Before the 1970s, tennis balls were traditionally white or even black, depending on the playing surface. However, this changed due to the rise of television broadcasting and the need for better visibility.
Why Did Tennis Balls Change to Yellow?- In 1972, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) introduced optic yellow balls to make them more visible on color television.
- Research showed that white balls were harder to see on TV, especially against green courts.
- Wimbledon was one of the last major tournaments to adopt yellow balls, finally making the switch in 1986.
- The first tennis balls were made of leather filled with wool or hair.
- Today's balls have a pressurized rubber core covered in fuzzy felt to control bounce and spin.
- Different tournaments use slightly different types of balls (e.g., Wimbledon uses extra-duty felt balls for grass courts).
- Tennis balls lose their pressure over time, which is why they are replaced frequently in professional matches.
From white to yellow, this small but significant change has made tennis easier to watch and more enjoyable for fans worldwide!