Ever wondered why tennis players don’t play with the same set of balls from start to finish? Watching a match, you might spot the umpire bringing out fresh balls at certain points, but it’s not just for tradition. The timing is carefully planned, and it can potentially make a real difference to how the game feels.
From major tournaments to club matches, there is a clear process for when new balls appear on the court, which is based on how scoring works and how ball performance changes over time.
In this blog post, we’ll explain why the balls are swapped, how often it happens, and what it means for the play itself. The aim is simply to keep conditions fair, transparent and consistent for all players on court.
Why Tennis Balls Need To Be Changed
Tennis balls have a rubber core with a felt covering. They are built to bounce well and move quickly, but the felt can start to wear from the first hits of a match.
As a ball is used, it picks up dust and tiny bits of grit from the court, which makes it heavier. The felt can fluff up or flatten, and that changes how the ball travels through the air and how it grips the court. A newer ball stays firmer and moves faster, while an older one tends to slow play down and bounce lower.
Standards set by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) cover size, weight and bounce. Balls remain compliant with ITF standards when new, but performance characteristics naturally change during play, so swapping in fresh ones can help keep conditions consistent. That way, both players deal with the same type of ball throughout the match, whether it lasts an hour or goes much longer.
There are also different ITF-approved types for various speeds and altitudes, and some events specify high-altitude or Type 3 (slower) balls. Even so, all new balls start within a defined performance window, and regular changes help maintain that window as closely as possible.
How Often Do They Change Balls In Tennis At Pro Level?
In Grand Slam matches and most major tournaments, the first change comes after the opening seven games. That first stretch includes the warm-up, during which the balls have already taken some hits.
After that point, balls are replaced every nine games. You will often hear the umpire announce “new balls please” to mark the switch. The count runs across both players’ service and return games, so each set of balls is used for the same length of time.
If extreme weather delays a match, officials may bring out fresh balls when play resumes. Tournament handbooks can add small details like this, but the general approach stays the same: first change after seven games, then every nine.
Tennis matches at club level or lower-tier events may have different schedules for changing balls, often agreed before play starts.
Although ball changes happen after a certain number of games, they never happen during a tie-break. If a change falls due during a tie-break, it is carried over and made at the start of the next game, keeping play continuous and clear for everyone.
How Ball Changes Work In Grand Slams And Other Tours
At the Grand Slams, the schedule above is used so both players have the same playing conditions throughout the match. The umpire keeps an eye on the game count and announces when new balls are coming in, so there is no ambiguity.
On the ATP and WTA tours, you will see the same pattern. The exact brand of ball or the court surface might vary from event to event, and that can influence how quickly the felt wears. Clay can pick up more dust on the ball, while grass and indoor hard courts tend to mark the felt differently. Even with those differences, the timing of the changeover remains consistent.
In doubles and mixed events, the process remains the same. The same count is used, which helps players plan their serving patterns and manage their timing around each new set of balls.
Players are usually allowed to briefly inspect the new balls before serving, and the balls are stored in sealed tubes or tins until just before use. Ball kids and officials ensure the right set is introduced at the correct time and that older balls are removed promptly.
How Long Do Tennis Balls Last?
A fresh tennis ball feels firm and lively, with a clean bounce. In professional matches, that quality fades quickly due to the pace and intensity, which is why new balls are rotated in regularly. A set might cover only seven to nine games, often around 30 minutes of play, depending on rally length and conditions.
Away from tournament courts, how long a ball lasts depends on how often and how hard it is used. Club players may get several sessions from a tube before the bounce drops and the felt looks worn. You will notice the ball feels heavier, bounces lower, or the covering becomes rough and patchy.
Wet courts, gritty clay and cold weather can all reduce a ball’s spring more quickly. Some practice balls are pressureless and keep their shape for longer; however, they do not feel the same as the pressurised balls used in matches. If your balls turn soft, become misshapen or lose their colour evenly across the surface, they are no longer ideal for match play.
How Fresh Balls Change Match Pace And Player Tactics
When new balls come into play, the difference is immediate. Fresh balls are firmer, and the felt is still dense, so they move through the air faster. Rallies can speed up, and the bounce tends to sit higher and more predictable off the court.
Servers may aim to be more aggressive right after a ball change to make the most of the extra pace; however, those who prefer to shorten points sometimes press harder in these games, knowing the conditions help them attack.
Others may settle into longer exchanges once the balls soften. As the felt wears and the internal pressure drops, shots slow down a touch and the bounce lowers. For players who rely on defence and consistency, that shift can be more comfortable.
Environmental factors also play a part. In humid or cooler conditions, new balls can feel a fraction heavier, while dry heat can make them feel livelier. Players weigh these details up when choosing targets, spin and string tension.
How Wear And Pressure Loss Impact Bounce
Over multiple games, tennis balls lose some internal pressure, and the felt wears away. Dust from the surface also clings to the ball, adding a little weight and reducing grip.
This combination means a used ball will not bounce as high. Players might swing a bit harder to clear the net, and spins can bite less as the felt thins out.
You will see the difference most clearly if you drop a brand-new ball next to a tired one. The new one springs up, while the older ball barely leaves the ground. This steady change shapes the rhythm of rallies and the choices players make from point to point.
It is also why many players time their service games around a change, looking to capitalise when the ball is at its quickest and most predictable.
What To Look For When Deciding To Swap Out Tennis Balls
When deciding if it is time to switch to a fresh set, start with the bounce. Drop a ball from shoulder height and see how it reacts. If it bounces much lower than it did when new, it is probably past its best.
Next, look at the felt. If the surface is worn down, patchy, or the fuzz is very flat, the ball will not move or spin as it should. Felt that is coming away, or is uneven in texture and colour, suggests the ball will not give you a true response off the strings or the court.
A ball that has lost pressure feels softer and is easier to compress than when it was fresh, and that dullness can show up in play.
If you spot any splits, cracks or other damage, retire it. Using a damaged ball not only affects your timing, but it can also be hard on your strings.
In short, a lower bounce, worn felt, a softer feel or visible damage are clear signs to bring out new balls. Knowing when to swap keeps rallies fair and your practice or matches feeling consistent from first hit to last. For organised play, agree on a simple check before you start so everyone knows when a change is due.
