ATP adds multicolored balls, lets players use two at once
Chair umpires will now be wrong about several things simultaneously.
The ATP has approved multicolored tennis balls and will permit players to keep two balls in play simultaneously during a rally. Tour officials described the change as overdue relief for viewers who could previously follow everything.
Players may choose different colors for the two balls. Officials say this will make it easier to identify the one nobody saw go out.
“We’re calling it tactical variety,” a tour spokesperson said. “Your opponent can only complain about one ball at a time, although we expect that to improve.”
Chair umpires must track both balls and whichever player is presently shouting. Video review will now begin with a mandatory clarification: “Which one?”
Early testing produced a winner, an unforced error and a heated argument on the same swing.
