Tennis is one of the most popular games all throughout the world. Various worldwide tennis tournaments have been in place since the 1970s such as the Wimbledon, U.S. Open and Australian Open tournaments. Tennis fanatics will definitely notice that different types of courts are used in each competition. Wimbledon, for instance, is played using a grass court while the French Tournament is played on a clay court. The U.S. Open used to be played in a grass court during the 1970s but is now also using a clay court. Apart from the appearance, there are other things that make grass courts, clay courts and hard courts different from each other.
Materials Used
Grass courts are the most basic because it is made up of cultivated grass which is grown on very compact soil. Clay courts on the other hand, are usually made of all or a combination of brick, shale, and crushed stone. Clay courts are usually preferred by beginners because the materials make the overalls feel of the court just right while still learning the ropes of the game. Hard courts, as the name implies, are usually made of asphalt. The materials used also have different effects on how the ball bounces, as well as the level of comfort and ease provided for the players.
[poll id=”24″]Effect on Performance
Each type of court has a totally different effect on how the ball bounces as well as how the players should move in order to obtain the best possible results. Grass courts are usually slippery so it can be difficult to run after the ball or to play with a lot of movements, and the bounce of the ball usually depends on the overall condition of the grass. Clay courts, on the other hand, has added friction but provides a higher bounce for the ball. Hard courts typically provide the best conditions for speedy movements, so this type of court is best suited for players that employ the serve-and volley method.
Construction Costs
Grass courts and clay courts are typically more inexpensive than hard courts because of the materials used. The construction costs of hard courts also vary depending on the amount of sand that will be used. Sand provides the friction needed for a hard court in order to slow the ball down, thus the budget will vary depending on the amount of sand that will be added during construction.
Maintenance Costs
As for the maintenance costs, the most inexpensive are the hard courts. Grass courts have to be regularly maintained in order to ensure that the grass does not grow too high. Clay courts, on the other hand, always need to have the ideal water balance for which involves consistent monitoring and upkeep.
Although we owe it to the grass court that have served as the home of most tennis competitions during the past, the high maintenance costs have made it the least popular option. Hard courts are the easiest to maintain, and it also provides a more comfortable field for players who want speed and action. Clay courts come in between; the acceptable maintenance costs are offset by the benefits that players experience while playing in this type of court.