The Athletic follows the intense action of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships held at the All England Club in London. Grass, while traditional, offers a unique set of challenges for tennis players. Tommy Paul, ranked No. 25 in the world, highlights an interesting paradox about playing on grass. His advice is simple: learn to fall properly, because on grass, falling becomes inevitable.
Players like defending champion Jannik Sinner, despite taking falls, continue to compete effectively because of preparation. The first days of Wimbledon showcase lush grass, making it the slipperiest surface. Sinner recently had a scare with potential knee injury, yet bounced back skillfully. “Grass court is like this,” he remarked.
Maja Chwalińska, this year’s French Open finalist, wasn’t as fortunate. With match point against Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew, she slipped, injuring her ankle. This injury compromised her game’s performance, reflecting the danger grass presents.
Other players like Camilo Ugo Carabelli from Argentina and Denis Shapovalov from Canada had to retire from their matches due to injuries sustained on the slick grass. Alexander Zverev and Coco Gauff, however, managed to recover swiftly after their falls.
Why Grass Matters
Grass at Wimbledon remains traditional but comes with risks. Paul, celebrated for his grass-court prowess, notes the adaptation of strategies for grass singularities. Grass at Queen’s differs from Wimbledon due to the surface being more played-in, favoring player Francisco Cerúndolo’s play style. Yet, Cerúndolo exited early at Wimbledon.
Jessica Pegula, Paul’s compatriot, seeks advice on avoiding falls, emphasizing preventive measures. Paul’s insights on falling correctly without risking injury are valuable.
Handling Falls and Movement
Taylor Fritz, a previous Wimbledon semifinalist and No. 6 seed, credits his hypermobility for handling grass-induced falls without injury. He expresses movement limitations due to surface unpredictability.
Ben Shelton discusses controlling pace to mitigate fall risks and effective body control. This aspect of play demands athletes limit speed for stability, alongside understanding grass-specific dynamics.
Prominent players, including Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka, exhibit sliding techniques adjusted for grass. Both acknowledge being vigilant on grass compared to other surfaces.
Aryna Sabalenka stresses speed and foot positioning to prevent slides, likening agility to that of a cat. Her successful gameplay reflects this approach.
For many athletes, embracing the inevitability of falling, coupled with quick recovery, may offer key advantages. Frances Tiafoe and Madison Keys emphasize resilience, suggesting brushing off falls and continuing with confidence.
As Wimbledon progresses, the iconic grass remains both an ally and adversary. Tennis professionals adjust techniques not only to navigate the surface but embrace the spontaneity and tradition that grass provides, reinforcing the unique challenge Wimbledon embodies.