Understanding Tennis Court Surfaces in Australia
Australian tennis offers a variety of court surfaces, each with distinct playing characteristics that affect everything from ball bounce to footwork to equipment choices. Understanding these differences helps you adapt your game and select appropriate gear for your primary playing surface. This guide covers the main court types you'll encounter across Australia.
Hard Courts: Australia's Dominant Surface
Hard courts are by far the most common surface in Australian tennis. From club courts to the Australian Open at Melbourne Park, hard courts define Australian tennis culture.
Types of Hard Courts
- Plexicushion: The surface used at the Australian Open, featuring a cushioned acrylic layer that reduces impact and provides consistent bounce.
- Standard acrylic: Common at suburban clubs, painted concrete or asphalt with textured finish.
- Cushioned acrylic: Premium option with additional comfort layers, found at higher-end facilities.
- Synthetic surfaces: Various branded hard court systems with different textures and cushioning levels.
Playing Characteristics
- Speed: Medium to fast, depending on surface texture and paint type.
- Bounce: High and consistent, rewarding flat and topspin strokes equally.
- Movement: Limited slide; quick stops and starts required.
- Ball wear: Moderate—balls maintain speed but fuzz increases over play.
Equipment for Hard Courts
Hard courts are all-round surfaces that don't demand specific equipment adjustments. Standard rackets perform well, though players may prefer slightly lower string tensions to counteract the inherent pace. String durability matters as the surface is moderately abrasive.
Body Considerations
Hard courts are harder on joints than softer surfaces. Players with knee or back issues may want cushioned court shoes and should consider playing volume. Modern cushioned hard courts have reduced this concern, but older concrete-based courts remain demanding.
Synthetic Grass Courts
Synthetic grass (also called artificial grass or fake grass courts) provides a unique playing experience increasingly popular in Australia.
Types of Synthetic Grass
- Sand-filled: Short synthetic fibres with sand infill. The most common type in Australia.
- Sand-dressed: Lighter sand application, slightly faster than sand-filled.
- Unfilled synthetic: Pure synthetic fibres without infill, faster and more slippery.
Playing Characteristics
- Speed: Medium to slow, particularly sand-filled variants.
- Bounce: Lower than hard courts with some unpredictability.
- Movement: Allows sliding similar to clay, requiring adjusted footwork.
- Ball wear: Lower—balls stay cleaner but may pick up sand.
Synthetic grass rewards patience and consistency over power. The lower bounce makes attacking high balls more difficult, while the sliding capability favors players who can use defensive movement effectively.
Equipment Considerations
- Open string patterns help generate spin on the lower-bouncing surface
- Consider slightly higher tensions to add control on slower courts
- Specific synthetic grass shoes provide appropriate traction without catching
- Strings last longer due to cleaner ball contact
Clay Courts
Though less common in Australia than in Europe or South America, clay courts exist at select clubs and remain popular for their unique playing characteristics.
Types of Clay in Australia
- Red clay: Traditional European-style crushed brick. Rare in Australia but found at some premium clubs.
- Green clay (Har-Tru): Crushed stone surface more common in Australian club settings.
- Synthetic clay: Manufactured surfaces designed to replicate clay characteristics with lower maintenance.
Playing Characteristics
- Speed: Slow, especially when well-watered.
- Bounce: High and heavy, particularly for topspin balls.
- Movement: Sliding essential—completely different footwork pattern.
- Ball wear: High—balls become heavy with clay dust.
Adapting Your Game
Clay demands patience and physical endurance. Points tend to be longer, and winners are harder to hit. Key adjustments include:
- Build points rather than going for quick winners
- Develop sliding footwork to cover the court
- Use heavy topspin to exploit the high bounce
- Prepare for longer rallies and physical matches
- Target the backhand and construct points strategically
Clay Court Shoe Warning
Never use standard hard court shoes on clay—the herringbone pattern on clay shoes is essential for proper sliding. Using the wrong shoes on clay risks ankle injuries and makes movement nearly impossible.
Natural Grass Courts
Grass courts hold a special place in tennis history and remain available at select clubs across Australia, though they're becoming increasingly rare due to maintenance demands.
Playing Characteristics
- Speed: Fast to very fast, especially early in the season.
- Bounce: Low and variable, becomes more unpredictable as surface wears.
- Movement: Slippery—requires careful footwork and balance.
- Ball wear: Variable depending on grass condition and moisture.
Grass Court Strategy
- Serve and volley tactics are more effective
- Keep the ball low with slice to exploit the low bounce
- Come to net to finish points before rallies develop
- Expect bad bounces—stay low and watch the ball closely
- First strike tennis pays dividends on grass
Equipment for Grass
- Flat shots work better than heavy topspin due to low bounce
- Consider lower tensions for added touch on volleys
- Specific grass court shoes with nubs or studs are essential
- Strings wear faster due to grit and debris
Surface-Specific Equipment Tips
Shoes Matter Most
Footwear is the most surface-sensitive equipment choice:
- Hard courts: General tennis shoes with durable outsoles
- Clay: Herringbone pattern essential for sliding
- Grass: Studded or nubbed soles for traction
- Synthetic grass: Omni or multi-surface shoes work well
- All-court shoes: Compromise option for players on multiple surfaces
Strings and Tension
- Faster surfaces often benefit from slightly lower tensions for control
- Slower surfaces may warrant higher tensions to add pace
- String durability varies significantly by surface
- Consider surface when choosing string type and gauge
Playing Multiple Surfaces
Many Australian players regularly encounter different surfaces during league play, social tennis, and tournaments. Developing versatility is valuable:
- Practice on various surfaces when possible
- Arrive early to warm up and adjust to the surface
- Be prepared to modify your game plan based on court type
- Consider owning surface-appropriate shoes for regular venues
- Accept that your first few games on an unfamiliar surface may be rough
Understanding court surfaces helps you approach each match with appropriate expectations and tactics. While most Australian players will spend the majority of their time on hard courts, exposure to other surfaces enriches your tennis experience and develops a more complete game.