The new Indian Wells tennis balls are not liked by the top elite

In 2014, the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells was named the ATP’s Tournament of the Year. Judging by the reactions of some top players, it may not receive the same distinction in 2015, not because the tournament is any less accommodating or the facilities have gone downhill or the fans have been any less than wonderful, but because the tennis balls in use have left players complaining and uneasy.

The Penn balls in use this year are evidently different than they’ve been in the past, a development that hasn’t been popular amongst players. Three of the world’s top four men have complained about the ball when asked about it in press.

Roger Federer:


I think I talked about that yesterday, that I just felt like it was tough for me to control the ball. [Andreas] Seppi said the same thing at the net, just like not really feeling the balls. Normally you put too much spin on the ball you shank it. Sometimes is it just flies on you. I think it’s been a difficult tournament for many players, because as you progress in the tournament you get more match court time, you get used to the balls better.

Rafael Nadal, who has expressed dissatisfaction with Penn balls in the past:


“With a normal ball during day and night there is differences, but with that ball is completely dramatic how the things change. During the day especially the ball is very, like you are touching a stone. There is no feeling. […]

“The other day the ball make big change with the weather conditions. Ball today was softer, bigger. The whole day yesterday was very small and very hard. No control. Today you have more control of the ball.”

Andy Murray said the difficulties on the court included the ball, but agreed with Nadal that court conditions and the time of day play a part as well.

Nadal, for his part, is baffled that a brand which has made good balls in the past suddenly can’t:


“Because if it’s a new brand creating new ball, you can understand that they make not a bad ball. But the same brand five years ago had a great ball, very good ball. Is difficult to understand why today they are not able to do it.”

Frankly, it’s never made any sense that different tournaments use different tennis balls. The Australian Open and U.S. Open use Wilson, the French Open currently goes with Babolat and Wimbledon has been playing Slazinger balls since 1902. In theory, these balls are expected to conform to the same standards, but like with golf balls, there are subtle variations in each.

It all comes down to money, of course, and manufacturers pay a premium to have their balls used at various tournaments, which makes sense. 

If I’m a 4.5 player looking for a good ball to play with, seeing the ones used by the pros might compel me to make that choice. 

That’s why all golfers, from scratch to 20 handicap, want Titleist ProV1s. But if a tennis ball manufacturer is going to pay for the privilege and then get complaints the entire tournament, maybe it’s not worth it after all.

Or maybe Rafael Nadal should just chill out for once and play the tournament without complaining about the conditions.

usatoday.com