ATP ATP Estocolmo 2026 bolas pelotas de tenis

The Stockholm tournament will be the test for a rule never seen before in tennis

Diego Jiménez Rubio - 28 Oct 2026
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Test Balls in Stockholm. Photo: gettyimages

Innovation is always necessary, but even more so when there is an evident problem. The quality and durability of tennis balls have been under scrutiny for years. The global coronavirus pandemic seemed to be a turning point in this regard, with player protests multiplying from that moment about how quickly the balls wear out and the significant quality they have lost.

The criticisms have been so frequent and fierce in recent years that the ATP has made an unprecedented decision. Using the ATP 250 Stockholm 2026 as a reference, which will take place from November 8 to 14 and in which spots for the ATP Finals may still be at stake, ball changes will occur every 7 games, rather than every 9, as has always been the case except during the first change, considering the warm-up.

The balls will be changed in Stockholm every 7 games: Why?

This maneuver represents an attempt to improve the condition of the balls by shortening their lifespan in competition. The most common complaint is that the balls become very large, making it difficult to impart speed and spin, especially after several games have been played with them. 

The global socioeconomic context does not seem conducive for the industry to modify the construction patterns of the balls and invest in more durable and higher-quality materials, suited to the power that players exert today. 

Therefore, the ATP has wanted to take action on the matter in the only way they can. This represents an increase in costs for the tournaments regarding the number of balls needed, and it remains to be seen if it is an effective measure. Thus, the assessment made at the ATP 250 Stockholm 2026 will determine whether it will be implemented next year officially in all ATP events or not.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El torneo de Estocolmo será la prueba para una regla jamás vista en el tenis