NEW YORK | The balls used by players at the US Open are not unanimous. Several headliners, including world number 1 Iga Swiatek, are campaigning for women to play with the same as men’s, which are heavier.
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But Leylah Fernandez, she seems to have nothing to do with these claims, which were one of the topics of honor during the traditional “media day” on Friday.
Asked about this, like several other athletes, the Quebecer quickly lost her usual candor and replied tit for tat: “For now, I’m just happy that we have balls to hit. We have some, so it’s excellent”.
Better than a ping pong ball
The modest origins of the Fernandez family have been told many times. At one time, his father and coach, Jorge, went without lunch and supper during certain tournament days, to allow his young athlete to eat his fill.
And this ball controversy seemed to plunge the 19-year-old Lavalloise back into her memories.
“I remember, a few years ago, I couldn’t even have a tennis ball to practice with,” she said. I then had to play with one of these little colored balls or hit ping-pong balls against the wall. »
Too light and hard to find
In Cincinnati two weeks ago, Poland’s Swiatek and Spain’s Paula Badosa, ranked fourth, lamented that the US Open was the only major tournament where men and women use different balls.
Not only are those offered to players lighter, pointed out the world premiere, but they are also impossible to find in Europe, where she trains.
“Maybe 15 years ago players had more elbow injuries because the balls were heavier. That’s probably why they changed them for women’s balls, Swiatek had mentioned in Cincinnati. But now we are so physically prepared that I don’t believe that would happen. »
Racket, balls and court
The Pole seems to have been right, because the WTA itself confirmed to ESPN that the US Open opted for these balls described as “regular” in order to “prevent potential injuries to the arms, shoulders, elbows and wrists”.
“We will continue to monitor the situation. We will also be talking to our athletes and our sports science teams,” added Vice President of Communications Amy Binder.
Leylah, the 14th seed in New York, would also like a change to happen. But she says she doesn’t think about it too much.
“What I tell myself is that I have a racquet, a ball, a court and a net. That’s all we need to play. That’s all we need to put on a show and have a good time. »