Novak Djokovic Reveals Changes to the ATP Circuit Balls:” Something has Changed”

For the past few days, Novak Djokovic has been calling for changes in the ATP, significant changes in the circuit that will alter the way things are done currently. The former World No.1, who has been playing in the men’s circuit since his professional debut in 2006, has now revealed that there’s a need for a change of balls on tour.

Since 2023, Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios have been very critical of the frequent changes in balls. Basically, in ATP and Grand Slam tournaments, players are forced to use different ball brands because each tournament can currently negotiate its own ball sponsorship. Currently, Dunlop is the official ball at the ATP, and the company signed a five-year deal with the men’s governing body in 2023.

However, Wilson supplies balls to the US Open and Roland Garros, while Slazenger has a historic, long-standing relationship with Wimbledon. Tournaments in America get their balls from Penn and Head. This makes it difficult for players, as they have to get used to the different types of balls used on the men’s circuit.

This has also contributed to the rise in wrist, elbow and shoulder injuries among players. Nonetheless, there have been complaints from players since COVID-19 that the balls have become slower on the court and a bit more fluffy. Most of the ball companies produce their products in China.

Daniil Medvedev has been one of the biggest critics of the balls recently used on tour, as he believes that they make life difficult for players on the court. Djokovic, during his media interview on Friday (July 3), admitted that there has been a change in the materials used to produce balls in China and that needs to be looked into:

I’ve had quite a few conversations with players and their coaches in the last 12 months about different tournaments, talking about the balls. We all agree that since COVID, something has changed. The production facilities in China that are used by basically all the top ball manufacturers we use on the circuit have changed. There is some material, something that has changed and affects how the ball reacts nowadays.

At this year’s Wimbledon, several top players are not competing due to injury. Carlos Alcaraz, Emma Raducanu, Jack Draper and some other stars pulled out of the tournament due to injuries relating to wrist, arm and bone bruising. It is also believed that the lack of a consistent ball is among the reasons for those injuries.

Novak Djokovic reveals what he enjoys winning at Wimbledon

Novak Djokovic booked his place in the fourth round of the Wimbledon Championships. The Serbian legend made history by equaling Roger Federer’s men’s record of most singles match wins at SW19 after beating Arthur Rinderknech. Djokovic defeated the Frenchman 7-5, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(4) in the third round.

Djokovic has now dropped two sets at Wimbledon and produced a statement performance against Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round. He now has 105 match wins at the All England Club. During the aforementioned press conference, he revealed the reason for his good mood since the start of Wimbledon:

Sometimes in matches, you just try to disconnect from everything and everyone and not pay attention. Sometimes if something is happening and you see it, I think it’s a good moment to say a few words. They will remember it for a long time. You are alone on the court, so there are many emotions to manage.

Djokovic will face Roman Safiullin in the fourth round of Wimbledon on Sunday (July 5). Safiullin, who stunned Joao Fonseca in the third round, has been one of the breakthrough players at the grass-court Grand Slam. However, Djokovic is the favorite to win the clash and progress to the quarter-finals.

Also Read: Matteo Berrettini Confesses Wimbledon’s Objection Against Custom HUGO BOSS Look Amid Dress Code Policy