Werner Fischer

How to String a Spaghetti Racket: A Step-by-Step Guide

The spaghetti racket, a unique piece of tennis equipment, offers a distinct advantage on the court by providing exceptional spin and grip on the ball. Originating from the innovative designs of Werner Fischer, this stringing method, though complex, can be mastered with the right knowledge and tools. Here’s a comprehensive guide to stringing a spaghetti racket, drawing from historical patents and contemporary interpretations.

1. Understanding the Basics

Fischer’s original spaghetti system involves double-strung mains and crosses, with various enhancements for increased ball bite. It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the foundational components and the purpose behind them before diving into the stringing process.

2. Preparing the Main Strings

• Material: Use either gut or nylon strings.
• Technique: Cut two equal lengths of string for the mains, ensuring they run parallel without twisting. This creates two layers of mains, strung with a tension of around 60 lbs.
• Tying Off: Each length may need separate tie-off points due to the increased number of strings.

3. Installing Sheaths

• Purpose: Sheaths, or guide members, separate the mains and allow them to glide over the crosses.
• Material: Use low-friction materials like nylon or Teflon tubing.
• Application: Cut tubing to at least the main string spacing length, and place them on each main string before tensioning. Slide them into position at cross intersections and secure with adhesive.

4. Stringing the Crosses

• Configuration: Typically, 4 to 6 crosses are used, double-strung similar to the mains.
• Spacing: Space the cross strings three times the distance of the mains, threading them between the two sets without weaving.

5. Adding Holding Strings

• Function: These connect the mains, distributing impact force and preventing excessive displacement.
• Material: Use braided nylon, mason line, or sturdy twine.
• Attachment: Tie holding strings in the racket’s central portion, parallel to the crosses, using overhand knots. Optionally, reinforce knots with adhesive.

6. Applying Projecting Means

• Purpose: Prevent holding strings from shifting, maintaining consistent spacing.
• Method: Use adhesive polymers to create projections on the main strings at holding string intersections.

7. Exploring Adaptations

Gunter Harz, a collaborator of Fischer, introduced modifications to the spaghetti system. His patent describes a ‘spinner’ system, integrating tubes into single units for streamlined application.

Final Thoughts

Stringing a spaghetti racket requires precision and patience, blending traditional techniques with innovative solutions. It is a fascinating piece of tennis history!