Daniil Medvedev, the world’s sixth-ranked player, has shared his thoughts on the current trend of slow tennis balls and court surfaces.
Medvedev acknowledges that while some players might benefit from slower conditions, he personally believes that a lack of fast balls is becoming a problem in tennis. He points out that while fast courts still exist, fast balls seem to have disappeared from the professional scene.
“It’s normal that some players prefer slow conditions, and others prefer fast,” Medvedev stated. “My only request is to have a mix. We have fast courts, but it feels like fast balls are gone.”
He suggests that the consistent use of slow balls might be a hidden factor behind unexpected changes in player rankings. Medvedev recalls his success in 2023, where he won five tournaments even with similar slow balls, proving his ability to adapt and win. However, he emphasizes that slow balls can amplify his weaknesses while diminishing his strengths, whereas some players thrive in these conditions.
“I’ve always said that slow balls negatively affect my game because they highlight my weaknesses,” Medvedev explained. “I wish for a 50/50 balance between fast and slow balls. Currently, it’s not the case.”
Medvedev mentioned experimenting with different rackets and strings to adjust to the slower balls, but with inconsistent success. He hopes for a future where both fast and slow balls are used more evenly in professional tennis.
