If the US Open, like the three other Grand Slam tournaments, distributes an identical prize money to men and women, it is however the only major tournament to impose different balls.
This is also the case for the other tournaments of the North American tour, including that of Cincinnati during which the Polish Iga Swiatek had strongly criticized the quality of the balls.
"
These balls are horrible,
" said the world No.1.
"
Especially after three hard-fought games, they become lighter and lighter
."
To discover
US Open: men's schedule
WTA Ranking
US Open: ladies' schedule
While men benefit from Wilson US Open "
extra duty
" balls, considered ideal for playing on fast surfaces, women play with "
regular duty
" which, according to the brand, are more suited to clay and indoor courts. .
However, the US Open is played outdoors and on a fast surface.
Among the players, it is difficult to explain this difference.
Towards harmonization?
Iga Swiatek is also far from being the only one to have stepped up to the plate.
Last January, Craig Tyzzer, the coach of the now retired Ashleigh Barty, said at a press conference that his player could never win the US Open as long as the tournament used these balls.
Last week, the Spanish Paula Badosa (N.4) posted a photo on her Instagram account showing the difference between the two tubes of balls, while at the same time the American N.1 Jessica Pegula told the Guardian that the balls were responsible for "a
lot of double faults, because they seem to float a little more.
»
Historically, the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) recommended using "
regular duty
" balls, arguing that women put less pressure on the arm.
But, under the fire of criticism, the organizers of the North American tournaments could be brought to reconsider their position.
“
The game has evolved,
” said Daniel Vallverdu, former coach of Swiss player Stanislas Wawrinka, on Twitter in response to the photo published by Badosa.
“
Extra duty should be used for both men and women.
»