The US Open is one of the most iconic tournaments in world tennis, and like every Grand Slam, it has its own official ball. In the following lines, we will explore the characteristics of the Official US Open ball, manufactured by Wilson, and we'll compare the balls used at the other three Grand Slams: Wimbledon, Roland Garros and the Australian Open.
Official Ball of the US Open: Wilson US Open Extra Duty
The official US Open ball is the Wilson US Open Extra Duty, specifically designed for the hard courts of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. These balls are optimized to offer exceptional performance on fast, abrasive surfaces.
Technical Specifications
· Type: Extra Duty (for hard courts)
· Material: High-quality rubber core and 100% woven felt
· Durability: Wear-resistant on hard surfaces
· Internal pressure: Maintains optimal responsiveness during gameplay
· Presentation: Comes in packs of 3 and 4 balls
According to Wilson, these balls are designed to provide a consistent rebound and greater durability", making them ideal for the high level of competition at the US Open."
Comparison with the Balls of Other Grand Slams
Each Grand Slam tournament uses different balls, tailored to its surface. Here we show you the key differences:
|
Tournament |
Official Ball |
Type |
Surface |
Features |
|
US Open |
Extra Duty |
Durable |
Greater durability, high rebound |
|
|
Wimbledon |
Slazenger Wimbledon |
Standard Duty |
Herb |
Less bounce, more speed |
|
Roland Garros |
Clay Court |
Clay court |
Heavier, slow rebound |
|
|
Australian Open |
Extra Duty |
Durable |
Similar to the US Open, but with a different design |
Key Differences:
1. US Open vs. Australian Open: Ambas son para canchas duras, pero Wilson (US Open) y Dunlop (AO) tienen pequeñas variaciones en el fieltro y la presión.
2. Wimbledon: Grass-court balls (Slazenger) are faster and have less bounce.
3. Roland Garros: Babolats are heavier to suit clay courts.
Conclusion
The Wilson US Open Extra Duty the perfect ball for the US Open hard courts, offering durability and a consistent bounce. Each Grand Slam has its own ball, tailored to its surface, which influences the playing style of tennis players.
If you're a tennis fan or a player looking for the best hard-court balls, the Wilson US Open is an excellent choice.
What's your favorite tennis ball? Let us know what you think in the comments!