The new balls are talking a lot and are not unanimous. How do you explain it?
It should be noted that balls produced by manufacturers must meet certain criteria established by the International Tennis Federation to be marketed and approved.
It's extremely regulated when it comes to diameter (between 6.54 and 6.86cm), weight (between 56 and 59.4 grams) and rebound (between 138 and 151cm).
The new Roland-Garros Wilson ball meets these strict criteria.
After all, it's all a question of feelings.
The weather conditions that impact the ball itself should not be overlooked.
At 9 degrees, the ball does not react the same as when it is 25 or 30… Materials such as rubber or felt are strongly impacted.
The weather conditions mainly impact the clay which is a living surface.
When it is more humid, the balls bounce less necessarily.
Did you receive instructions from the organizers to make the ball less lively?
We have not received any instructions from the FFT to modify the characteristics of the ball during the various tests carried out.
We were not asked to create a heavier ball.
Our ball has been developed with FFT to meet the need for clay court play with a specific ball in terms of liveliness, speed and rebound.
The development of the bullet lasted 18 months with extensive testing.
Professional players of different skill levels tested them in different weather conditions.
We relied on their feedback.
Our goal has been to develop above all a ball that is suitable for the majority of players, while respecting the characteristics of a clay ball.
We made a point of making it consistent, without losing its playability.
"I wonder whether the controversy comes from players sponsored by the former sponsor."
Bertrand Blanc
Some players claim that these new balls could cause injuries ...
In no case can the ball of this edition be the cause of pain and injury.
We are calm and confident.
Wilson has been a partner of the US Open since 1978. We have mastered the subject for so many years.
This is the right ball desired by the French Tennis Federation and the brand.
There were some excessive comments that I can understand in the context.
But I wonder whether the controversy comes from players sponsored by the former sponsor (Babolat).
I think the approach lacks elegance.
Could there be adjustments for the 2021 edition?
We are always open to comments.
If we feel that adjustments are necessary, why not?
But we estimate that after 18 months of testing, we really have the ball we wanted.
I think that when Roland-Garros takes place, I hope, next spring, all this controversy will be behind us.
Let us not forget that it is a special year, a special period and special conditions.
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