LONDON — The hallowed lawns of Wimbledon have long been synonymous with fast, low-bouncing grass courts that reward aggressive play and quick reflexes. But this year, players have been left scratching their heads as the surface behaves more like clay—slow, high-bouncing, and far from the traditional grass-court experience.
The unusual conditions have sparked debate among players, coaches, and analysts, with many questioning whether the All England Club has intentionally altered the grass composition or if external factors like weather and maintenance are to blame. Either way, the impact on gameplay has been undeniable, forcing even the most seasoned grass-court specialists to adapt their strategies.
The Grass That Plays Like Clay
Historically, Wimbledon’s grass courts are known for their slickness, allowing for rapid serves and sharp volleys. However, this year, players have reported slower ball speeds and higher bounces, making rallies longer and baseline play more dominant—traits typically associated with clay courts like those at Roland Garros.
Former Wimbledon champion Martina Navratilova noted in a recent interview: "The grass is playing slower than I’ve ever seen it. The ball sits up more, and the slice doesn’t skid through like it used to. It’s almost like playing on a hard court with a layer of grass on top."
Several factors could explain the shift:
- Grass Composition: The All England Club has reportedly been using a different blend of perennial ryegrass in recent years, which may retain more moisture and slow down play.
- Weather Conditions: A wetter-than-usual spring in the UK has left the courts damper, reducing the typical skid and speed of the ball.
- Court Maintenance: Changes in mowing height or rolling techniques could be contributing to the altered playing conditions.
- Ball Type: Some players speculate that the official Wimbledon ball has been adjusted, though tournament officials deny this.
Player Reactions and Adjustments
The slower conditions have forced players to rethink their tactics. Big servers like Iga Świątek and Carlos Alcaraz, who thrive on quick points, have had to grind out longer rallies, while baseline specialists like Novak Djokovic have found the conditions more to their liking.
After his third-round match, Djokovic remarked: "It’s definitely different this year. The ball bounces higher, and the court feels slower. I’ve had to adjust my footwork and be more patient in constructing points. It’s not the Wimbledon I’m used to, but you have to adapt."
Meanwhile, some players have struggled to find their rhythm. Elena Rybakina, the 2022 champion, admitted: "I’m used to the ball staying low, but now it’s bouncing up to my shoulders. It’s tough to attack when the court isn’t giving you that extra speed."
The Impact on Serve-and-Volleyers
The traditional serve-and-volley game, once a staple at Wimbledon, has become even rarer this year. Players like Max Purcell, who rely on net play, have found it difficult to finish points quickly. Purcell told reporters: "It’s frustrating. The ball just doesn’t come through like it used to. You have to hit three perfect volleys to win a point now."
Tournament Officials Respond
Wimbledon officials have downplayed claims of intentional changes to the courts. A spokesperson stated: "The grass is prepared to the same high standards every year. Variations in weather and natural wear and tear can affect play, but there has been no deliberate alteration to the surface."
However, data from Hawk-Eye tracking suggests that average rally lengths have increased by nearly 20% compared to last year, supporting player observations of slower conditions.
Looking Ahead
As the tournament progresses, the slower courts could favor players with strong defensive skills and endurance. Whether this is a one-off anomaly or a sign of a longer-term shift remains to be seen. For now, Wimbledon’s grass is defying expectations—playing more like clay than the fast, traditional surface players have come to expect.
As Andy Murray succinctly put it: "It’s still grass, but it’s not the same grass. You have to adjust or you’re going home early."