Tennis is a very sophisticated sport. The rackets used by every professional player remain unchanged for a period of time. For example, the brand and model of the racket and the string, and the stringing weight are basically fixed. The purpose of this is to obtain a consistent hitting feeling and maintain stable performance.
In addition to the racket, another factor that affects the hitting feeling is the tennis ball. Unfortunately, players can keep the parameters of their rackets unchanged, but they have no right to decide what kind of tennis ball to use.
For a long time, players have been complaining about the tennis balls used in the tour. The tennis balls used in almost every game are different. Although the tennis governing body has clear technical standards for tennis balls, there are still differences in the tennis balls produced by each manufacturer, which is an unavoidable problem for professional athletes who pursue consistency.
During last year’s US Open, Fritz posted a complaint saying, “I’ve been dealing with wrist pain since the US Open series. We used three different tennis balls in three weeks.”
Taylor Fritz attributed his wrist problems to the tennis balls he used, believing that changing tennis balls at every tournament was the culprit for his wrist pain.
Fritz’s troubles are not isolated. Medvedev also complained about the Hyde tennis balls used in the tournament during last year’s China Open, “I feel that this type of tennis ball is larger and softer than other balls. Using such a ball, it is almost impossible for us to score winning points and we often fall into long multi-shot stalemates.”
Alcalas, a Spanish player who shares a similar feeling with Medvedev, expressed more understanding and helplessness. “This is a difficult thing, but tennis players must get used to it. The tennis used is different, so the feeling of hitting the ball in each match is also different. When we arrive at a new match location, we always ask, ‘What ball is used here?’
Alcalas’ statement reveals a reality – different tennis balls are used for each event, and players can only passively accept them.
For example, the four Grand Slam tournaments that we are familiar with use four different types of tennis balls. The Australian Open uses Dunlop tennis, the French Open uses Burberry tennis, the Wimbledon uses Schlesinger tennis, and the US Open uses Wilson tennis. Before last year, the Wilson tennis used at the US Open was even gender segregated, with female players using slightly lighter tennis balls.
The above picture shows two types of tennis balls used in the US Open series. The tennis ball on the left was used for men’s matches, while the tennis ball on the right was used for women’s matches
It is understandable that different tennis courts are used for the four Grand Slam tournaments. For example, Wimbledon has always used Slazenger tennis balls, which are said to have moisture resistance and are more suitable for use on wet grass courts. The French Open uses a clay court, so the Babolat tennis ball currently in use does not need to consider moisture prevention too much.
In my personal opinion, the surface of the newly opened Slimsinger tennis ball seems to have been coated with a layer of oil, which feels slightly smoother than other tennis balls, thus achieving a moisture-proof effect. After comparison, I found that the newly opened Slesinger tennis balls do not quickly get wet and become heavier on rainy days, at least the progress of getting wet and heavier is indeed slower than other brands of tennis balls.
If Wimbledon and French Open choose different tennis balls because of different courts, then the Australian Open and US Open, which are both hard courts, do not have sufficient reasons to choose different tennis balls.
But the reality is that the two hard court Grand Slams have never used the same tennis balls. For example, before the Australian Open in January 2022, the Australian Open signed a five-year cooperation agreement with Dunlop. As soon as the news was announced, the defending champion Nadal publicly expressed his dissatisfaction, “The tournament officials said that this kind of ball is very good, but there is no doubt that the quality of the ball is very poor. After playing for a while, it loses pressure and it will be more difficult to pull the topspin.” Wawrinka also agreed with this.
After 7 games in a tennis match, a new ball must be replaced, and then a new ball is replaced every 9 games. Everyone knows that the new ball has more air pressure and flies faster than the old ball, which obviously affects the player’s hitting strategy and hitting effect.
Let’s talk about the US Open. For a long time, the US Open has been using Wilson’s tennis balls, and the US Open has a wide influence in the North American hard court season. Events including Toronto, Montreal, Cincinnati, etc. also basically use Wilson tennis balls, but there are still some differences between them and the tennis balls used in the US Open, which is exactly why Fritz complained.
Materials And Manufacturing Process
Tennis balls are spherical objects specifically designed for the sport of tennis. They possess distinct characteristics that make them suitable for use in competitive and recreational play. Typically, tennis balls have a diameter ranging from 6.67 to 6.86 centimeters and weigh between 56.7 and 58.5 grams, adhering to strict specifications set by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to ensure consistency and fairness in matches. The color of tennis balls is usually yellow or white, which enhances their visibility on the court, allowing players to track the ball’s trajectory more effectively.
