The red clay that is used as the surface on a tennis court originated right back to the origins of the game. If you play tennis yourself, you have been privileged to have a game on this famous surface. The history of the red clay court is particularly prevalent in Spain and the home of the only major played on clay; France.
If you ever have the opportunity to play on clay; grab it with both hands! It really is a unique experience and one you will never forget. Just stepping on that stunning red surface is a thrill!
If you have never had the pleasure of playing on red clay, and would like to know a little more about it, here’s a few interesting facts.
This surface lends itself more to those that play from the baseline, as opposed to those who serve and volley. A great clay court player must have impeccable ground strokes.
To see a player approach the net is a great rarity on clay. The baseline player is the one who will win through on the red clay court.
There are a lot of players these days who class their serve as their strongest weapon; unfortunately, it will not win them matches on the clay courts. The same goes for those who prefer to volley.
You won’t see the ball speeding up after it has hit the clay, as you would on a hard court. The thick clay will have the opposite effect.
There have been some marathon tennis matches played on clay, and that has been because the ball has slowed as it hits the surface and given the player time to be able to reach it.
The games are generally a lot closer on clay as the points go on a lot longer with the slower ball being easier to reach.
Although the ball is easier to reach, the faster player will always have the advantage over their slower opponents.
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