The next ATP1000 & WTA Premier Mandatory tournament is the Mutua Madrid Open starting this Monday, May 6th, 2013. In case, you are yet to see the draw, see it here.
Last year (2012), as an experiment Blue Clay was used & this year i.e. in 2013, we are back to the traditional Red clay. If you are interested to know how Blue Clay and Red Clay differ, then read it right here. Players have started reaching Madrid and have started practicing for the Mutua Madrid Open. of all the cities where the European clay season is held, namely Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Madrid, Rome and Paris, Madrid is situated at the highest altitude.
Now, as we all know that clay courts at Madrid are fastest in the world. The main reason for that is Madrid is situated at an Altitude of almost 667 meters or 2188 Feet above the sea level.
Altitude plays a big role in the courts being fast as higher the altitude, the lower is the air pressure and resistance.
So, what’s the scientific reason for courts being situated on a higher altitude being faster?
Which sort of players are likely to get benefitted out of these faster courts at Mutua Madrid Open (Madrid Masters)?
Which ATP or WTA player is likely to do well at Mutua Madrid Open 2013?
WHy do the courts at high altitude like Madrid so difficult to play for baseliners and why does the Topspin become a negative factor at higher altitude courts like Madrid Masters?
Which sort of high altitude balls are used at courts which are situated at higher altitude like Madrid Masters?
For an in-depth discussion on all these questions and with great insights from players and coaches who play at high altitude and from some Madrid residents, see this detailed post on our forum to know how high altitude impacts courts, players and playing conditions —-
(c) Vibhu batra
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