Clay
What is a clay court?
Clay is a generic term used to describe a playing surface that has a clay-like natural material look and feel about it. The playing surface is made from a layer of material with cohesive properties, not unlike slightly moist natural clay; it can be a combination of natural and or synthetic materials.
Where is clay played on?
A number of international tournaments are played on clay surfaces and the surface is popular in Europe. In varying areas of Australia some clay-type courts are known by differing names; for example, in Queensland and NSW many are known as Loam/Granite or Ant Bed, whilst in Victoria predominantly the courts are En Tout Cas.
Clay courts in Australia
In July 2010 with the appointment of a Clay court Development Manager, the main objective will be to deliver new claycourt options for the Australian environment.
Research and Development was undertaken with various materials – limestone/Italian Clay/American Clay and sub-surface irrigation. Test courts have been constructed at Tennis Australia’s Claycourt Research Centre at Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
Four claycourt surfaces are classified as Tier 1 clay courts:
- Har Tru – Hydro court (American green clay)
- Italian Clay – European clay
- Conipur – Pro Clay
- KISSS Italian Clay Courts – Italian materials
> Download the claycourt surface information sheet
Surface guide information regarding these three surfaces can be found by clicking on the following links:
> Claycourt surface guide: HAR TRU
