"When are tournaments going to listen?": Stan Wawrinka re-iterates players' problems with frequent tennis ball changes

Stan Wawrinka has re-iterated players' concerns over frequent tennis ball changes between tournaments.

Throughout the season, players have criticized the inconsistent use of different ball styles and weights over the ATP and WTA Tours, warning about the greater risk of injury.

Early on in the year, Australian Open finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas attributed his injury to the ball changes, stressing that it would be healthier for players if the ATP were to keep balls consistent with the type of court being played on.

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Players continue calling out ATP and WTA

"I think the biggest issue this year was the change in balls and that was an issue that has been discussed among the players," the Greek player said at the 2023 Miami Open in March.

"Balls need to stay the same in most tournaments and especially on hard surfaces. This benefits us all and protects players from injury.

"I have had comments from other players about the balls at the beginning of the year and that they had a significant impact on the shoulders, wrists, and arm in general. I think that’s where my injury comes from."

Meanwhile, three-time Grand Slam champion Wawrinka previously called out the ATP by showing his agreement with Zizou Berg's post.

"I think it's time to look carefully at the fact that many players are getting wrist injuries which could, possibly, be prevented by not changing every week of balls..." the Belgian player wrote on Instagram.

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Now, Wawrinka has continued his criticism by sharing photos of four different tennis balls used at various tournaments over the past month.

"4 weeks. 4 different balls," he wrote on his Instagram story, "when are tournaments going to listen to players??"

Fans reacted to the post by echoing his sentiment.

"Players constantly getting prolonged wrist and shoulder injuries, ATP/WTA help your players !" wrote one fan on X.

"The ATP and WTA are run by absolute clowns. Both need restructuring and new leadership from top to bottom," added another.

"Never gonna change, more ball sponsors = more money," commented a third.

José Morgado

@josemorgado

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Stan Wawrinka exposing (once again) the struggle that players are having with balls every week…

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