Sounds like they were just looking for something to attract more attention to the tournament, but seems really really stupid.
MADRID (AP) Venus Williams thinks it's a fashion statement. A Canadian player describes it as ''Smurf clay.'' Rafael Nadal calls it a mistake.
The Madrid Open is receiving extra attention this year as the Masters Series event for men and women will be the first top-level tournament played on blue clay instead of the traditional red surface.
Roger Federer and Andy Murray are open to trying the unorthodox color, with Maria Sharapova calling it unique after practicing on it. Local favorite Nadal, who has yet to set foot on the blue clay, has probably been the strongest critic. He's worried the blue court could ''destabilize'' his preparations for the French Open.
''I don't support that. The history of the clay court season was on red, it wasn't on blue,'' the six-time French Open champion, widely considered clay's greatest player, said at the Monte Carlo Open.
''I love all improvements (but this) is a mistake. The players (don't) win nothing. Tennis doesn't win nothing. One person wins. Only the owner of the tournament wins.''
The Madrid Open is receiving extra attention this year as the Masters Series event for men and women will be the first top-level tournament played on blue clay instead of the traditional red surface.
Roger Federer and Andy Murray are open to trying the unorthodox color, with Maria Sharapova calling it unique after practicing on it. Local favorite Nadal, who has yet to set foot on the blue clay, has probably been the strongest critic. He's worried the blue court could ''destabilize'' his preparations for the French Open.
''I don't support that. The history of the clay court season was on red, it wasn't on blue,'' the six-time French Open champion, widely considered clay's greatest player, said at the Monte Carlo Open.
''I love all improvements (but this) is a mistake. The players (don't) win nothing. Tennis doesn't win nothing. One person wins. Only the owner of the tournament wins.''
