Men and women will be playing with the same balls at the 2023 US Open – Wilson extra duty tennis ball. The tournament announced the news after getting complaints from female players who were using regular-duty balls until last year.

Though the US Open took a lot of criticism for the ball, it’s the WTA that chooses which balls the women play with. US Open is the only grand tournament that uses different balls for men and women.

After last year’s controversy, USTA President Stacy Allaster asked the players to talk to the WTA and the players’ council and ask for a change of balls at the US Open.

Last year, Swiatek complained that the ball appeared light, saying, “After a few games, really, the conditions are totally changing, because they get more and more light. They’re losing fluffiness. It’s hard to sometimes adjust.”

Women were playing with regular felt balls to reduce arm, elbow, and wrist injuries. But today’s women players are strong and can hit the heavy balls. In fact, the Wilson extra-duty tennis balls are recommended for hard courts by Wilson.

Iga Swiatek has been appointed a global ambassador for Visa. For someone who has been termed unmarketable because she is from Poland, it’s a massive accomplishment for Swiatek.

With the Visa partnership, Swiatek will become the face of tennis in Visa’s Team Visa program which supports athletes’ goals on and off the tennis court.

Team Visa program includes more than 600 athletes. Speaking of her collaboration with Visa, Swiatek said:

I started my career in tennis at a young age and even if I’m still learning, I’m trying to use my voice and become a role model for other young people. Joining Team Visa with so many incredible athletes will help me continue to advocate for what’s important to me, advancing the sport and social issues that matter most to me.

Team Visa is the sponsor of the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics. Having a big brand backing her will improve her visibility across the world. Despite being the top-ranked player, Swiatek makes less money in endorsements than Emma Raducanu and many other players who are yet to win a grand slam.