U.S. open to use blue tennis courts
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-05-17 10:54

The U.S. Open will use blue instead of green tennis courts this year in an attempt to make balls easier to see for players and TV viewers.

The area outside the court's lines will stay green, U.S. Tennis Association spokesman Chris Widmaier said Monday.

Blue courts also will be used for the 10 tournaments in the US Open Series, the summer hard-court circuit leading up to the season's final Grand Slam.

"The new court colors have been tested and proven to enhance visibility of the ball for both players and fans," USTA executive Arlen Kantarian said. "In addition, it provides an instant visual link between the US Open Series tournaments and the U.S. Open, helping to create a unified 'regular season' for tennis leading up to the U.S. Open."

The first event with the new color will be the RCA Championships at Indianapolis on July 18-24.

The U.S. Open runs Aug. 29 to Sept. 11, with broadcast network coverage on CBS.

"We support the USTA's continued efforts to further engage the TV viewer, and consider this a very positive breakthrough for the U.S. Open and the sport," CBS Sports president Sean McManus said.

Close

Federer wins Laureus Awards Lin Dan leads China to claim Sudirman Cup China beat Indonesia 3-0; win Sudirman Cup

Today's Top News     Top Sports News
Hu: A developing China will benefit global businesses         Pressure on RMB will not help -- Wen         WHA rejects Taiwan-related proposal         US to help China, India improve energy use         Chiang: Momentum key to cross-Straits ties         Jilin in running for nuclear power plant	Manchester United taken fully private control       Liu Xiang awarded Laureus Newcomer       Henry misses FA Cup final showdown       Eto'o apologises for Real Madrid insult       Federer, Holmes win Laureus awards       Crespo future uncertain