Novak Djokovic has revealed that he held talks with ATP executives over the issue of inconsistency and the quality of tennis balls used on the ATP Tour.
Following his conversation with president Andrea Gaudenzi and CEO Massimo Calvelli, the 36-year-old suggested that the problem could be resolved soon.
Many ATP players have criticized in recent weeks the frequent changing of balls from one event to another, as well as the type of balls used at some tournaments.
World No. 3 Daniil Medvedev weighed into the discussion at events in China and at the Vienna Open last week, where he expressed concerns about shoulder pain “for the rest of my life” in due to ball problems.
Earlier in October, Djokovic criticized sports authorities, including the ATP, for their inaction and silence on the issue in an interview with Sporty.
“I support the players who are complaining and asking the ATP to find a way to resolve the problem. They need to find a solution. I have not seen that the ATP has issued a statement regarding the player’s complaints, and These are things that are incomprehensible to me,” said the world number 1.
Speaking in an interview at this week’s Paris Masters, Djokovic revealed that he has now spoken with ATP decision-makers and expressed hope that a solution would be found.
“Actually, I just had a conversation with Andrea Gaudenzi, president of the ATP, and Massimo (Calvelli), the CEO. Because I haven’t been on the tour for a while, so I haven’t had a chance to talk to them,” the Serbian explained.
“Of course, I saw the comments that more and more players were making about the balls used in different tournaments. In fact, (Sebastian) Korda, the player I trained with today, told me that this was the fifth tournament in a row where he played with different balls.
“Yes, that inconsistency is a problem, and that’s what most players complain about, including of course myself. You know, I think there needs to be a little more consistency with the balls in order to avoid any type of problems with the wrists, elbows and shoulders.
“The quality of the balls, you know, is something which, once again, is very relative to the player. Different players play different styles. They like different balls, depending on the surface, et cetera.
“But I think Andrea and Massimo actually understand the players’ comments quite well and the issues that the players have also communicated through the media. From what I understand, there will be board meetings soon during which they will discuss different options and things they could do.
“But I think overall it would be good for the players if there was consistency. So, for example, if you take a swing on clay before Roland Garros, you play with the same ball. As well as other surfaces and other swings. Hopefully this will be the case.
“There are obviously many factors that will come into play to achieve this change. It’s not easy because you have to think about tournaments and brands, you know, manufacturing facilities that are owned by the brands or that some use as a third party.
“So there are many different elements at play that need to be discussed commercially but also functionally for us. But for the players, obviously, we don’t think too much about the commercial aspect but rather the functional and what is important for us in order to improve or prevent any type of injury problems.
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