Stefanos Tsitsipas has become the latest player to raise concerns about the type of balls being used at Tour events amid speculation that they have triggered a rise in injuries.
The world No.3 says the issue has been discussed among players and has called for the same type of ball to be used at all hardcourt events. In recent weeks there has been scrutiny over the use of Dunlop balls at events such as the Australian Open. Daniil Medvedev has previously described them as ‘fluffy balls’ and playing shots with them felt like “throwing a big heavy ball” as they were played more.
Weighing in on the debate, Tsitsipas has now said he believes his recent shoulder injury was caused by playing with the balls due to the impact of hitting them had on his body. On the men’s Tour, players such as Holger Rune and Sebastian Korda have also suffered from wrist issues. Although neither of them has mentioned the balls as the cause for their injuries.
“I think the biggest issue this year was the change in balls and that was an issue that has been discussed among the players,” SDNA quoted Tsitsipas as saying during media day at the Miami Open.
“Balls need to stay the same in most tournaments and especially on hard surfaces. This benefits us all and protects players from injury.’
“I have had comments from other players about the balls at the beginning of the year and that they had a significant impact on the shoulders, wrists, and arm in general. I think that’s where my injury comes from.”
Tsitsipas has endured a roller-coaster 2023 season so far. In January he reached his second Grand Slam final at the Australian Open before losing to Novak Djokovic. Since then he has only won one out of three matches played on the Tour. His latest defeat was to Jordan Thompson in his opening match at Indian Wells.
Reflecting on his latest tournament performance, the Greek said he felt like he was ‘forced’ to play due to ATP regulations. Indian Wells is a Masters 1000 tournament which is a mandatory event. A player’s ranking is based on their performance at 19 events – four Grand Slams, eight Masters 1000’s and their seven best other results at tournaments outside of those two categories. Some players’ positions are based on 20 events if they qualify for the ATP Finals.
“I hope to play (in Miami) without pain and be able to get on the court and show something different than what I did in Indian Wells,” said Tsitsipas.
“It was a tournament where I suffered a lot, it was not easy to be on the court and somehow I was forced to do it. Actually, I didn’t want to do it. There are certain ATP rules that force you to play these big events and I’m not a player who likes to retire or give up after a few games.’
“Hopefully I can get on the court here and enjoy it a little more, have a little fun and not think too much about my hand. Fortunately, I feel better now.”
Tsitsipas is the second seed at the Miami Open. Granted a bye in the first round, he will start his campaign against either French veteran Richard Gasquet or Australia’s Chris O’Connell.
