After how many games in lawn tennis are new balls used?

[crozziefan]

This is the last of the awkward questions from the local quiz I am trying to complete. Have just browsed through loads of sets of rules and they all seem surprisingly vague on this point. Is there a Wimbledon Umpire out there somewhere, who will help please? Thanks

[jane mark 2]

I believe that after the first 9 games with the tennis balls they are thereafter changed every seventh game. J.

[jane mark 2]

P.S. Not a Wimbledon Umpire though sorry!! J.

[crozziefan]

Great stuff, Jane. You're really on the ball. if you'll pardon the pun! Thanks a lot.

[FoxLee]

According to google, they are changed after 7 games, then after 9, then 7, then 9 alternately throughout the game.

[Catron]

Sorry FoxLee but that is not correct.

I thought jane mark 2 was correct but she has it the wrong way round - the first change of balls comes after SEVEN games with each subsequent change after every NINE games.

See here for the full 2007 grand slam rule book:

http://www.itftennis.com/shared/medialibrary/p df/original/IO_23913_original.PDF

[Ice.Maiden]

http://open-site.org/Sports/Tennis/Lawn_Tennis

[311271]

Ice.Maiden is always looking for new balls
bit of a bonus if the strawberries and cream come with them lol

[crozziefan]

Many thanks to all of you. I can now complete the quiz.

[anneski]

How may tennis balls are in use at the start of a tennis match?
(Just in case it's asked a a quiz this evening!)