The long-standing discussion about the tennis balls used at the US Open has finally reached a turning point, stirring deep conversations in the tennis world about fairness, performance, and tradition. At the heart of this debate is the difference between the balls used in men’s and women’s matches, a subtle but impactful detail that has influenced the game more than many spectators realize.

Historically, tennis balls have varied slightly depending on the tournament, surface, and even player preferences. However, the US Open had traditionally employed different types of balls for men’s and women’s matches for many years. Women played with slightly lighter balls, while men’s balls were heavier and more durable, designed to withstand longer and more powerful rallies. This distinction was originally justified by organizers from a physical perspective, supposedly to accommodate differences in shot speed and style, but more recently, players and analysts began questioning whether these differences were necessary—or even fair.

The spotlight on this came sharply into focus in 2018 when Iga Swiatek, then an emerging talent who would later become a major force in women’s tennis, openly criticized the balls used at the US Open. She described them as “horrible,” echoing frustrations shared by several of the women competing that year. These complaints centered around the balls’ consistency, bounce, and overall feel, factors that can drastically affect a player’s control and shot-making. Swiatek’s frank remarks added fuel to a simmering debate about whether the traditional approach to equipment was outdated.

This discussion wasn’t confined to 2018. In 2021, Ashleigh Barty, one of the most skillful and treasured figures in tennis history, also expressed dissatisfaction with the balls at the US Open. Barty’s frustration was notable because, unlike many players who may simply adapt, her game relies on subtle variations in spin and pace—attributes influenced heavily by the ball’s characteristics. Her early exit from that year’s tournament was a disappointment many speculated was tied to these equipment issues, even if not officially confirmed.

The breakthrough came in 2022 when tournament officials at the US Open announced a significant change: women would begin using the same “extra-duty” balls as the men. Extra-duty balls are designed with heavier felt coverings to last longer on hard courts, allowing for a more consistent bounce throughout matches. This decision effectively ended the nearly century-old practice of gender-based ball differences at the tournament. The impact was immediate and noticeable. That year, Iga Swiatek seized the moment, capturing her first Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows, a triumph many associated, at least in part, with the improved equipment. Two years later, Coco Gauff claimed her first major title at the same event, further validating the positive effects of the change.

Tracing the history of tennis balls reveals how much technology and standardization have evolved. In the 19th century, tennis was played with balls often homemade or crafted from animal bladders and tightly wound yarn, resulting in highly inconsistent play. The introduction of pressurized rubber balls in the early 1900s revolutionized the sport, allowing for uniform speed and bounce. However, it wasn’t until the Open Era, beginning in 1968, when professionals and amateurs competed together, that the need for standardization became paramount. Even then, subtle differences persisted between men’s and women’s tournaments based on tradition and physical assumptions.

Analyzing why the US Open maintained distinct balls for so long brings us to cultural and institutional inertia common in sports. The belief that women’s play naturally demanded lighter balls was rarely challenged by the governing bodies, despite evolving player feedback and advances in athletic training. Men’s and women’s professional tennis has seen converging levels of fitness, power, and technical skill, calling into question the relevance of such distinctions.

While it is tempting to wonder how players like Ashleigh Barty might have fared had the extra-duty balls been introduced earlier, this remains speculative. What is indisputable, however, is the importance of listening to athletes and adapting equipment to serve fairness and quality of play. The US Open’s decision aligns with broader efforts in sports to ensure equity, whether by ruling changes in scoring, shot clocks, or now, equipment standardization.

This shift represents not just a technical adjustment but a cultural one, embracing momentum toward gender equality in sports. The famous tennis mantra—”It’s not just about the racket, it’s about the balls”—has taken on a fresh meaning as the sport evolves. The game may be served differently now, but the rally for fairness and excellence in tennis continues to energize players and fans alike, promising a future where equipment enhances rather than hinders competition for all.