Why Did the Australian Open Change Court Surfaces: From Grass to GreenSet

Why Did the Australian Open Change Court Surfaces?

The Australian Open has had three different hardcourt providers since their move from the grass in 1988. But what’s been behind the changes in Melbourne? A desire to keep innovating? Or something a little more pragmatic? This is the story of one tournament’s journey from Grass to GreenSet.

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#australianopen #greenset #reboundace

[zeddeka]

Martina Navratilova recently spoke out about this. She said when the Australian Open changed surfaces from grass they consulted the players about which surface they wanted - she said the players didn't want Rebound Ace but the Australian Open ignored them. She also said the Rebound Ace Surface had actually been a factor in her stopping playing the Australian open after 1989. She described Rebound Ace as "awful" and talked about how she burnt her knee once when bending down for a low volley, because the surface held so much heat.

[mikediehl]

The consistency of your content is really impressive. I love finding a channel that I can trust to always be worth the time and attention. I learn something new on every video. Keep up the great work!

[jamesashoo]

Great topic! Very, very interesting what with all the talk this year on the quicker pace of the courts. 👍

[hamishcarton]

Love how neat and informative these videos are. Great work. Just keep going and the subs will come 👍🏽

[vhyles]

Very interesting content. It's a shame you don't have more subscribers considering you're really trying.

[jeffhermida]

yeah, once plexicushion was installed, saw tons of players sliding more often.

[keithhosannah]

It would have been cool if the Aussie Open was the only Grand Slam to use the three main surfaces on a three-year rotation. To me, it's too similar to the U.S. Open.

[har]

Blue playing surfaces are awful - save that colour for pools. Green was much more easier on the eyes.

[marconemeth]

Not a surprise that Federer won on fast Aussie courts in 2017 and 2018.

[Creees]

Why dont they change the Aussie Open to clay court?!?

[BurnsTennis]

I liked the rebound ace, the tennis was different to the US Open. Other than Edberg, most attacking players like Sampras and Becker were prepared to play longer rallies in addition to short points. Clay court players also did well. But if the players complained then understandable. Personally I find tennis played on bland plexicushion not very interesting at all.

[ignaciolopez-fumo]

Why fast courts dont appeal to broadcasters ?

[marcoprins]

I don't think you really answered the question though. They wanted to get "ahead of the curve" by switching to hard courts - But why? What about hard courts made this better for players? And why does the same not apply to wimbledon?

[Anthonycoup]

No hard court should be faster than grass end of