If we think of the player as an artist, then the court would be his gallery. It is here where you will find every stroke of genius, where each strike of the ball is like the brush in the hand of a master. Here you will discover the power, elegance and form of the tennis player. Each of the players featured bring their own unique flair and talents to the game – Including footwork, athleticism, technique, power, balance and grace. How many players do you recognize? What impresses you about their game? Please let us know!
THE SURFACE
Tennis is played on different types of surfaces with each holding its own unique properties. Each surface will affect the speed and bounce of the ball and of course, player performance. Originally played on the "fast "grass court, tennis has evolved and is now played in addition, on the "slow" clay courts and the "medium to fast" hard courts. Tennis has even been played on carpet or synthetic surfaces. Not to be forgotten is the effect of temperatures on each of the surfaces mentioned and its effect on the player. It is not uncommon for players to endure on court in temperatures up to 48 °C (120 °F).
T HE RACQUET
Wood, aluminum, graphite and carbon fiber are just some of the different materials that make up a tennis racquet. And with each advance in racquet material came improvements as well as some setbacks to the striking of the ball. A tenet to racquet design is size, weight, flex, stability and power. Added to this is the use of strings made from animal gut, synthetic or hybrid material all requiring proper string tension for performance and accuracy in hitting the ball. Wow! That is a lot of information! Can you now better understand the reason players carry so many racquets on court for a match?
THE BALL
From animal intestines to the modern rubber core and felt covered ball in its pressurized canister, the 700 years plus history of the tennis ball has come a long way. Can we even imagine anything other than the high visibility, high bounce of the fluorescent tennis ball? And like the surface upon which it strikes, temperatures will change the bounce of the ball. Their optimal operating temperature is 20° C (68° F) making that its sweet spot! Have you ever wondered why players are so particular about their balls? Why one or two are rejected over another after examining them like they were fruits and vegetables at a market?
