If you’ve ever watched Wimbledon or any major tennis event, you might have heard the umpire call for “new balls, please.” This protocol is standard across top-level tournaments and is carefully timed within each match.
In tennis, match balls don’t stay on the court for the entire game, as they’re replaced on a set rotation. Weather, court surface, and playing style can accelerate wear, so fresh balls help to maintain a level playing field for both competitors.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how often tennis balls are changed in a match, why tennis balls need to be regularly replaced, and whether changing tennis balls can affect a player’s performance.
How Often Do They Change Balls In Tennis?
In professional matches, balls are replaced at set intervals. At events like Wimbledon, new balls are first introduced after the opening seven games, then after every nine games. The schedule is fixed before play begins and applied throughout the match.
The umpire keeps track and announces when a change is due; therefore, you might see a “new balls” sign or hear the call during a change of ends. The same timetable applies to singles, doubles, men’s, women’s and junior matches.
At local clubs, players often keep the same set of balls for longer, changing only when they become very worn or damaged. Professional tennis is stricter because consistency across every point matters at the highest level.
Why Do Tennis Balls Need Regular Replacements?
Once a ball is in play, the felt covering begins to wear down. The more it’s struck, the more the fibres flatten and fluff, changing how the ball travels through the air. At the same time, internal pressure gradually drops, which alters the bounce.
These changes can shift the height, speed and predictability of the ball. A lower or duller bounce makes timing trickier, while a smoother, worn cover can reduce the grip players get on their shots.
Regular replacements help maintain a consistent playing standard. With fresher balls, the bounce and flight are more reliable, so rallies unfold on skill and decision-making rather than equipment wear.
That consistency does not just protect fairness. It also shapes the rhythm of the match, which is where the timing of ball changes becomes really noticeable.
Discover The Best Online Casinos
Browse our list of top-recommended casino sites, read reviews from real players & be the first to get access to the latest casino bonuses
How Ball Changes Affect Match Pace And Player Performance
A new set of balls is usually firmer, with a livelier bounce and a cleaner felt surface. Serves can carry more pace, returns come back faster, and rally tempo often lifts for a few games after the switch.
Some players use the quickened conditions to push for shorter points, lean into first serves, or take the ball earlier on the rise. Others prefer to settle in, taking a couple of games to recalibrate their timing as the ball beds in.
As balls wear, they slow a touch and sit up a little more, which can draw out rallies and potentially reward patient construction. Knowing when a change is due lets players plan around those swings, choosing when to press and when to absorb.
Factors That Decide When A Ball Change Happens
Player Requests And Tournament Protocols
In professional tennis, the timetable for ball changes is set by the tournament, not the players. It is agreed before the match and followed strictly. Umpires and officials count games and announce the change at the appropriate time, usually during a change of ends.
This clear, standardised process removes debate and keeps playing conditions consistent and fair for both sides throughout the match.
Court Surface And Weather Conditions
The surface influences wear. Grass can be gentler on the felt, while hard and clay courts are rougher, so balls may fluff or scuff more quickly. Weather matters too. Moisture, heat and dust all affect how the ball picks up dirt, how the felt behaves and how the bounce responds. Schedules rarely shift because of conditions, but officials take care to keep balls dry and clean to protect consistency.
How Do Ball Changes Differ Across Tournaments?
Ball-change policies are broadly similar at top events, but not identical. Many follow the pattern of a first change after seven games, then every nine games, while others tweak the timing to suit their courts, climate and event guidelines.
Differences can also come from the specific ball used at a tournament. Each approved model has its own felt and pressure profile, which can influence how quickly it fluffs up or settles during play. Those nuances are why commentators sometimes highlight how a player adapts from one event to the next.
While approaches vary at the edges, the aim is constant. Every tournament sets its policy to keep conditions consistent from the first point to the last, so the match turns on performance rather than the state of the balls.
