ATP Stops Use of Blue Clay Courts

Written by: Staff on 25th June 2012

ATP Stops Use of Blue Clay Courts

epa03217944 Swiss tennis player Roger Federer celebrates after beating Czech Tomas Berdych in their Mutua Madrid Open tennis tournament final match at Caja Magica pavilion in Madrid, central Spain, 13 May 2012. EPA/JUAN CARLOS HIDALGO |

ATP chief Brad Drewett has given the kiss of death to the controversial blue clay of Madrid, decreeing that the surface at the Masters 1000 won last month by Roger Federer would return to traditional orange in 2013.

The decision plays into the hands of the top two players in the world, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, who both lost early and then threatened to boycott next year if the clay was not changed.

Nadal and Djokovic had complained long and hard at every opportunity, voicing their dis-satisfaction with the blue experiment. “After careful consideration, I have decided that blue clay courts will not be allowed next year,” said Drewett in a statement, adding as a weak disclaimer: “I very much believe in innovation and exploring ways to enhance our sport.”

The former player insinuated that tennis trumped television needs regarding the surface, which showed the yellow ball better than on a traditional orange court. “While the blue clay may have offered better visibility on television, there were clearly issues with the quality of the courts in Madrid this year, which were not acceptable at an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament, one of our top events worldwide.

“Regardless of color, we must first ensure that courts are safe and fair for players.”

The Great Blue Experiment was the brainchild of innovative Ion Tiriac, the billionaire owner of the Madrid franchise.

Topics: 10sballs.com, ATP tennis news, Brad Drewett, Madrid Blue Court, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Sports, Tennis News