Why did they once use a white ball at Wimbledon?

Answer 1

Using white balls wasn't unique to Wimbledon. At one time all tennis balls were white and all tournaments used white balls. Yellow balls made their debut in the early 70's and caught on because supposedly they are easier to see. Wimbledon, however, was the last major tournament to switch to yellow balls. Around the same time bright orange balls were introduced as well but never caught on like the yellow ones.

Answer 2

I believe the question should be more why did they continue to use a white ball at Wimbledon? It was tradition that drove the use, when the yellow ball was used throughout most if not all venues with the exception of this tournament. The All England Club finally made the move to the yellow ball also made by Slazenger in the 90's. Regretfully I could not find the year of this change.

Answer 3

"Historically, balls were either black or white in colour, depending on the background colour of the courts. In 1972 the ITF introduced yellow tennis balls into the rules of tennis, as research had shown these balls to be more visible to television viewers. Meanwhile Wimbledon continued to use the traditional white ball, but eventually adopted yellow balls in 1986."(1)

Wimbledon is all about tradition, so it's no surprise that they would be the last to make the switch. "This effort was to raise the profile of the game and turn it into a more television-friendly sport after there were reports of the difficulties of seeing a white ball on television."(2)

But rest assured that Wimbledon won't make the same call about the white dress code. Can you imagine everyone dressed up in T.V.-friendly bright yellow!

Answer 4

Once all the balls was white.
Wimbledon was the last tournament to turn to yellow

Answer 5

For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/ax7kc

Continue to play. You get ball-in-hand, anywhere on the table.

Answer 6

yes, all balls used to be white in tennis, but also alot smaller.

here is a site selling antique white tenis balls, you can also look at pictures there.

http://www.woodtennis.com/cans/

Answer 7

It might be something to do with the ball being the same color as the tennis court, I also play tennis and somethimes it is hard to concentrate on the ball if the background is the same color especially if you are colorblind. Maybe we had a colorblind tennis player?...