Breaking: French Open 2022 to be played on Blue Clay? More details inside
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Novak Djokovic, Blue Clay and Iga Swiatek
In a rather shocking and interesting turn of events, the 2022 French Open will be played on blue clay for the very first time. The clay season is around the corner and players have geared up for the same. Also, this will be only the second time that any tournament will be played on blue clay.
All the other tournaments in the lead-up to the French Open will be played on the traditional red clay courts. Starting with Monte Carlo Masters, the clay season will feature three Masters tournaments- Monte Carlo, Madrid, and Rome. The other major tournament in the clay season will be the Barcelona Open.
History of Blue Clay: The 2012 Madrid Masters
The idea of Blue clay has only seen tried out once in the history of the sport- in the 2012 Madrid Masters. Despite all protests, tournament organizers changed the color of the clay courts from the traditional reddish-orange to a vivid cerulean(bluish), seeking a unique brand identity and a better contrast on television with the yellow ball.
After top players complained about the clay’s slipperiness and its dissimilarity from other courts, the blue clay was gone the next year. Nadal, the king of clay, disliked the change even before he set foot on the blue surface and has maintained his traditionalism and his desire to preserve his preferred surface.
After the Australian Open and US Open shifted to blue courts a few decades ago, the French Open too will now be played on blue courts. Only time will tell how this decision pans out. Also, a quick reminder to the readers that today is 1st April, i.e. the April Fool’s day and you have been pranked!
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