Tennis has experienced a huge resurgence over the past few years, fuelled not only by the enthusiasm of its fan base but also by the emergence of talented new players who have revolutionised the landscape of this sport.
One of these, Jannik Sinner, is a potent driving force behind all this popularity.
His natural flair, grit and innovative style have inspired a whole new generation of tennis players, generating interest in the game and consequently also arousing curiosity in cutting-edge surfaces that guarantee excellent performance levels and safety.
The importance of a playing surface
There is so much more to a tennis-court surface than the way it looks. It is a key part of the game with a huge impact on match quality.
A playing surface must not only allow the ball to bounce properly; it must also protect athletes against accidents and make sure that club facilities withstand the test of time.
Material longevity is a major issue nowadays and innovation and sustainability are driving the development of new materials and technologies. These are also central issues at the DOMOTEX trade fair, an institutional way-finder for anyone operating in the flooring field.
The main kinds of flooring
Each surface has its own distinctive features which affect style of play. Here is an overview of the four main types:
Hard courts
Used all over the world and particularly associated with famous Grand Slam tournaments like the US Open and Australian Open, they are often made of concrete covered with an acrylic top and offer an even bounce.
Over the last few years, innovations like porous concrete have contributed to a drainable surface, creating an even court for enhanced gameplay.
Although this kind of surface is suitable for all kinds of play, it can be hard on the competitors’ joints.
Clay courts
The emblematic surface of the Roland Garros French Open is made of clay or bricks. It is kinder on knees and ankles and better for long backcourt rallies. It requires more maintenance, but is still synonymous with tradition and technical quality.
Lawn courts
An iconic emblem of Wimbledon, a lawn offers a distinctive fast-paced game, but needs constant upkeep, like watering and mowing to ensure the grass stays at a short uniform length
Due to its labour-intensive nature, it is the preserve of prestigious clubs able to afford it. It is doubtless a legacy gem and an epitome of sporting excellence.
Synthetic surfaces
Flooring in resin or artificial turf are gaining a foothold because they resist weathering and require much less maintenance. This kind of surface provides the advantages of other courts and strikes an ideal balance, making it a good idea for indoor venues and multifunctional facilities.
Innovation and the latest trends
The growing popularity of tennis and the innovative energy produced by young iconic players have hastened technological development for play surfaces.
These recent innovations include:
· Cushioning systems: new solutions for playing comfort that support player wellness and lower the risk of accidents.
· Eco-sustainable materials: the use of environmentally friendly resins and draining surfaces which reduce water consumption and the need for maintenance.
· Multifunctional sports halls: modular amenities in which a tennis court can be turned into a multi-purpose space for other sporting activities.
These innovations not only boost performance levels on the court, but also encounter the favour of a market that is increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability and technology.
With Sinner came a sweeping wave of fresh dynamism to the world of tennis. This brought home to us how important it is to have outstanding surfaces able to withstand the rapid pace of modern playing styles.
Trailblazing surfaces
The constant advance of technology for sports surfaces together with the inspirational force provided by phenomenal players like Sinner has paved the way towards an increasingly innovative and sustainable future.
Event organisers and sports-facility managers often have to make strategic choices and opt for materials and solutions that not only deliver excellent levels of performance, but also have a reduced impact on the environment.
At DOMOTEX, sector professionals will have the chance to learn about the latest developments in the field of flooring and find out about cutting-edge solutions that meet the needs of a constantly evolving sport.
The fusion of a love for sports and material technology is a key aspect in the creation of game settings which are increasingly safer, outperforming and more sustainable for modernity and inclusiveness on the tennis court.
