Players’ initial reactions to Madrid Open’s controversial blue clay

The Madrid Open’s new blue clay has caused a wide variety of reactions. (Photos courtesy Kevin Fischer/WTA)

Maria Sharapova described it as “unique.” In Charleston, Serena Williams told me it was “ridiculous.” And Rafael Nadal has been the most vocal critic of all, saying Madrid’s blue clay is an affront to all that is holy in the sport of tennis (paraphrasing, of course). As the players are trickling into Madrid in order to get some early preparation we’re finally beginning to get some feedback as to what the surface is actually like, as opposed to speculation and conjecture.

Initial reactions? It’s messy, it’s slippery, and it’s bouncing lower than usual, which is a key observation given the fact that Madrid’s altitude has typically led to a very fast, high-bouncing court. Oh, and it’s blue. Oh so blue.

After the jump check out some of the players’ initial reactions. I’m sure we’ll get more as the tournament nears.

Swimming pool or courts lol? http://t.co/YSRaTdU7—
Svetlana Kuznetsova (@SvetlanaK27) May 02, 2012

Hitting on the Smurf clay, the bounce is lower and the 2 courts I practiced on were a bit more slippery than usual. img.ly/hKJ1—
Milos Raonic (@milosraonic) May 02, 2012

First hit on blue clay😄looks cool but also a bit strange😜—
Julia Goerges (@juliagoerges) May 02, 2012

This is where all clay stays))) http://t.co/RK8seYiU—
Svetlana Kuznetsova (@SvetlanaK27) May 02, 2012

Loving the blue courts in Madrid-or maybe I just love thinking I'm on a hardcourt! #mindgames—
Lisa Raymond (@lisaraymond73) May 02, 2012

Look how it finish the shoes after the practice in the blue clay in Madrid yfrog.com/od5zofwj—
galo blanco (@galo_blanco) May 02, 2012

I'm blue da ba dee da ba die…PS. Love it!Its look better on shoes and socks too!@MutuaMadridOpen yfrog.com/mmq7wqwj—
Alla Kudryavtseva (@AllaK11) May 02, 2012

Good humor and an open mind. That’s what’ll help the players adjust quickly and treat the surface as less of a novelty and more like the state of play at the moment. Of course, it’s all fun and games until you start losing on it. Can’t wait to see what they say then.