A small question about the French Open

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the observation of the cleanliness of tennis balls during the French Open, particularly on clay courts, in contrast to the dirty shoes of the players. Participants explore reasons for this phenomenon, including the maintenance of the balls during play.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the balls are changed regularly during matches.
  • Another participant suggests that the impact of the racket on the ball may help to knock off dust, contributing to the balls appearing cleaner.
  • A different perspective mentions the continuous contact of players' shoes with the clay, contrasting with the limited contact of the balls with the ground.
  • One participant recalls a childhood memory of cleaning rugs, drawing a parallel to the potential cleaning effect of hitting the ball.
  • There is an observation of the performance of players, specifically praising Nadal's skills during the match.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the balls are changed regularly, but there is no consensus on the exact reasons for their cleanliness compared to the players' shoes. Multiple competing views remain regarding the cleaning effect during play.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve how many balls are in play or the specific timing of ball changes during matches.

pixel01
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It's the final just right now. Anh I have a small question: It's clay and the shoes of players are all dirty, but the balls look not so. Quite clean? is that right? Anyone ever being inside the court could explain?

Thanks
 
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pixel01 said:
It's the final just right now. Anh I have a small question: It's clay and the shoes of players are all dirty, but the balls look not so. Quite clean? is that right? Anyone ever being inside the court could explain?

Thanks

I'm not sure, but when I was a child, I remember seeing my Mom clean her rugs by hanging them on a line and beating the dirt out of them with a broom. Perhaps the constant smacking with a racket has the same cleaning effect on the ball.

By the way I'm watching it now too. That Nadal is really amazing. Soderling is throwing everything he can at him and Nadal seems to have no weakness.
 
Well they change the balls - not sure how many in play though, and perhaps when the ball is hit by each racket, the dust gets knocked off.

The ball spends much less time in contact with the ground, while the shoes are in continuous contact throughout the match.
 

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