Dan Evans on the balls being used at the 2020 French Open: ‘You wouldn’t give to a dog to chew’

French Open
2020 French Open Roland Garros Wilson balls

Dan Evans did not hold back in his criticism of the new balls being used at the French Open, saying “you wouldn’t give them to a dog to chew”.

Roland Garros switched from Babolat to Wilson balls for the 2020 clay-court Grand Slam, but this year’s balls are a lot heavier than those used in previous years.

The fact that the French Open is taking place in September-October with conditions a lot cooler than the traditional May-June slot means the bounce is lower and slower.

Evans exited the red dirt event in the first round on Sunday as he was beaten by Kei Nishikori, going down 1-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7-3), 1-6, 6-4 in three hours and 49 minutes.

Dan Evans falls at first hurdle at Roland Garros as he goes down in five sets against Kei Nishikori

“Some of those balls we were using, you wouldn’t give to a dog to chew, so it is what it is,” the British No 1 said. “It’s brutal. It’s so cold. I think the balls are the biggest thing.

“Maybe they got it a little wrong with the balls. It’s tough to get that ball to go anywhere and in September, October, that ball is a bit too heavy, I think.”

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Dan Evans

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