Madrid tournament owner Ion Tiriac tells DPA that despite the controversy over his selection of blue clay for the event, he is already working on another innovation: Phosphorescent green or orange balls. "We will improve the ball well," he said. "We think it fluorescent green or fluorescent orange, which grabs more light and works best in contrast with the blue clay."
Tiriac added that he has yet to consult the ATP about the new balls. He did admit that the new surface is too slippery and needs to be fixed, but added that, "two weeks ago in Monte Carlo [on red clay] three players broke their legs. Today, after five days of the tournament, I am more convinced than ever that the blue clay is a great step forward."
The Romanian does not believe there is danger that ATP will force the tournament to return to red clay next year.