Aryna Sabalenka Highlights Ball Durability Issue on X
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka took to X today to showcase the rapid deterioration of Dunlop tennis balls, posting a side-by-side comparison of a new ball and another used for just 25 minutes. The difference was staggering, with the used ball appearing completely worn out.
Players Continue to Raise Concerns Over Ball Quality
Complaints about the quality of balls used on the ATP and WTA Tours are nothing new. Many players argue that balls wear out too quickly, becoming heavier and slower, which can increase the risk of injuries.
Sabalenka, who arrived in Doha for her first tournament since winning the Australian Open, seemingly conducted a practice session on Friday, keeping a used ball to compare against a brand-new one.
“25 min vs new. Crazy difference,” Sabalenka captioned her post.
Taylor Fritz Criticizes Australian Open Balls
Sabalenka’s comments come just days after Taylor Fritz strongly criticized the balls used at the Australian Open, calling them the “deadest ever.”
Following his third-round exit to Gael Monfils, the American No. 1 claimed the poor ball quality contributed to an oblique injury he sustained during the tournament.
“It was my oblique. It was caused because of the balls,” Fritz said on Tennis Channel after winning his Dallas opener against Arthur Rinderknech.
“They were supposed to be the same as the ones we use here and in Australia, but they just weren’t. They were like the deadest balls ever, so I was throwing my whole body into every single shot I hit.”
Fritz added that he had been rehabbing the injury while preparing for Dallas, where he managed to compete pain-free.
Medvedev Joins the Discussion on Court & Ball Conditions
Meanwhile, in Rotterdam, Daniil Medvedev reiterated his long-standing frustration with slow conditions, saying both balls and courts have become too slow for the modern game.
Sabalenka Awaits Raducanu or Alexandrova in Doha
In the Qatar Open, Sabalenka has a first-round bye and will face either Emma Raducanu or Ekaterina Alexandrova in her opening match.
