Emma Raducanu shocked the world to win the 2021
US Open as a qualifier back in September, but the Brit's success might have been reliant on another factor besides her game play, according to Craig Tyzzer, coach of
Ashleigh Barty.
Tyzzer credits Raducanu for winning her maiden Grand Slam title, but added that it should have come as no surprise to anyone; because of the type of balls used.
The US Open is the only major tournament where separate balls are used for the women and the men due to a rule that was introduced in the 1980s when female players complained the heavy duty balls were hurting their arms and shoulders.
Despite the advancements in tennis equipment and racket technology, the lighter balls are still used today, but Tyzzer doesn’t think that’s fair.
“The US Open really needs to change the ball for the girls, the fact they still use a different ball for guys and girls, it’s a terrible ball for someone like Ash,” the coach explained.
“The ball itself is so light, it was the only tournament last year and really for two years where she uses gut racquet (strings) but I had to change her to a poly just to get any sort of control of the ball.
“If they keep that ball the same, no one like Ash will win that tournament.”
Barty is now a three-time Major champion, after just lifting the
Australian Open trophy in front of her home crowd. However, the 25-year old has had poor results at Flushing Meadows, never advancing past the fourth round in all her appearances.