Regulation tennis balls, as approved by the International Tennis Federation, are 2.575 to 2.700 inches in diameter and weigh between 1.975 and 2.095 ounces. They have a core of vulcanised rubber, covered in a felt blend typically composed of wool, nylon, and cotton in optic yellow, to provide control, spin, and durability.
Tennis balls were originally white in colour, and were changed to bright yellow in 1972 to make them easier for viewers to see against the white court lines when the game was televised. Sir David Attenborough, the biologist and natural historian, who was a BBC executive at the time, is credited with advocating this change. Wimbledon continued with traditional white balls for another 14 years, only adopting the yellow ball in 1986.
Fred Perry was renowned for his exceptional speed, agility, and quick reflexes, often described as having elite athletic capacity, developed from his time as a table tennis world champion. He used this speed to play a “low and on the rise” game, dominating the court in the 1930s. Journalists of his era frequently compared his speed to that of French player Jean Borotra, then considered the quickest man in the game. Fred himself believed he was faster and stronger than his peers, allowing him to hit the ball harder and earlier.
During an exhibition match in 1936 in Hungary, Fred was struck on the temple by a “terrific drive” from opponent Ottó Szigeti, according to reports from the Western Daily Press. Tennis balls in the 1930s were much heavier than modern ones, and the impact was significant enough that it rendered Fred unconscious. Despite this, he insisted on resuming the match, showcasing his absolute dedication to the game.
