Holger Rune says there is “no need to complain” about constant tennis ball changes after Novak Djokovic’s injury

Despite Nick Kyrgios’ claims that Novak Djokovic’s recent wrist injury was from the changing of tennis balls between tournaments, one of tennis’ brightest stars is not buying it.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 03: Novak Djokovic of Team Serbia receives treatment to his right arm during his singles match against Alex de Minaur of Team Australia during day six of the 2024 United Cup at RAC Arena on January 03, 2024 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

World No. 8 Holger Rune says there is “no need to complain” about the changing of tennis balls between tournaments despite Nick Kyrgios suggesting it played a part in Novak Djokovic’s recent wrist injury that has put him under an injury cloud ahead of the Australian Open.

Reigning Australian Open champion Djokovic said on Wednesday night the pain in his wrist was getting worse with every match he played and the Serbian looked in obvious discomfort during his 6-4 6-4 defeat to Aussie Alex de Minaur in Perth.

Last year the Dunlop balls used at the Australian Open were heavily criticised by top players including Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray, who felt they lost pressure and became soft too quickly.

While there was a competitive aspect to the criticism, some also felt the changing of balls between tournaments contributed to fatigue and injury among players.

Kyrgios suggested as such after de Minaur’s win over Djokovic, posting to social platform X: “Change of balls every week finally got to novaks wrist … the atp really need to do something about this problem. Players suffer all the time.”

The changing of balls has been a hot topic among players. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Kyrgios later added: “Also, for the people who think balls aren’t a big enough factor to result in an athlete being hurt are potato’s. The load through a players elbow, wrist over this vigorous season is enormous.”

Russian Daniil Medvedev played through wrist pain at last year’s Australian Open but when asked about it refused to comment.

However he unleashed a few weeks later in Doha, declaring playing with the Dunlop balls was like “hitting apples”.

But Rune, the Brisbane International top seed and one of the main Australian Open fancies, believes too much is being made of the balls.

“I’ve actually thought about it since when we arrived here, because obviously many players were speaking about the ball et cetera,” the Danish ace told this masthead.

“The court changes every week, the weather changes every week, everything changes every week … so I don’t think we need to complain about it, to be honest.

“Of course it is different, but it’s different for everyone and I think you can choose to complain about it or not. It’s just how it is. You’re going to change balls – there are different sponsors for every tournament.

“Me personally, I feel the difference but I don’t complain.”

Holger Rune isn’t buying into the theory. (Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP)

Rune went on to explain that lighter balls fly faster through the air while heavier balls require a greater effort to hit winners.

He said the balls used at the French Open were “very heavy, very tough to play with”.

“But yeah, I don’t know, I never really put so much into my mind whether it’s a good ball or not. It’s just part of it and you just need to adjust, that’s it.

“And I think honestly here in Australia they’re not heavy at all, they’re pretty lively.”

Djokovic is no stranger to pre-Australian Open injuries.

Last year it was reported he played through a 3cm tear in his hamstring during the Adelaide International, which he won prior to his record-extending 10th Australian Open title.

The 36-year-old conceded he was not “100 per cent physically, emotionally, mentally game-wise” to begin the season.

“I was not on my level, it was just one of these days where you didn’t feel your best,” Djokovic said.

“I think I have enough time to get myself in the right shape for the Australian Open and that’s what matters the most at this point.

“It’s all part of the build-up for the Australian Open. That’s where I want to perform at my best.”