Slipping and sliding to major tennis success

Engineers at the University of Sheffield are working with the International Tennis Federation (ITF) on a device that can measure the effects of friction on tennis courts. Modern tennis players like Nadal, Murray and Djokovic don't just run around the court, they slide around it too. It's a move that wows audiences and amateurs, and can often give those players the edge over their opponents. Keen to keep players informed and audiences entertained, the Sheffield team's research will help tennis professionals to understand and measure tennis court friction, ensuring the world's best players are able to slide to success. Sliding on clay courts like those at Roland Garros is made easy due to the low-friction nature of the surface. On hard courts, where the friction is much higher, sliding to meet the ball is much like sliding on the pavement. It's a move that has come to the attention of expert observers - including those at the ITF - keen to understand what this new move means for players and for courts.