According to Daniil Medvedev, the ball choice at tournaments such as the 2024 Shanghai Masters gives Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner an ‘extra edge.’
There have been many complaints from players regarding tennis balls in use in recent months. Of course, everyone has a different preference, and it’s probably impossible to create a tennis ball or a tennis court that would suit everyone. Still, sometimes there are many complaining, suggesting a real issue.
Chiefly among those has been Medvedev, who was bewildered by the quality of the balls used at the 2024 Shanghai Masters. The Russian said that the balls were ‘not suited for professional use’ and slammed the ATP, stating that companies manufacturing the balls are trying to push the limits without the ATP interfering in any way.
He’s clearly not a fan of these balls, especially since this has been an issue that has been talked about for a while. Medvedev has been front and center about it because he has a very particular way he likes the conditions to be.
He’s not the only one, as others have addressed the issue as well, most notably Alexander Zverev. The German player complained about the balls at this year’s Shanghai Masters as well, so clearly, it’s not an issue that would be exclusive to Medvedev.
Still, the former World No. 1 player has no intention to stop talking about the problem, as he mentioned once more after his most recent win at the Shanghai Masters.
“I don’t think anyone is changing. I think it basically favors people who can benefit power from dead balls. Some have better quality with this. Some don’t.”
Interestingly, Medvedev mentioned Alcaraz and Sinner specifically as players who are given an advantage because of the balls. The 28-year-old Russian player explained that since they are the only two players able to generate the necessary power, they are given an ‘extra edge’ over the rest of the Tour.
“Actually the two best players at doing this.. they’re already the best players in the world.. and I’m sure they would be without the balls, but with these balls.. they’re the only players who can generate crazy power. It’s Jannik and Carlos. It gives them an extra edge.”
Of course, Medvedev also recognized that Sinner and Alcaraz are not the best because of the balls alone and that they would have likely dominated if different balls had been used.
However, he still explained his position, as for a player of his body type, it’s very challenging to deal with this situation, even though he’s been trying his best.
“But I try to fight with what I can. We practice a lot. I try to get this power, which I’ve never had since I was young. Because of the way my body type is.”
“There were even tests on the muscle that measure power, explosiveness, and I don’t really have the explosiveness. I can generate a lot of power like going through the ball, but not when the ball is stopped. I try to do what I can. I still play not bad. I’m fighting and I wanna go all the way.”