“We play with balls that look used”

The BNP Paribas Open, the first ATP Masters 1000 of the season which is being played on the Californian hard-courts of Indian Wells, is already facing controversy and problems.

First Rafael Nadal’s withdrawal, then the complaints of some players regarding the balls used for the tournament.

The three-time Major champion Stan Wawrinka discussed this before his first-round three-sets loss to Thomas Machac.

“It is not normal that in 2024 at Indian Wells, one of the most important tournaments in the world, we have to play with balls that look used,” the Swiss wrote on X, comparing a new ball and a used one to make just a few exchanges.

The tennis player from Lausanne then tagged Tommy Haas, director of the tournament and the ATP, to bring the problem back to their attention.

A significant problem that could influence the spectacle that promises the first ATP Masters 1000 of the year, considered by many, together with Miami, as one of the most important and prestigious tournaments in the world after the Slams.

Question :
Is not normal that in 2024 at @BNPPARIBASOPEN one of biggest tennis tournament in the world ,we have to do are 2nd practice with old balls ?? @atptour @TommyHaas13
Thats 1 rally play with the ball 😂🤦🏻‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/L0NR65rFvv

— Stanislas Wawrinka (@stanwawrinka) March 1, 2024

Andy Roddick also complains about Indian Wells balls

In the past few hours, the former US legend Andy Roddick posted an image of one of the balls used by tennis players at Indian Wells, evidently worn, accompanying it with a controversial message.

“I have received two messages from two of the best coaches in the world in the last hour saying how bad the balls are at Indian Wells. Apparently this happened after a few minutes of warm-ups. How is it possible that this problem has not been resolved in the time? Is it possible that we have to play with used balls?” wrote the former number one in the ATP rankings, reporting the complaints of his colleagues.

Have gotten two texts from two of the top coaches on earth in last hour saying how bad the balls are at Indian Wells. Apparently this was after and handful of minutes of a warmup. How has this problem not been fixed over time? ⁦@Served_Podcast⁩ subject this week pic.twitter.com/cblwaOCO2H

— andyroddick (@andyroddick) March 5, 2024