Let’s find out interesting facts about the soul of Wimbledon, this Slazenger ball.
What kind of tennis ball do they use at the Wimbledon Open?
At the Wimbledon Open, tennis balls were used provided by the Dunlop Slazenger Group. These balls undergo rigorous quality checks to ensure tournament standards. The specific model used is the official Slazenger Wimbledon tennis ball, featuring the iconic Wimbledon logo and covered in yellow felt.
What are the standards with tennis balls at Wimbledon?
The tennis balls used at Wimbledon 2023, manufactured by Dunlop Slazenger Group, are subject to strict competition standards. All players must adhere to these guidelines throughout the tournament. Before serving, players are allowed to test up to 4 balls to assess their flatness and bounce. Because small deviations in the surface of the ball can also affect the contact of the ball with the racket, the flight of the ball and the risk of hitting the ball into the net.
According to the rules of the tournament, the ball is exchanged after the first 7 games of the match and the ball is changed sequentially in the next 9 games. When it’s time to change the ball, the umpire will ask “please change the ball”, this can also remind the player to change the racquet. A total of 48 ball boxes are brought into each field each day, ensuring a continuous supply of balls for matches.
To ensure stability, tennis balls are carefully stored in a “freezer box” before use. Each ball is kept at around 68°F (20°C), which helps them stay stable during intense matches.
An estimated 54,250 balls were used during the tournament, contributing to the mobility and urgency of Wimbledon matches.
What happens to the old tennis balls at Wimbledon?
After being used in matches, old tennis balls at Wimbledon are collected by boys and girls. The Wimbledon organizers store these balls after the end of each match day.
Some of the used balls are for sale to fans. Unsold balls are donated to charity activities. In the past, Wimbledon has donated the balls to Wildlife Foundation UK, where they are repurposed as hamster homes.
The rubber from the ball is also recycled to be used as a new floor covering for indoor tennis or sports training centers.
Are tennis balls at Wimbledon for sale?
Yes, you can buy used Wimbledon tennis balls at the Wimbledon Foundation Kiosk on Court 14. Fans have the option to buy a box of 3 used balls for $3 or 6 for 6.1 USD. Proceeds from the sale are used for charities supported by the Wimbledon Foundation. This is a rare opportunity for fans to own a piece of tennis history, while also contributing to the community. Alternatively, you can buy Wimbledon tennis balls on Amazon.
How are girls and boys picked up?
Not only the ball, but the girls and boys who pick up the ball are also carefully selected with the age from 14 to 17.
Normally, in a year, Wimbledon recruits about 250 ball boys and girls, with an average age of 15, from more than 1,000 applicants. 170 were selected from a group of 750 students in grades 9 and 10, while the remaining 80 were from the same group of 250 ball boys and girls who had served the previous year.
The average income of girls and boys picking up balls at Wimbledon is about 200 pounds, or 253 dollars per week.
