A major ATP 500 tournament takes place in Rotterdam, Netherlands, March 1-7. Thirty-two players of the main draw are fighting on the hard courts for the tournament’s title, which has a more than 1 million Euro prize pool.
Several players playing in the tournament this week have criticised the surface and balls used there. In the first round, German Alexander Zverev, who lost 5-7, 3-6 to Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik, said he felt “uncomfortable playing on such a slow surface with these balls. World No. 3 Daniil Medvedev and sixth-ranked Stefanos Tsitsipas joined Zverev’s words.
Some believe the coverage was slowed down specifically for Rafael Nadal’s arrival, who was due to play in Rotterdam but withdrew last week due to injury.
Tournament director Richard Krajicek responded to Zverev’s criticism, particularly the bad balls. In a small interview, he admitted it was certainly not very nice to hear. However, maybe he and the organisers really should make the coverage faster. According to him, if Zverev’s claims are justified, they should think about it.
No. 8 doubles ranking Wesley Koolhof also complained about the balls. He shared it would help tennis players if they played the same balls for an extended period. It’s significant for the players because, at every tournament, they face new conditions.
Krajicek and his organising team are sympathetic to the tennis players’ requests.
“In terms of ball selection, we always make arrangements with the tournament in Marseille, which usually takes place the week after us. It’s vital for us to help the players and make these decisions together with them,”
said Krajicek.