Tennys Sandgren has joined the likes of Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa in criticizing the use of heavier balls on the ATP and WTA Tours, saying that they lead to more injuries among players.
World No. 6 Tsitsipas condemned the switch to heavier balls back in March, claiming that they were the reason why he sustained a shoulder injury at the Australian Open.
"I think the biggest issue this year was the change in balls and that was an issue that has been discussed among the players. Balls need to stay the same in most tournaments and especially on hard surfaces. This benefits us all and protects players from injury," he said.
Since then, Taylor Fritz has been among other players criticizing the use of heavier balls and ball changes. He himself was agreeing with Zizou Berg's criticism when he wrote on social media:
"Have been dealing w wrist issues since beginning of USO series cause of ball changes. we went 3 different balls in 3 weeks."
Former World No. 2 Badosa, who has been absent for a large part of the season due to injury, also spoke out about the situation on social media recently. The Spanish player was responding to the idea that the ATP should pay for players' physiotherapy in the wake of ball changes.
"The issue is not only ATP unfortunately… With the WTA we are having the same problems for years as well. We need a change from both sides," she wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Sandgren replied to the post by highlighting the amount of players who had complained about ball issues.
"I want to know what changed that so many players across all levels of both tours are complaining that the balls suck @atptour @WTA what have you done? Your independent contractors would like to know," he wrote.
I want to know what changed that so many players across all levels of both tours are complaining that the balls suck @atptour @WTA what have you done? Your independent contractors would like to know
Agree! The issue is not only ATP unfortunately… With the WTA we are having the same problems for years as well. We need a change from both sides.
