With WA’s very own Astra Sharma having just claimed her maiden WTA Singles title on the green clay in Charleston (USA), its time to hit up one of the five clubs across WA and try out your game on the unique playing surface which is a favorite amongst many of the worlds top players.<\/p>\n
According to WA’s pro player and Grand Slam Champion Matt Ebden, clay courts are great for training purposes as they have a softer surface than grass and hard courts and can improve endurance. Rallies are generally longer on clay as the surface is quite textured and absorbs more shock, therefore reducing the speed of the ball, making returns easier and reducing impacts on players\u2019 bodies.<\/p>\n
Ebden continued to say playing on clay is integral for a well-rounded tennis player and encourages a more advanced style of gameplay with tactical awareness and strategy. Learning how to slide is essential as gameplay can be slippery, especially after wet weather.<\/p>\n
Weather is a huge influence for clay courts. When dry the ball can have a high bounce and be returned quite fast whereas wet weather will have a slower gameplay with a lower bounce. Courts can be dusty if windy, and sticky when wet too.<\/p>\n
The following tennis clubs have slightly different types of clay, however, offer a similar gameplay. Real, natural clay is quite rare as it takes a long time to dry after rain. Majority of clay courts are synthetic, made from a limestone base, with a crushed-brick coating on top, which is very popular in Europe and Latin America. The French Open is played on red clay. Har-Tru clay, or green clay, is a quick-dry surface made from natural, crushed greenstone found in America and is slightly harder than red clay as it is condensed heavier.<\/p>\n
UWA Tennis Club<\/strong><\/p>\n The oldest club of the five clubs in WA, UWA Tennis Club was established in 1914 and has a rich history of tennis and clay court match play. UWA also has Perth\u2019s only European-like red clay surface, which is made from brick.<\/p>\n