Andy Murray is the latest player to weigh in on the tennis ball controversy at this year’s Australia Open, claiming they are the direct problem behind several marathon-length rallies.
Murray squeezed past Australian star Thanasi Kokkinakis in a gruelling five-hour clash that finished just past 4am, another area of controversy at the tournament.
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Perhaps the thrilling encounter could have finished a little earlier had the balls been different, but Murray believed it’s having a detrimental effect on the Australian Open and, more importantly, the players.
“They (the balls) have almost no pressure,” Murray said.
“They are flat. It’s just difficult to hit winners once you’re in the rallies.
“You’ve seen it There was a 70-shot rally yesterday, multiple 35-45 shot rallies, which is not normal.”
Murray wasn’t the first to criticise the balls at the Australian Open, with Canadian star Felix Auger-Aliassime complaining to the umpire during his match.
“I don’t want to complain about it, but the balls are not bouncing,” Auger-Aliassime said.
“It’s crazy. I mean, we’re hitting normal but I don’t know. I don’t know if it’s the batch of cans [that the balls are in], they’re terrible.”
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DJOKOVIC’S SHOCK REVEAL PUTS 10TH AO CROWN IN DOUBT
Novak Djokovic has revealed he cannot practice between matches amid concerns his hamstring injury could derail his bid for a record-extending 10th Australian Open crown.
The Serb defied injury and rowdy fans to make the third round with a 6-1, 6-7 (5-7), 6-2, 6-0 win over French qualifier Enzo Couacaud on Rod Laver Arena on Thursday night.
But his latest injury continues to threaten his quest for a 22nd Grand Slam crown.
With three top 10 seeds – Rafael Nadal, Casper Ruud and Taylor Fritz – already out of the tournament, and world number one Carlos Alcaraz injured, Djokovic’s route to another title had become easier.
But that is now dependant on whether his left hamstring holds up.
“I am worried, I have reason to be worried,” he said.
“My situation with my injury is not ideal … I have to take it day by day.
“I’m not practising in the days between because I’m trying to give myself more time for my leg to be in somewhat more of an ideal state.
“But I have to accept the circumstances and try to adjust myself.
“I have two choices – to leave or to keep going. I am going to keep going and try and play and compete. I don’t know how my body is going to react. I hope for the best.”
Djokovic aggravated the hamstring during his run to a 92nd tour-level title at the Adelaide International this month and his left thigh was again heavily strapped during his 23rd straight win on the Melbourne Park centre court.
AUSTRALIAN OPEN DAY 5 ORDER OF PLAY (All times AEDT)
All courts start from 11am, only Singles listed
Rod Laver Arena
[20] Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) v Anhelina Kalinina (UKR)
[3] Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) v Tallon Griekspoor (NET)
Bernarda Pera (USA) v [7] Coco Gauff (USA)
Night session – From 7pm
[10] Madison Keys (USA) v [24] Victoria Azarenka
[29] Sebastian Korda (USA) v [7] Daniil Medvedev
Margaret Court Arena
Marton Fucsovics (HUN) v [15] Jannik Sinner (ITA)
Not before 1pm
[3] Jessica Pegula (USA) v Marta Kostyuk (UKR)
[1] Iga Swiatek (POL) v [Q] Cristiana Bucsa (SPA)
Night session – From 7pm
[10] Hubert Hurkacz (POL) v [20] Denis Shapovalov (CAN)
Lin Zhu (CHN) v [6] Maria Sakkari (GRE)
John Cain Arena
Day session – Not before 3pm
[28] Francisco Cerundolo (ARG) v [6] Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN)
Night session – Not before 7pm
[18] Karen Khachanov v [16] Frances Tiafoe (USA)
Kia Arena
Day session – Not before 2pm
[22] Elena Rybakina (KAZ) v [13] Danielle Collins (USA)
Day session – Not before 3:30pm
[11] Cameron Norrie (GBR) v Jiri Lehecka (CZE)
Follow Day 5 of the Australian Open in the live blog below!
