Everything Back to Normal?

Written by: Staff on 17th May 2012

Everything Back to Normal? |

Now that both tours have moved on from the wildly entertaining blue clay of Madrid, it seems all is returning to normal as the clay is RED at the Rome Masters event! Let’s cheers Madrid for committing to the blue clay and providing tennis with a jolt of outside attention. Personally, I liked the color and thought visibility was great. How fitting that Roger Federer took down the title too huh? Years ago, when the tennis ball color changed from white to yellow, traditionalists might have disagreed. And even further, when Penn started making ATP Masters’ light green balls, people may have disagreed. I’d say embrace the change, just as the balls, rackets, and equipment has, the game has only grown and gotten better in the long run. If it can attract mass appeal like: “Oh wouldn’t it be cool to go play on a blue clay court?!?” – even better!! We hope you’ve enjoyed 10sballs.com‘s coverage and photos of the blue clay too!

It’s heard that Rome is known to have the slowest clay courts (in the world). I’ve practiced on them personally and I can agree with this rumor. Their red clay there seems to stick more, seems to grip the ball and conditions can feel heavy and sluggish. Just ask John Isner who looked like he went 15 rounds with a gorilla after his three-set loss to hometown favorite Andreas Seppi! Isner’s serve was taken out of the equation and his movement was put to the test. Seppi simply remained constant and let Big John crash out. I sure hope that blister or cut on Isner’s hand heals quickly because the amount of blood that was seeping out of there was not pretty! The clay has definitely worn out some players and it’s evident that a few are feeling the fatigue. #8 seeded Tipsarevic also crashed out, losing to Warwrinka 6-3 6-1 even after his powerful performance in Madrid.

Who’s eager to see the later rounds? It’s been a while since the big 3 faced one another and given us yet another classic match right?? On Rome’s slow clay, it’s certain to be a great test for each if they can survive. Djokovic must be itching for a fight, he’s endured some pretty tough losses and there’s going to be a point where he snaps. You can see it in his eyes. He’ll come raging back from the dead in a match or simply wear his body ragged in order to win a big match. It won’t be pretty and we’ll definitely see that explosion of emotion or rage equipped with fist pumps and heart-poundings. They are in Rome after all… Gladiators, 10sballs.com salutes you!

Topics: Andreas Seppi, John Isner, Novak Djokovic, Rome Masters