Players pleased Madrid Open banished blue courts

MANILA, Philippines – The Madrid Open appears to have put last year’s controversy over the blue clay courts firmly behind it, with some of the world’s top-ranked players praising the newly built red dust replacements. Seventeen-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer and world No. 1 Novak Djokovic both said the blue courts were too slippery. But organizers previously argued that the color made it easier for television viewers to follow the balls. Now, all the courts have been completely rebuilt, and Djokovic and Federer are pleased with the decision. --Mornings @ ANC, May 6, 2013