Paris Olympics: Tennis Shifts to Red Clay After Decades

For the first time in over three decades, Olympic tennis will be played on red clay at the Paris Games, posing unique challenges for players. Athletes will have to quickly adapt from grass at Wimbledon back to clay, complicating preparations for the U.S. Open thereafter.

In an unprecedented move, Olympic tennis will be held on red clay for the first time in over three decades at the Paris Games. This transition requires players to switch swiftly from Wimbledon's grass courts to the clay courts of Roland Garros.

Jessica Pegula, America's top-10 player, expressed moderate concern, stating, 'We'll all be in the same boat,' while acknowledging the adaptability required. For Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina, the switch is more daunting both physically and mentally.

The Olympic tennis event, starting on July 27, comes just weeks before the U.S. Open, adding further strain to players' schedules. Taylor Fritz from the U.S. team called it 'awful for the schedule,' while British player Cam Norrie highlighted the constant need to adapt to different surfaces in the sport.

(With inputs from agencies.)