Players Fume at Deteriorating Quality of Tennis Balls Used in Tournaments

Top tennis stars have expressed their discontent with the declining quality of balls used in tournaments, citing issues such as inconsistent performance, reduced durability, and increased risk of injury.

The issue has come to a head at the ATP finals in Turin, where players such as Alexander Zverev, World No.2, and Daniil Medvedev, World No.4, have voiced their frustrations. According to Zverev, the balls used by Dunlop, the manufacturer partnered with the ATP since 2019, are inferior to those used by other brands.

"The balls are a big problem," Zverev said. "They've gotten slower, and they don't last as long. The air escapes, and that's why they deflate quickly."

Medvedev, known for his sharp tongue, took it a step further when he pretended to spit on a ball and wiped his backside with another during a match in Shanghai. He later attributed the issue to the balls' low quality, stating that "the balls die in air" and lose momentum mid-match.

Other players, including Casper Ruud and Andrey Rublev, have also expressed their dissatisfaction with the current state of tennis balls. Zverev blames the decline on the change in rubber material used by manufacturers during the pandemic, which has led to slower balls that don't last as long.

The issue is further complicated by the fact that different brands are being used at different tournaments. The Australian Open uses Dunlop, while the French Open and US Open use Wilson, with Wimbledon using Slazenger.

Ruud acknowledged that switching between ball brands can be challenging for players, but also pointed out that it's a natural part of the game. "It's nice because you'll have different winners," he said.

The ATP has defended its partnership with Dunlop, stating that they are only used by around half of the tournaments on the circuit, including four Masters 1000 events and the finals.

As players continue to voice their concerns, it remains to be seen how the issue will be addressed. In the meantime, top tennis stars will have to adapt to a game where balls seem to deflate faster with each passing shot.