Why Do Tennis Players Check The Balls Before Serving?

Last Updated on April 21, 2023

Tennis, a sport that traces its roots back to the 12th century, has evolved into a modern game enjoyed by millions of fans worldwide. One of the most critical aspects of tennis is serving, as it sets the tone for each point. Before serving, tennis players often engage in a curious ritual: checking the balls handed to them by ball kids. This article aims to explore the science, strategy, and psychology behind this seemingly innocuous yet essential practice.

The Science Behind Tennis Balls

A tennis ball’s construction directly impacts its performance on the court. Made of a rubber core covered with felt, tennis balls are designed to withstand the rigors of high-speed impacts while maintaining consistent bounce and flight characteristics.

As a match progresses, continuous play causes wear and degradation to the ball. The felt becomes less uniform, and the internal pressure decreases, resulting in a loss of bounce and speed. This change in performance can be critical in a professional match, where every advantage counts.

Factors Influencing Ball Selection

When checking balls before serving, players consider several factors to select the one that best suits their strategy:

• Felt condition: The state of the felt covering the ball influences its trajectory and spin. Some players prefer a smoother ball for better aerodynamics and faster serves, while others opt for fluffier balls, which provide more spin and control.
• Ball weight and pressure: Heavier balls are generally slower but can generate more force upon impact. Lighter balls, on the other hand, tend to travel faster but with less force. Players may choose a ball based on their preferred playstyle or their opponent’s weaknesses.
• Psychological aspects: The ritual of checking balls can help players maintain focus and concentration. Some players also have specific superstitions or routines they follow to maintain a sense of control during high-pressure situations.

Rules and Regulations

A thorough understanding of the rules and regulations surrounding ball changes is crucial for tennis players, as it allows them to make informed decisions during matches. Here, we discuss the official ball change procedures and their impact on game strategy.

Scheduled ball change:

1. Timing: According to the rules set by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), new balls are introduced at specific intervals during a match. In most professional tournaments, balls are replaced after the first seven games and then every nine games thereafter. This ensures that players compete under consistent playing conditions.
2. Grand Slam variations: Each Grand Slam event has its specific ball change rules. For example, at Wimbledon, new balls are introduced after the first seven games and then every nine games. In contrast, the US Open, Australian Open, and French Open introduce new balls after the first seven games and then every seven games.

Player-requested ball change:

1. Damaged or out-of-shape balls: Players can request a ball change if they believe the ball is significantly damaged or out of shape. This may include situations where the ball’s felt is excessively worn or the ball has lost its roundness. However, players cannot request a ball change simply because they dislike the feel or bounce of the ball.
2. Umpire’s discretion: The chair umpire has the final say on whether a ball should be replaced. If the umpire agrees with the player’s request, the damaged ball will be removed from play, and a new ball will be introduced. If the umpire deems the ball to be in acceptable condition, the ball will remain in play.

Impact on game strategy:

1. Adapting to new balls: Players must quickly adapt to the feel and performance of new balls, as they tend to be faster and bouncier than the balls they replace. This can influence a player’s serve or groundstroke strategy, requiring them to adjust their technique to maintain consistency.
2. Exploiting opponent’s weaknesses: Knowledgeable players can use ball changes to their advantage by exploiting their opponent’s weaknesses. For example, a player with a powerful serve might use a new ball to deliver a faster, more challenging serve, putting additional pressure on their opponent’s return game.

By understanding and adhering to the rules and regulations surrounding ball changes, tennis players can make informed decisions that optimize their performance and adapt their strategies to the ever-changing conditions on the court.

Also Read:

• Why Do Tennis Players Bounce The Ball Before Serving?

Famous Players and Their Ball-Checking Habits

Rafael Nadal, the “King of Clay,” is known for his meticulous ball-checking ritual. Before serving, he carefully examines each ball, typically selecting the one with the least wear for his first serve. Nadal believes that a smoother ball provides better aerodynamics, resulting in a faster and more powerful serve. His attention to detail has undoubtedly contributed to his impressive record on the court.

Serena Williams, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, is also particular about the balls she uses during her matches. She often requests ball changes to maintain optimal playing conditions, using the fresher balls for her powerful serves. This strategy allows her to maintain consistency and maximize her chances of winning points on serve.

Novak Djokovic, another tennis legend, has a unique ball-checking routine. He tends to bounce the ball multiple times before serving, allowing him to gauge its condition and feel. By doing this, Djokovic ensures that he has the right ball for his serve and can mentally prepare for the upcoming point.

Roger Federer, widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players in history, also has a specific ball-checking habit. He tends to rotate the ball in his hand while looking for any imperfections or inconsistencies in the felt. Federer prefers balls with a slightly fluffier surface, as they offer more control and spin on his serves.

Maria Sharapova, a former world No. 1, was known for her preference for newer balls during her matches. She would often examine the balls closely, selecting those with minimal wear for her first serve. This approach allowed her to generate maximum power and speed on her serves, which were key weapons in her arsenal.

These famous players and their unique ball-checking habits demonstrate the importance of understanding and managing ball conditions during a tennis match. Their attention to detail and ability to adapt their serves to the specific characteristics of the balls have played a crucial role in their success on the court.

In conclusion, tennis players check balls before serving for a variety of reasons, from optimizing ball performance to maintaining focus and concentration. Understanding the intricacies of ball dynamics can provide valuable insights into the strategies employed by professional tennis players. Next time you watch a tennis match, pay attention to this pre-serve ritual and appreciate the thought and consideration that goes into each serve.