​Sometimes it helps to have Wimbledon questions answered by people who know those famous courts inside out. So we gathered a few of your inquiries about playing at the All England Club and asked former mixed doubles champion Jamie Murray for his insights. Jamie Murray, who won Wimbledon’s mixed doubles titles in 2007 with Jelena Jankovic and in 2017 with Martina Hingis, shares his thoughts on a range of topics.
Question: What is the maximum size of a tennis racquet? James in Dorset and David in Llanwnog asked. Jamie: Most standard tennis racquets are 27 inches in length. Some players use longer ones, adding a quarter to a half inch. The maximum allowed length is 29 inches, but I don’t know anyone who comes close to that limit.
Question: Does heat affect the tennis balls? Richard in Purley asked. Jamie: Yes, heat does affect them. In hotter conditions, balls tend to travel faster through the air and bounce is livelier because the surface becomes more reactive. Heat makes the balls fly through the air more quickly.
Question: What are players looking for when checking tennis balls at each serve? Margaret in Kent and Ann in South Yorkshire asked. Jamie: Players typically take three or four balls to the service line before serving. They want the newest, smoothest ball because a newer ball goes through the air more quickly, which can help with serves and the chance to win free points.
Question: What do the pros do with last year’s tennis bag, and are their tennis shoes custom-made? If so, do they get more width around the toes? Gordon in Newcastle asked. Jamie: Most players take their bags home after Grand Slams, either to give away or store them. As for shoes, I don’t think players have custom-made footwear. Brands usually produce standard models, and players pick ones that suit them, rather than having bespoke footwear made.
Question: Jamie Murray would wear sunglasses during doubles matches. Are all players allowed to wear them? Hilary in Leighton Buzzard asked. Jamie: Regulations allow players to wear sunglasses, but most do not. I wore sunglasses for 13 years to protect my eyes and reduce glare, especially in sunny venues like Australia and the United States. Lens quality from modern brands is excellent, which leaves some wondering why more players don’t use them.
Question: Why don’t professional tennis players wear sunglasses? Jane in Wedmore, Rona in Helensburg, Alec in Leeds, and Jill in Hampshire asked. Jamie: I’m not certain why many pros don’t wear them, but I did for years to protect my eyes and to combat glare. Today’s lenses are superb, and that’s part of the reason more players might consider using them.
Question: Do players use sunscreen, because it isn’t obvious when they apply it? Richard in Plymouth and Jane in Northampton asked. Jamie: All players wear sunscreen, but they apply it in the locker room before taking the court. Applying sunscreen on-court would cause it to sweat off quickly and could make hands slippery. After applying in private, most players then wear a cap to minimize sun exposure without needing on-court sunscreen touch-ups.
These are the kinds of practical details that can influence performance on center court. If you have more questions about Wimbledon, I’d be glad to share Jamie Murray’s perspective or add further context about the gear, routines, and conditions you’re curious about.