Clay Court vs. Other Tennis Courts - What's the Difference?

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In summary, clay courts slow the ball down more than other courts, so it is not suitable for players with an attacking style.
  • #1
haiha
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Hi all,

I am now watching the Roland Garros, but I don't play tenis, but table tennis. So I do not understand what is the big different between clay court and other courts that make advantages for certain players. May it have something to do with physics?
Thanks
 
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  • #2
It is all about how the ball bounces/skids on the different surfaces.
 
  • #3
So is it that difficult to get accustomed to certain conditions/surfaces that just one or two players win a particular trophy every year?
 
  • #4
update - I was thinking of the older style USA clay courts which were faster than the clay courts of today. As mentioned in the Wiki article a standard "clay" court slow the ball down more. Hard courts have a range of speed, and grass courts are the fastest. Grass courts also detiorates during a tournament making the ball bounce more randomly.
 
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  • #5
neutrino said:
So is it that difficult to get accustomed to certain conditions/surfaces that just one or two players win a particular trophy every year?
It is more about the surface matching the player's skills than "getting used to" it.
...meaning that the tennis ball is slowed down less when it bounces off a clay surface...
Slowed-down less when the ball has backspin - sped-up less when the ball has topspin.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennis_court
 
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  • #6
russ_watters said:
Sped-up less when the ball has topspin.
Unlike table tennis, I'm not sure if it's even possible to generate enough top spin so that the bottom surface of the tennis ball is moving backwards, and I've never seen that much top spin used during a normal match. A tennis ball is always slowed down when it bounces, but slow more when it has back spin than when it has top spin. Generally the spin all the ball affects it's path through the air, which can cause it to kick up if the path curves downards enough, and cause the ball to kick sideways if there's sidespin on the ball.

In table tennis where the racket surface has a coefficient of dynamic friction well over 5, and a very elastic reversal of spin and speed, extreme top spin can be generated that will speed up the ball when it bounces. I've never seen this in a tennis match (with the possible exception of a high top spin lob).
 
  • #7
Clay=more spin
Grass=more pace

It is like cricket with moist pitches gioving good seam and spin for breaking. Like than in clay, the ball can produce a more effective game for heavy spinners...
 
  • #8
As I have just read in some R. Garros articles, they claim that clay courts slow down the ball more than other courts so it is not suitalbe for playes who have attacking style. That is because the clay surface is softer than others. The harder the court, the faster the ball bounces. Soft surface like clay plays a damp role when the ball hits.
French Mauresmo failed in R.G partly because of that reason they said.
 
  • #9
Yes, it basically why Federer cannot win French...
 
  • #10
It's also to do with the coefficient of restitution between the ball and the surface. The higher the coeff, the more kinetic energy is retained in the bounce and the faste / higher the ball will bounce. It's a measure of the loss of energy to heat in the surface and ball.

Glen
x
 

1. What is the main difference between clay courts and other tennis courts?

The main difference between clay courts and other tennis courts is the surface material. Clay courts are made of crushed brick, shale, or stone, while other types of tennis courts, such as hard courts and grass courts, use different materials like concrete and grass.

2. How do clay courts affect the speed and bounce of the ball?

Clay courts are generally slower and provide a higher bounce compared to other tennis courts. The soft, loose surface of clay absorbs more of the energy from the ball, resulting in a slower speed. The uneven surface also causes the ball to bounce higher and with less predictability, making it more challenging for players to anticipate and return shots.

3. Are there any advantages to playing on clay courts?

Yes, there are several advantages to playing on clay courts. The slower pace of the game allows players to have more time to react and strategize their shots. The higher bounce also gives players more time to recover and get into position for the next shot. Additionally, the soft surface is easier on the joints and reduces the risk of injuries.

4. What are the disadvantages of playing on clay courts?

One of the main disadvantages of clay courts is the maintenance required. The surface needs to be watered regularly to prevent it from becoming too dry and dusty, which can affect the speed and bounce of the ball. The uneven surface can also be challenging for players to adjust to, as it can cause unexpected bounces and make movement more difficult.

5. How does playing on clay courts affect a player's style of play?

Playing on clay courts can require a different style of play compared to other tennis courts. The slower pace and higher bounce may favor players with a defensive, counter-punching style, as they have more time to get to shots. It also rewards players who can slide and move efficiently on the clay surface. On the other hand, players with a more aggressive, power-based game may struggle to hit through the slower courts and may need to adjust their strategy accordingly.

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