“Common injuries”: Djokovic calls for revolution due to ball problems

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The yellow felt balls ensure red heads on the tennis tour. After the Challenger tournament in Buenos Aires, Portuguese Gastao Elias (32) gave vent to his frustration: “I demand that the ATP reimburse us for all the physiotherapy costs I need after playing with these balls.” And then he adds: “I’ve been touring for many years and I’ve never seen anything like it. That’s inhumane!”

Well, his emotional social media post could also reflect anger over his qualifying defeat to Marco Trungelliti (33). But he is not alone in his fundamental concern. In recent weeks, numerous players have expressed their dissatisfaction with the balls that keep changing from tournament to tournament. Now superstar Novak Djokovic (36) has also publicly complained. The 24-time Grand Slam winner told the Serbian platform Sportal: “There is certainly a connection between the recurring injuries to the wrists, elbows and shoulders and the ball changes.”

Djokovic appeals directly to the ATP. The Serbian is in favor of using ‘only one ball’ during the tour. He understands that tournaments have so far been negotiated independently with ball manufacturers: “We just have to find a way to standardize it though.” According to him, even a compromise solution would bring rapid improvements. Namely if you always use the same balls “at least on every surface”, i.e. on sand, grass and hard courts.

But the question is whether the compromise can be implemented quickly, especially since some tournaments have already signed long-term contracts with their ball brands.

“Impossible to beat winner”

The pressure on the ATP and WTA is still increasing. Daniil Medvedev (27) was also recently annoyed in Beijing by the balls, which became heavier, bigger, airier and slower after a few hits: “So we actually play back and forth 30 times because it is impossible to beat one.

And Germany’s Eva Lys, 21, also posted after her injury-related retirement in Seoul: “I think it’s time for the WTA to reconsider the constant changing of balls between tournaments. It is very difficult for many players to adapt every week.” Lys actually felt “fantastic” playing before she saw no other way out than giving up due to shoulder pain. (mpe)

Source : Blick