"The balls are getting slower and slower": Matteo Berrettini joins Zverev in slamming ATP ball changes

Matteo Berrettini has joined Alexander Zverev in calling for changes to ATP Tour balls. The Italian recently spoke while competing at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, addressing the quality of the balls used on tour and how they vary across different tournaments.

Players have often criticised ball changes as a factor contributing to injuries. Most recently, at the 2024 ATP Finals, Alexander Zverev voiced his concerns about the declining quality of tennis balls.

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"The ball is a significant issue," Zverev said at the 2024 ATP Finals. "Being part of the players’ council, it was an interesting topic for me. I did some research and asked the companies about tennis ball production."

"They are using a different material for the balls, making them on average 30% to 60% slower compared to how they used to be before COVID. It’s not just one company; overall, they are now worse and much slower, less consistent, and don’t last as long."

Alexander Zverev at 2025 Mexican Open.

Berrettini echoes Zverev’s concerns over ATP balls

Berrettini was asked in Dubai if he perceived the changes in balls the same way. "I feel like the balls are getting slower and slower all the time," said Berrettini. "But at the same time, what’s most important for us, I think, is consistency."

The former Wimbledon finalist, who has struggled with injuries throughout his career—especially in his right wrist—has been one of the biggest hitters on tour over the past five years. "We have to try with the same ball, at least on the same surface," he said.

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"We play on clay, we play with the same ball, and the quality of the ball is really important. So, for our injuries—and I know a lot about that—it’s really important," the former world No. 6 added. "I personally like the Dunlop balls a lot; I think they’re the best. But again, everybody has different opinions."

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