How Often Do They Change Balls in Tennis?
Tennis may look straightforward on the surface: racquets, a net, and some bright yellow balls. But if you’ve watched a professional match, you may have heard the umpire call “new balls please” and wondered what it means.
This simple moment can shape how points unfold, and even how odds shift in betting markets. Understanding why and when balls are changed can help make the game easier to follow, whether you’re watching Wimbledon from your sofa, or exploring live betting markets where tiny details matter. This guide walks you through ball changes, player choices, and what they can mean in the sport and in betting.
Why Do Tennis Balls Need to Be Changed?
Tennis balls are pressurised and covered in felt, giving them bounce and speed when fresh. During play, the felt frays, the pressure inside drops, and rallies can feel heavier. Worn balls travel slower, sit lower after bouncing, and can be harder to strike cleanly.
New balls, by contrast, come off the strings faster and rise higher. That difference matters because tennis at elite level is measured in fine margins. A serve hit with fresh balls might zip through at over 120 miles per hour, while with older balls the same shot could lose several miles per hour, affecting timing for both server and returner.
How Often Do They Change Balls in Tennis?
At major professional tournaments, including Wimbledon, the ball-change schedule is set by the International Tennis Federation. The first change comes after seven games, which includes the warm-up, then after every nine games. This pattern keeps conditions consistent across long contests.
Other events sometimes adjust slightly. For example, lower-tier tournaments may use a first change after nine games, then every eleven. Surfaces also matter. Grass courts can roughen felt quickly, while hard courts wear them down more slowly.
The number of changes should be announced beforehand, so that players and officials know exactly when fresh balls will be introduced.
What Are Tennis Players Looking For When They Choose Balls?
Before serving, players often take a few balls, inspect them quickly, and return one or two. They are not being fussy. They are picking the ball that best suits their next shot.
Factors they may consider include:
- Felt condition – Fluffier balls drag through the air more, helping spin but slowing flat shots.
- Bounce – A springy ball helps for topspin or kick serves, while a lower-bouncing ball might be chosen for a flatter strike.
- Shape – Heavy hits can distort a ball slightly. A misshapen one might move oddly in the air.
- Surface marks – On clay or damp courts, balls can pick up dirt, which changes friction.
In practical terms, a player may use a smoother ball for a fast first serve and a fluffier one for a spin-heavy second serve.
Why Pro Tennis Players Reject Balls
Rejecting a ball does not mean it is unfit for play. It just means it is not right for that moment. The spare ball is tossed back to the ball person, and play continues with the chosen one.
This choice is tactical rather than superstitious. If a player wants pace, they might go for a smoother ball. If they want control, they might keep the hairier one. It is about aligning the shot with intent, not about one ball being “better” overall.
Keeping a Ball In Their Pocket: Why Do Players Do It?
When you see a player tucking a ball into their pocket before serving, it is simply to keep the game moving. If their first serve lands out, they can immediately play the second without pausing to wait for a ball person.
Shorts are designed with deep enough pockets to hold a ball securely, and many tennis skirts have built-in undershorts for the same reason. Some players may switch which side they carry the ball on depending on whether they serve forehand or backhand. It is a small detail, but it helps maintain pace across long matches.
Bet on Tennis Matches Online at Bet442
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Odds on Bet442 show your potential return for a given stake and update in real time as the match evolves. Ball changes, player momentum, surface, and head‑to‑head records are among the many factors that can be reflected in the prices you see.
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Please bet responsibly. Set a personal budget, use the safer gambling tools in your account, and only play with money you can afford to lose. If betting stops feeling enjoyable, take a break or seek support.
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**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.