Tennis is a sport that is sensitive to weather conditions. Unlike football or hockey, even a light breeze or drizzle can fundamentally change the course of a match. We tell you how bad weather affects the game, players' nervous breakdowns, and how modern technology tries to minimize the "intervention" of nature in Grand Slam tournaments.

Wind — the main irritant

Gusty wind is a nightmare for any tennis player. It turns the ball into an unpredictable projectile. An ideally calculated serve can suddenly go out of bounds, and a sliced shot may not reach the net. Players have to adjust their game: hit with less spin, use the "drop shot" more often, and move shorter distances. Such matches turn into a lottery, where the one with stronger nerves wins (for example, Novak Djokovic is famous for his ability to play in the wind).

Rain: stop-play and psychology

Prolonged rain is the main enemy of the schedule. Matches are postponed, players lose their rhythm. Tennis players who were leading with a break come out on the court completely different after a 2-hour break. Rain at Wimbledon (where there are no roofs over all courts except the central one) is especially dangerous. Even a brief shower makes the court slippery, the ball heavier and slower.

Adaptation and technology in 2026

In 2026, most Masters 1000 and Grand Slam tournaments use enclosed stadiums with retractable roofs (like at Roland Garros). However, wind on open courts remains a problem. To combat rain, automatic court covers (special tents) are used, which unfold in a minute.

Psychological resilience

A true champion has the ability to abstract from the weather. Unlike novices, who start arguing with the referee over the wind, leaders use bad weather as a hidden advantage. A well-known case: Rafael Nadal often asked to wipe the court with a towel even in light drizzle to disrupt his opponent's rhythm.

Permanent link to this publication: