Daniil Medvedev's Ongoing Battle with ATP Ball Quality
Daniil Medvedev, the fifth-ranked tennis player in the world, has been vocal about his frustrations regarding the quality of tennis balls used in ATP tournaments. His complaints date back to 2022, when he described the balls at the Miami Masters as 'garbage.' Since then, he has raised similar concerns at major tournaments, including the Australian Open and Roland Garros. Medvedev's most recent outburst occurred during the Shanghai Masters, where he criticized the condition of the balls during his opening match against Thiago Wilde. He stated that the balls were 'in a completely unacceptable condition,' highlighting the negative impact on performance and player health.
Medvedev's critiques are not isolated; many players, including tennis legends like Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray, have echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that the quality of balls has deteriorated since the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Medvedev, the fluffier balls slow down the game and increase the risk of injuries, particularly in the wrists and shoulders. He expressed concern that the ATP management has largely ignored these complaints, leaving players frustrated and at risk of injury.
In a dramatic moment during his match against Matteo Arnaldi, Medvedev's emotions boiled over, resulting in a penalty point after he spat on a ball and rubbed it on his shorts. Despite his antics, he won the match but continued to voice his dissatisfaction, stating that the inferior quality of balls favors players who excel in aggressive power tennis, like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Medvedev emphasized that while he is working hard to improve his game, the current equipment poses significant challenges for players who rely on precision rather than sheer power.
