"Surprise surprise, it’s killing our bodies": Djokovic led PTPA co-founder Pospisil calls out ATP and WTA for rapid rise in injuries
Tennis NewsSunday, 03 September 2023 at 10:26
Novak Djokovic led PTPA co-founder Vasek Pospisil has urged the ATP and WTA to stop using heavier tennis balls after injury concerns towards players of both organisations.
Pospisil said that it was initially done because the ATP and WTA wanted to slow down the game, but in his belief all it did was increase injuries.
Also on the board of the PTPA include Paula Badosa, Ons Jabeur, Hubert Hurkacz and John Isner among others
"There were discussions a few years back that the ATP/WTA wanted to “slow the game down” to have longer points for fans. The balls have been getting incrementally heavier and surprise surprise, it’s killing our bodies," he said.
"Almost every player I’ve spoken to feels the same way. I’ve never seen more wrist, elbow, and shoulder injuries in the locker room. If these changes to the ball don’t start getting reversed, it’s only going to get worse. Please start listening @atptour @wtatour. Player injuries are bad for you too," Pospisil added.
Jabeur was among those who opposed the use of heavy balls earlier in the US Open hard court swing saying that she didn't get why Iga Swiatek and others were complaining.
"My shoulder is so sore. I don't know why Iga Swiatek and the others wanted to change, to be honest with you. I hope Iga is happy. But again, I grew up not complaining, playing with anything. I'll play with anything, even rocks. I don't care," Jabeur continued.
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