Wimbledon Q&A: Ball Selection, Women's Five-Set Future

Players at Wimbledon are increasingly selective about which balls to use for serving. New balls are introduced every nine games (after seven initially), and their wear significantly affects flight characteristics. Offensive players often prefer newer balls for first serves to attack, while some choose more worn balls for second serves to make them slightly more difficult for opponents to return. Defensive players may consistently prefer worn balls.

The tennis reporter also expressed interest in implementing best-of-five sets for women's events, suggesting it could begin from the second week as a trial. She noted that physically imposing players like Coco Gauff would thrive in this format, while others might struggle. The WTA Finals actually featured best-of-five sets between 1984-1998, with a memorable 1990 final won by 16-year-old Monica Seles against Gabriella Sabatini. afrikasportnews.co.za