The regulations for an official ball in professional tennis are strict. On more than ten A4 pages, the world federation ITF lists the permitted dimensions and weight.
Only minimal deviations of 3.4 grams and just under half a centimetre are permitted. And yet the use of balls from different manufacturers at various tournaments is causing increasing annoyance among players – to the point of clear accusations and demands on the organisers.
“Must find a solution “
“There is certainly a link between the recent injuries to wrist, elbow as well as shoulder and the frequently changing balls. I am absolutely in favour of choosing a ball to play with at all ATP tournaments,” world number one Novak Djokovic told Serbian portal Sportal. “I support the players who complain about this and approach the ATP. They have to find a solution.”
The players’ union PTPA, which he initiated, is anyway in permanent opposition to the existing professional organisation ATP. PTPA co-founder Vasek Pospisil was also recently angry via social networks: “The balls have become progressively heavier and – surprise – it’s killing our bodies. Almost every player I talk to thinks so.” The ATP left unanswered a request to know if there was any dialogue with the pros on the issue.
Free ball choice
The organisers of the tournaments are free to choose the brand of ball and are allowed to negotiate individual deals with the manufacturers. At the four Grand Slams alone, balls from three different companies are used. In the preparatory tournaments, on the other hand, completely different models can be used. The American professional Taylor Fritz therefore complained at the end of September that he has been struggling with wrist pain since the beginning of the US tournaments: “We had three different balls in three weeks.”
Alexander Zverev also criticised at the US Open that the ball’s flight behaviour was clearly different from the models used in other tournaments. “When it gets windy, it’s incredibly difficult to play tennis with this ball,” the Olympic champion said. “I feel this ball is too light. “
Trend towards fluffing up balls
Many professionals also complain that the trend is towards fluffy balls. This makes the game slower, the points longer and more entertaining for the spectators – and the rallies more exhausting for the players. “Almost every tennis player says this season that the balls are getting bigger and bigger. It’s not good for the shoulder, the elbow,” complained Russian world number three Daniil Medvedev. Rafael Nadal already grumbled about the ball at the Australian Open earlier this year, saying the quality had “without a doubt” deteriorated. “After a few shots, the ball loses pressure. It’s harder to hit it with the right spin.”
The trouble is not confined to the men’s tour. In the previous season, players at the US Open complained that they had to serve with a different variation of the ball than the men. That has been changed this year, but there is no one-size-fits-all model on the women’s tour either. “I think it’s time the WTA rethought the constant changes of balls between tournaments,” criticised Eva Lys from Hamburg after she had to retire in Seoul last week because of shoulder pain. “To change every week is very difficult for many players.”
Previous generations also complained about the balls every now and then – so former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic is pragmatic about the current complaints. “Nowadays everybody complains about everything,” the Djokovic coach told Clay. “The sun, the rain, the court, the balls – the conditions are the same for everybody. The balls are just different in every tournament and that’s it. “
