“I think it’s a ball that doesn’t get the same spin as usual. After a couple of hits,the ball loses the pressure. It’s more difficult to hit with the right spin.
“I think it is easier to play when you play flatter on the shots. But I need to live with it. I think I have practised enough with the ball to be ready for it.”
Stan Wawrinka,who defeated Nadal to win the 2014 Australian Open,said the assessment of the 22-time grand slam champion was correct,but said players would adapt to the change.
“The balls are a bit different this year,it is true,” he said.
“I have already tested them (from December) and it is true there is a big difference after you have used them for a few games than when they are new. They lose a lot of pop and … it is completely different.”
Australian veteran John Millman,who plays Switzerland’s Marc-Andrea Huesler in the opening round on Monday,identified a change in the way the balls were playing last month.