diff --git a/src/java.desktop/share/classes/javax/swing/plaf/synth/SynthTabbedPaneUI.java b/src/java.desktop/share/classes/javax/swing/plaf/synth/SynthTabbedPaneUI.java
index 490d1dff7c5..03526490d95 100644
--- a/src/java.desktop/share/classes/javax/swing/plaf/synth/SynthTabbedPaneUI.java
+++ b/src/java.desktop/share/classes/javax/swing/plaf/synth/SynthTabbedPaneUI.java
@@ -837,6 +837,9 @@ public class SynthTabbedPaneUI extends BasicTabbedPaneUI
     }
 
     private FontMetrics getFontMetrics(Font font) {
+        if (font == null) {
+            font = tabPane.getFont();
+        }
         return tabPane.getFontMetrics(font);
     }