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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Sport
Mike Hytner

Australian Open to stick with Dunlop despite criticism over fluffy balls

The tennis balls used at this year’s Australian Open at Melbourne Park have come in for criticism.
The tennis balls used at this year’s Australian Open at Melbourne Park have come in for criticism. Photograph: Fazry Ismail/EPA

Tennis Australia has renewed its deal with the manufacturer Dunlop for another five years, despite criticism from several top players over the quality of balls at this year’s Australian Open.

The likes of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray are among those who have complained about the balls, which they say wear down quickly and lose pressure, becoming softer and making it more difficult to hit winners.

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