Daniil Medvedev believes players’ complaints about the quality of tennis balls used at tournaments are being addressed following his second round win at the Australian Open.
Over recent months, the former world No.1 has been one of the most outspoken players about the topic and raised concerns about the threat it poses. On the Tour, different types of balls are used at different tournaments due to their contracts with numerous sponsors. Therefore, some weeks the balls might be heavier to hit than others, which poses a challenge for players and their preparation.
There have also been concerns that the newer balls used lose their bounce more quickly than those in the past. These balls, which get heavy and slow when used, have been linked to a rise in injury issues by some in the sport.
However, Medvedev appears to have no worries about the quality of balls used at this year’s Australian Open. The Russian booked his place in the third round on Tuesday with a 6-7,(9), 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 win over Quentin Halys in just over three hours.
“It’s been talked about for a long time, but I do feel like courts are getting faster, like I heard Hong Kong is super fast, Brisbane was pretty fast, as well.” Said Medvedev.
“I feel like the Australian Open is not slow. I’m not going to call it fast because you do see some rallies, and maybe aces a bit less. But it’s kind of medium speed or maybe even a tiny bit to the faster side.
“Same about the balls. I have been the biggest (player) crying about balls and this and that. I do feel like they’re getting better.
“It’s still the reality that racquets change, courts change, games of players change. Now everybody is ripping the ball and we still have the change of rules of balls. But in general, I think that we’re being heard, and pretty much a lot of variety on the court and on the balls.”
Medvedev is currently on a seven-match winning streak and is aiming to reach his fourth Australian Open final since 2021. Unfortunately for the Russian in two of those title matches, he lost when leading by two sets. Making him the only player in the Open Era to lose two Grand Slam men’s singles finals from 2-0 up.
“My performance could be better but a win is a win,” he said after beating Halys.
“I was playing better during the match. He played great, I felt.
“So it was a big win because it was the same last year on slams. When people played good against me, I was struggling. So I’m happy that I managed to win it, turning it around and playing better and better throughout the whole match.”
Medvedev will play Fabian Marozsan in the third round.
