It all comes down to hair. The hair on a new tennis ball tends to be smoothed flat, while a ball that’s been knocked around a bit will be more fluffy. … The smooth ball is used for the first serve. Because the hairs are flattened down, the ball travels faster than an older ball, which should make it harder to return.
In respect to this, what does New balls Please mean?
The phrase “new balls, please” has a new meaning for one unlucky ball boy at the Australian Open. During a second-round match between Feliciano Lopez and Adrian Mannarino, one of the former’s 196km/h serves hit a ball boy right below the belt.
Thereof, why are Wimbledon balls kept at 68 degrees?
Warmer temperatures make the ball’s interior gas molecules expand, creating a higher bounce. … Because of the effect of temperature on ball performance, all 54,000+ balls used during Wimbledon are kept at exactly 68°F.
Can you hit a tennis serve before it bounces?
The server may serve underhand, but he or she may not bounce the ball before hitting it. The server may not serve before the receiver is ready. The receiver must let the serve bounce before touching it. … On any other shot in the game, however, if the ball touches the net and lands in, it remains in play.
What does Wimbledon do with the old tennis balls?
In all matches used balls will be replaced by new balls at the conclusion of the first seven games and thereafter at the conclusion of every ninth game. Subject to availability, used tennis balls will be sold from the Wimbledon Foundation kiosk near Court 14, with the proceeds donated to the Wimbledon Foundation.
Who has the fastest serve in tennis?
Sam Groth