Carlos Alcaraz believes the constant change of balls is directly linked to increasing number of injuries in tennis and the four-time Grand Slam champion is calling for changes.
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Since early 2023, ATP but also WTA players have been very vocal about the balls used in pro tennis.
Since then, many players - including some of the best in the game - have claimed that the balls used are causing injuries.
On Tuesday, Alcaraz played his first match since the Australian Open and edged out Botic van de Zandschulp 7-6 (3) 3-6 6-1 in the Rotterdam first round.
Later in his presser, he was asked to address to balls issue.
Alcaraz: Something needs to change
I think last year there were many injuries, many players with elbow or shoulder issues. Something needs to change. I know they will change it," the world No. 3 said.
Every week, practically every week, we have different balls, different conditions, so its complicated to adapt to them.
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However, we are here to give our best and give the best of ourselves. I have not had physical problems because of it so far, I work every day to be in shape. Right now, Im fine.
After making his point clear, Alcaraz also acknowledged that tennis players should be able to adapt to different conditions.
However, he also suggested that it is up to the tennis authorities to provide the best possible conditions to its players.
We are tennis players, every week is different, you know, different conditions, different courts, different balls, the Spaniard added.
We have to get used to it, but at some point it should be different, it should be better. But you know, we cant do nothing about it.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz is set to battle against world No. 317 Andrea Vavassori for a place in the Rotterdam quarterfinal.
