Quote:
Originally Posted by Inglewood Jack
there's plenty enough conspiracies about the slowing of courts and the seemingly easy draw that Rafa got (none of the big bangers like Delpo, Berdych, Tsonga, etc were on his side). I don't know if I believe a lot of it, but the one thing that does piss me off is how when the other Spanish guys play Rafa they lay down for him like he's Clay Jesus. Yes he's better than them but it's as if there's a law in Spain that says you have to do everything in your power to let Rafa through and help him conserve energy for the final.
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The AEC tore up the courts in 2001 and planted a new type of grass - 100% rye grass as opposed to the previous mix of rye and red fescue. The soil for rye grass needs to be firmer and it dries out more quickly, leading to a harder surface (higher bounce). The grass is cut at a longer 8mm, which prevents the ball from skidding low across the turf. The end result is a firmer, longer grass surface, one which plays differently and more importantly - from the AEC's perspective - is more durable and can take the 13 day pounding a bit easier.
For me I used to love watching the precision of serve and volley grass court tennis played years ago. Big hitting baseline grass court tennis just seems wrong to me.