Kim Clijsters claims tennis has had a problem for 25 years that the players simply cannot fix

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Tennis stars around the world have been complaining about a problem recently that is putting players at risk of injury.

Stars of the ATP Tour have recently been competing in Dallas and at the Rotterdam Open, where they encountered a serious problem.

Carlos Alcaraz criticized the tennis balls in the Netherlands, suggesting that the frequent changes resulted in ‘many injuries’ last year.

Alcaraz called on the ATP Tour to make a change, as he feared that players would continue to pick up injuries due to the balls.

His fears were quickly realized, as Taylor Fritz revealed he picked up an injury after hitting balls that were different from what he expected in Dallas.

These aren’t new problems, however, as one WTA legend now explains how long the tennis ball issue has persisted within the sport.

Kim Clijsters claims the tennis ball problem has existed for 25 years as she says players can’t fix it

Appearing as a guest on the Served with Andy Roddick podcast, former world number one Kim Clijsters shared her thoughts on the tennis ball controversy.

“I feel like the ball issue, I remember being on tour and starting on tour and it was a problem,” she said.

“That was in the 1990s, early 2000s, so it’s a recurring issue, and I don’t feel like much has changed over time at all.

“It’s something that I have been hearing for the last 25 years that different balls are being used all the time.”

The former four-time Major champion went on to explain what she thinks needs to happen for the problem to be resolved.

“I don’t know if there’s anything that we as a player can do about it, unless the organisations [help],” said Clijsters.

“There are so many companies that sponsor tournaments, and unless the ITF, WTA, or ATP Tour start putting their foot down to do what is best for the players, I don’t think there is anything we can do.”

Following Alcaraz and Fritz’s comments last week, former doubles specialist Nick Monroe explained the reasoning behind the changes in tennis balls.

“What the ATP is trying to do with that more durable ball that they’re using in Dallas is try to find a ball they can use on clay, hard, and grass courts,” he said.

“But the problem is with that more durable ball the felt is actually getting bigger so you know, you’re seeing the injuries.”

Where will Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz play next after recent tennis ball controversy?

21-year-old Alcaraz won the Rotterdam Open, taking down Alex de Minaur in the final, 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, and will now enjoy a well-deserved week off.

He will return for the Qatar Open in Doha next week alongside several big names on the ATP Tour.

Six of the world’s top ten players will battle it out in Doha, an event upgraded to the ATP 500 level for 2025.

Two-time champion Novak Djokovic is set to return in Qatar, having suffered a hamstring tear against Alcaraz at the Australian Open.

Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner will also make his return, having missed last week’s Rotterdam Open.

Alcaraz will look forward to taking on some of his biggest rivals in Doha, although several top stars have chosen not to make the trip to the Middle East.

Fritz is competing in Delray Beach, Florida, this week and enters the tournament as the top seed and heavy favorite.

His compatriot Tommy Paul recently withdrew from the event, leaving Fritz as the only top 30 player taking part.

The American will enter the event as a two-time defending champion, and will likely be confident of adding a third to his collection, against a field of lower-ranked opponents.

Fritz will kick off his Delray Beach campaign against the winner of Bu Yunchaokete and Rinky Hijikata on Wednesday, February 12, while Alcaraz gets set for the Qatar Open, which begins on February 17.