Emma Raducanu acknowledges constantly changing the balls can lead to some injuries but admits that she is still a big fan of the concept simply because she thinks that playing with one type of ball would give one group of players an advantage and put others at a disadvantage.
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Two things about which players have complained the most over the last couple of years are the balls and the calendar. When it specifically comes to changing the balls issue, some ATP and WTA stars have gone as far as to publicly blame the balls for the increased number of injuries in tennis as players argue that balls quickly get worn out and heavy.
Considering that Raducanu struggled with injuries to both wrists before surgically repairing the damage in 2023 May, you would think that she would be one of the harshest critics of the constant ball changes. But she feels the exact opposite.
Raducanu: If there's only one type of ball, one player can dominate throughout the year
I would say the balls. It is difficult switching conditions and stuff... I have had wrist issues for sure and heavy balls dont necessarily help that," the former world No. 10 explained.
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But at the same time I think its good that there are differences and its not just one type of ball which suits a certain type of player and they can dominate throughout the season. I think it brings a bit of variability. I like certain balls which someone else might not like and it might not help me in a match. I think in a way its, barring maybe the injury part, it adds a bit of excitement and unpredictability to it.
Whatever balls are used in Miami this week seem to suit up Raducanu's game since the world No. 60 beat wildcard Sayaka Ishii and No. 8 seed Emma Navarro to set up a third-round meeting against McCartney Kessler. The Briton has never before played world No. 48 Kessler but she definitely won't take this year's Hobart champion for granted.
