Beginning in January 2000, the balls will be tested at all levels of the game. This ball is the same as a standard ball but pumped with more air making it harder and lower bouncing, leading to a faster game. The larger size increases aerodynamic drag. This causes the ball to move more slowly through the air, drop more steeply to the ground, and rebound higher. For example, a ground stroke hit at 60 mph using the bigger ball would drop three feet short of the base line, whereas at the same speed, the standard ball would hit the line.
Tennis is in some trouble.
People seem to be losing interest in the game. Apparently one major reason for this is that the men's professional game, which has traditionally attracted viewers and new players, has lost some of its appeal. The pro game has become a contest of strength, where powerful hitters with their high-tech rackets dominate. At Wimbledon last June, for instance, Britain's Greg Rusedski hit the ball at 138 mph, the fastest recorded serve for the tournament. In short, the game has little action.