Grass Courts in the US: A Dying Tradition?

[Roman]

While Wimbledon remains the crown jewel of grass-court tennis, grass courts are becoming rare in the US. Legendary players like Pete Sampras thrived on grass, but fewer American players are comfortable on this surface today. Should the USTA invest in reviving grass courts to prepare players for tournaments like Wimbledon? How important is versatility on grass for international success?

[Player101]

I suppose that all this is due to the lack of maintenance since it is quite expensive, the weather conditions and that in recent times cement courts have gained quite a bit of popularity.

[Leslie]

The decline of grass courts in the US is concerning, especially as grass-court expertise remains a valuable asset for international success, particularly at Wimbledon. The USTA should definitely invest in reviving grass courts to give players the chance to develop skills specific to this surface, such as quick reflexes and a more aggressive style of play.

[Burgandy]

I agree that the decline of grass courts in the US is a concern, especially given their importance in developing a well-rounded game. Grass courts require different skills, such as quick reflexes, low bounces, and a more attacking style. By investing in grass-court facilities, the USTA could better prepare American players for tournaments like Wimbledon, where expertise on this surface is crucial for success.

[JeanD]

Grass courts in the US are fading due to high maintenance costs and limited playability. While iconic events like Newport keep the tradition alive, the shift toward hard and clay courts reflects modern preferences and practicality.