Gaining insight into the prestigious All England Club is best done through those who have walked its grass. We asked two-time mixed doubles champion Jamie Murray, who secured titles in 2007 with Jelena Jankovic and 2017 with Martina Hingis, to answer your questions about professional play.
Addressing the maximum size of a racquet, Murray noted that while the standard length is 27 inches, regulations permit up to 29 inches. However, he mentioned that virtually no professionals utilize a racquet that long. Regarding environmental conditions, Murray confirmed that high heat causes tennis balls to move faster through the air and bounce more aggressively off the court surface.
When players select balls before a serve, they are searching for the newest and smoothest options to increase speed and improve their chances of winning points. Murray explained that while pros generally store or donate their used tournament bags, they rely on standard retail footwear rather than bespoke custom-made shoes.
On the topic of eyewear, Murray admitted he does not know why more players do not wear sunglasses, noting that he wore them for 13 years to manage glare during tournaments in Australia and the United States. Finally, regarding sun protection, Murray clarified that players apply sunscreen in private locker rooms beforehand to avoid slippery hands on court. Many players opt to wear caps to keep sweat and sun protection out of their eyes during matches.