In terms of materials, tennis balls are constructed using a combination of rubber and outer fabric coverings. The core of the ball is made of rubber, which provides the necessary bounce and durability. This rubber core is then enclosed in a fabric casing, often made of high-quality polyester or other synthetic materials, that adds friction and grip to the ball. The fabric cover also helps to protect the rubber core and maintain the ball’s shape and structure over time.
The manufacturing process of tennis balls involves several steps, from raw material selection to final quality control. First, the rubber core is molded and vulcanized to achieve the desired bounce and durability. Next, the fabric cover is cut to size and sewn or glued around the rubber core. After the cover is attached, the ball may undergo additional processes such as sanding, buffing, and painting to achieve a smooth finish and the desired color. Finally, each ball is inspected for quality and performance to ensure that it meets the standards set by the ITF and is ready for use in matches or training sessions.
Why Is There Fuzz On A Tennis Ball
The tennis ball is made of rubber and various synthetic materials. After being formed, the surface is roughened to adhere fluff.
A fuzzy fabric woven from wool and nylon is used to make the ball surface fuzzy. Before applying the fuzzy fabric, the ball surface is hard and smooth, and after being hit, the ball moves extremely fast. The American Tennis Association has strict regulations on the rebound force of tennis balls, requiring that when a tennis ball falls from a height of 2.54 meters off the ground to a concrete surface, the rebound height must be higher than 1.35 meters and lower than 1.47 meters. Adding fluff to a tennis ball can slow down the speed of the ball. After the ball surface is covered with fluff, the wind resistance on the tennis ball increases, which not only weakens the rebound force, but also slows down the ball speed.
Adding fluff to tennis balls can also increase the racket’s control over the ball. Every time the ball touches the racket, the mesh on the racket will hold the ball for a moment, while the ball will compress. If the surface of the ball is hard and smooth, the ball usually rebounds immediately from the racket, making it difficult for the player to perform their skills.
Adding fluff to tennis balls has another reason. However, this reason has nothing to do with tennis players, but is very important for the audience who watch tennis matches live. If a viewer is hit by a flying fuzzy tennis ball, they may feel so painful that they want to cry, but they will definitely not get hurt.
How To Maintain Tennis Balls?
Maintaining tennis balls is crucial to ensure their durability and performance. To keep your tennis balls in good condition, start by regularly cleaning them. Use a damp cloth or sponge to gently wipe away any dirt, dust, or mud that has accumulated on the surface. Avoid using chemical cleaners, as they can damage the ball’s material and internal structure. Additionally, store your tennis balls in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent moisture and heat from causing the internal gases to expand or contract, which can lead to deformation or loss of elasticity. Avoid stacking them under heavy objects or exposing them to other forms of pressure that could cause damage.
When using tennis balls, it’s important to use them reasonably to avoid excessive wear and tear. While tennis balls are designed to be durable, continuous use or hitting them with too much force can cause them to wear down and deform. Control your hitting power and angle to minimize wear and deformation. Regularly inspect your tennis balls for signs of wear, cracks, deformation, or a noticeable decrease in elasticity. If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to replace them with new ones to ensure fair play and effective training.
To further extend the life of your tennis balls, consider using a tennis ball tube or bag for carrying and storing them. These tools not only protect the balls from environmental damage but also make it convenient to carry multiple balls. Lastly, avoid exposing tennis balls to direct sunlight for extended periods, as it can cause the surface material to degrade, fade, and deform. By following these tips, you can maintain your tennis balls and enjoy optimal performance during matches and training sessions.
How To Choose Your Right Tennis Balls
What Brand Of Tennis Balls Is Good?
1. Penn
Penn is Known for durability and consistent performance, they are the best-selling tennis balls in the U.S.It is best for recreational play, matches, and training.High-quality felt for reliable bounce and control.Available in different types (Extra Duty for hard courts, Regular Duty for clay and indoor courts).
2. Wilson
Wilson is the official ball of the US Open, ideal for hard court surfaces.It is best for beginners to professionals, tournaments, and eco-conscious players.Great performance with durable felt.Triniti balls last longer and come in recyclable packaging.
3. Dunlop
Dunlop is known for superior visibility and longevity.It is best for competitive players and ATP-level performance.Durable HD felt and consistent bounce.Designed for both hard and clay courts.
4. Slazenger
Slazenger Wimbledon Tennis Balls is official ball of Wimbledon, optimized for grass courts.It is best for advanced players and grass court matches.Premium felt for excellent performance on grass.High-visibility yellow for enhanced playability.
5. Babolat
Babolat Gold Tennis Balls is suitable for all courts and great for recreational play.High-quality, ideal for advanced players.It is best for training and all-court play.Pressure-filled balls for good bounce.Good longevity for practice sessions.
