At the beginning of the 2023 season, important tournaments like Qatar Open, Australian Open, and Miami Open took place. During these tournaments, leading tour players like Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas complained about heavier and ‘fluffy balls’ causing injuries.
It appears that the ATP hasn’t properly addressed the tennis ball issue leading to player injuries. Many players are now voicing their concerns. Let’s see what other prominent players have to say. The Tennis Letter published a detailed post highlighting some affected players and their comments.
Stan Wawrinka echoed Zizou Bergs’ statement that many players are getting wrist injuries due to the balls being changed from tournament to tournament.
Zizou: “Many players are getting wrist injuries, which could possibly be prevented by not changing the balls every week.”
Zizou… pic.twitter.com/qLiouEppba
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 30, 2023
Belgian player Zizou Bergs expressed concern about the frequent ball changes in tournaments and the rising wrist injuries among players. He said, ‘I think it’s time to look carefully at the fact that many players are getting wrist injuries which could, possibly, be prevented by not changing every week of balls…’ on his Instagram story.
The Swiss tennis star, Stan Wawrinka also joined the fray. On his Instagram story, he shared Bergs’ post and agreed with his concerns, captioning it, “Yep 🙄🎾🤦🏻♂️”
Yet more complaints about the balls
byu/Available-Gap8489 intennis
Taylor Fritz supported the concern, revealing that he had been dealing with wrist issues after the ATP used three different balls during the US Open series in three weeks. He posted, “Have been dealing with wrist issues since the beginning of USO series cause of ball changes ✌🏻 we went 3 different balls in 3 weeks.”
Have been dealing w wrist issues since beginning of USO series cause of ball changes✌🏻we went 3 different balls in 3 weeks https://t.co/018jWjFPTC
— Taylor Fritz (@Taylor_Fritz97) September 30, 2023
The issue of heavier and more frequent ball changes in tennis tournaments, as highlighted by these players continues to pose a significant concern. As the final three months of the 2023 season approaches, it remains uncertain whether the authorities will take proactive measures to address the ball issues affecting the players and safeguard their well-being.
Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas had raised ball concerns earlier
Earlier this year Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos expressed their concerns about the tennis balls used in tournaments, highlighting these balls to cause injuries and discomfort among players. Medvedev, after winning the Qatar Open, openly addressed the issue, stating, “I think the toughest for me was to get used to the balls.” He likened playing with them to “throwing a big heavy ball,” particularly on hard courts.
He further revealed that doubles players had approached him with concerns about these balls, which were causing problems like wrist and elbow pain. Medvedev stressed the need for the ATP to “reconsider” their choice of balls. He said, “Now I see [Holger] Rune, [Stefanos] Tsitsipas, who else, Korda…all wrist, elbow, shoulder. They get very fluffy, and as I say, it’s a big shock to play them with your racquet.”
Stefanos Tsitsipas echoed these sentiments as he struggled with shoulder and arm injuries in the recent past. He said, “The biggest issue this year was the change in balls & that was an issue that’s been discussed among the players. Balls need to stay the same in most tournaments…This benefits us all & protects players from injury…I think that’s where my injury comes from.”
Stefanos Tsitsipas: “The biggest issue this year was the change in balls & that was an issue that’s been discussed among the players. Balls need to stay the same in most tournaments.. This benefits us all & protects players from injury..I think that’s where my injury comes from.” pic.twitter.com/710xkSEh1e
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 24, 2023
Tsitsipas advocated for maintaining consistency in the choice of balls across most tournaments, particularly on hard surfaces. Both players’ remarks emphasize the importance of addressing the ball issue for the prevention of further injuries to players on the tour.