Holger Rune has called out a ‘problem’ with the ATP Tour that has nothing to do with the much-criticised schedule.
Rune had a solid ATP Asian swing, although he will surely rue his chances at the Shanghai Masters after crashing out to eventual winner Valentin Vacherot after being one set up.
The Dane turns his attention towards the European indoor circuit, which will begin for him at the Stockholm Open.
Ahead of his appearance at the Swedish tournament, Rune has said the ATP Tour has a major problem that it needs to address.
Holger Rune says the ATP has a ‘real problem’
While most of the players are questioning the ATP Tour’s gruelling schedule, Rune has another issue with the organisation.
The Dane has noticed a change in the tennis balls and has urged the ATP Tour to step in and do something about it.
“My feeling is that the real problem is the quality of the balls, something has changed after the pandemic and I don’t know why,” said Rune during his Stockholm Open press conference.
“I think there has been a change in the materials and the feelings are completely different now,” he added. “These balls wear out very quickly and it is difficult to generate power.”
This is not an issue that is exclusive to the Dane, either, as he’s revealed it’s an ongoing discussion between players.
“Most of the players I’ve spoken to share my opinion,” he concluded.
Rune begins his Stockholm Open campaign against Márton Fucsovics, a tournament he last played in 2023.
The Dane won the tournament in 2022, which he then followed up by winning the Paris Masters in the same month.
Emma Raducanu agrees with Holger Rune on the balls
While Rune says ‘most players’ agree with his statement about the quality of the balls, Emma Raducanu definitely shares the same sentiment.
The British No. 1 has previously called out the balls used on tour and suggested that they could cause injuries.
Speaking to The Guardian, the 2021 US Open winner said: “I do think the balls are a big challenge for all of us.
“The way that they deteriorate is really challenging. I think it gets very fluffy. You see a lot of wrist, elbow, shoulder injuries happening now.
“And it is hard because the dynamic of the points can be different from when they’re new to when they’re old.”
The balls fluffing up has become another argument for the game as a whole slowing down, which has led into the debate about the court speeds following Roger Federer’s comments.
The Swiss star believes the courts are getting slower to help Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner reach more finals.
