On Wimbledon Eve, not the most popular topic to chat on, but since blue clay the dyeing surface is about to die, from ATP website:
At a meeting of the ATP Board of Directors in London, ATP Executive Chairman & President Brad Drewett announced that blue clay courts will not be permitted at ATP World Tour events in 2013.
“After careful consideration, I have decided that blue clay courts will not be allowed next year," said Drewett. “I very much believe in innovation and exploring ways to enhance our sport. While the blue clay may have offered better visibility on television, there were clearly issues with the quality of the courts in Madrid this year, which were not acceptable at an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament, one of our top events worldwide. Regardless of colour, we must first ensure that courts are safe and fair for players.
“I know that Ion Tiriac was also disappointed with the court quality in Madrid this year. Ion has been a great supporter of the game for many years and I continue to encourage his ideas, including the testing of blue clay at non-ATP World Tour events. At this time, however, it’s clear that further development is required before it can be considered for use at the ATP World Tour level."
In 2011, the ATP granted permission to the Mutua Madrid Open to use blue clay courts at its 2012 event only, with the understanding that it would be fully evaluated following the tournament."
Personally, despite Nole's "early"' exit there, Madrid was probably the most exciting tournament this year so far.
Still, I am happy it is going as it was very unsafe to play on.
What do you think?
P.S.
Federer fans can at least take comfort that their man was the king of BLUE clay
P.P.S.
a post fare-well song to blue clay...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32_tkje6NjU&feature=related
Goodbye Blues!
posted on 24/6/12
ATP bowing to the dictat of Nadull and Djoker. It was experimental anyway, the courts could have been improved this year but fearing nadull (specially) ATP has succumbed.
posted on 24/6/12
I am not convinced that blue clay was dangerous. As far as I know no-one got injured there. Was Fed's back problem due to that blue clay? not sure!
posted on 24/6/12
I was convinced it was extremely dangerous as soon as I saw Nole play on it.
I was just hoping he didn't get injured, so was not upset when he bowed out from the stage earlier than originally planned.
Fad moves differently and he was affected less, but still could not escape unscathed.
posted on 24/6/12
The worse court injuries I saw was on grippy surfaces...not slippery ones. The more slippery, the more protective it is....bar maybe for a bad back?
posted on 24/6/12
If you can't stop while sliding, you're bound to wreck core muscles and upper groin tendons.
posted on 25/6/12
I think they should have given them one more year to fix it, but put it to a player vote to be held during that next tournament.