Tennis Ball Aerodynamics and Dynamics

Abstract

The detailed aerodynamics and dynamics of a tennis ball have only recently been uncovered with the help of a series of experimental studies (Mehta and Pallis, 2001, Cislunar Aerospace, Inc., 1998). Intuitively, one would expect the (rough) fabric covering on the ball to have an effect on the aerodynamics, but the extent of the effect turned out to be much more significant than had been anticipated. Most of the recent research work on tennis ball aerodynamics was inspired by a decision made by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to start field testing of a slightly larger “oversized” tennis ball (roughly 6.5% larger diameter). This decision was instigated by a concern that the serving speed in (men’s) tennis had increased to the point where the serve started to dominate the game. The fastest recorded serve was produced by Greg Ruzedski in March 1998 and it was measured at 66.6 m/s or 149 mph (Guinness 2000). The main evidence for the domination of the serve in men’s tennis has been the increase in the number of sets decided by tie breaks at the major tournaments, in particular on the faster grass courts such as those used at Wimbledon (Haake et al., 2000).