Wimbledon tests plastic grass in bid to take lawn tennis global

Hybrid grass has been used in professional football pitches for years but it is the first time it is being tested out by Wimbledon, at nearby grounds. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian

Wimbledon is testing the use of grass containing plastic fibres in an attempt to bring lawn tennis to the world, an expert has said.

Neil Stubley, Wimbledon’s head of courts and horticulture, said officials were piloting the “stitching” in of artificial fibres with real grass to be able to recreate the surface in different climates. It would also extend the season in the UK.