Latest news with #tennisballs
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fact Check: Serving up the truth about Wimbledon donating balls as new homes for threatened harvest mice
Claim: Some of the 55,000 balls used during the Wimbledon tennis tournament are annually upcycled into homes for threatened harvest mice. Rating: As the annual Wimbledon tennis championships played out from June to July in 2025, social media users claimed that the thousands of tennis balls used at the tournament get second lives as homes for tiny mice facing habitat loss. For example, one Instagram user shared an image (archived) with text that read: "55,000 tennis balls are turned into homes for harvest mice after Wimbledon." The caption of the post, which had amassed nearly 20,000 likes as of this writing, claimed that the balls "are donated to conservation groups" that cut out small entrances for the mice to enter in "grassy meadows and hedgerows." Similar iterations of the rumor appeared on Facebook (archived) and Reddit (archived). In short, while Wimbledon has previously donated some of its tennis balls for conservation groups to use as homes for harvest mice, these donations appear to have been one-offs. For this reason, we have rated this claim as outdated. The oldest source for the alleged donation appeared to come from a 2001 BBC article, which at the time stated that some of the tournament's 36,000 tennis balls were donated to The Wildlife Trusts — a British federation of wildlife conservation charities — to be recycled as homes for harvest mice. A 2003 BBC article featured a small follow-up note to that story, stating that Wimbledon had donated 350 tennis balls to The Wildlife Trusts two years earlier. Snopes contacted The Wildlife Trusts and Wimbledon to confirm if the tournament has continued to make such donations and, if so, for details about what is included in them. A spokesperson for The Wildlife Trusts said: "Unfortunately, the tennis ball story is very out of date as we haven't worked with Wimbledon in this way for some time." Similarly, a Wimbledon spokesperson confirmed that the story about harvest mice was an old one. In 2011, The Guardian newspaper reported that Wimbledon again donated tennis balls to house mice, this time at the request of an aquarium in northern England. The Guardian did not say how many tennis balls were donated at the time. It was not possible to find more recent articles about the tournament making such donations, although other tennis clubs in the U.K. have reportedly gifted tennis balls for the same purpose. While not endangered globally, harvest mice are considered "Near Threatened" in the U.K., according to the Mammal Society, a British charity. Harvest mice are Britain's smallest rodent, which means a tennis ball with a hole cut into it can be a place for the mice to rest safe from their predators. During the tournament, Wimbledon sells its used tennis balls on-site, and the proceeds go to the Wimbledon Foundation, its charity organization. Wimbledon has been selling its used tennis balls for the last several years, according to the tournament's spokesperson. Wimbledon's website did not include any information on the fate of unused and unsold tennis balls, but Keith Prowse, a sports hospitality company that partners with Wimbledon, said they are donated or recycled in the weeks and months after the tournament finishes. Keith Prowse's website added: "Previously, some of the balls have been donated to the UK Wildlife Trust who cut them up and used them to make homes for harvest mice!" "Harvest Mouse." Mammal Society, Accessed 16 July 2025. "Having a Ball at Wimbledon!" BBC, 2003, Accessed 16 July 2025. "'New Balls, Please' for Mice Homes." BBC, 25 June 2001, Accessed 16 July 2025. "The Championships, Wimbledon Facts and Figures." Accessed 16 July 2025. Wainwright, Martin. "What Happens to Wimbledon's Used Balls? Ask Cumbria's Mice." The Guardian, 29 June 2011, Accessed 16 July 2025. "Watermead County Park Mice to Live in Tennis Balls." BBC, 26 Apr. 2013, Accessed 16 July 2025. "What Happens Post Wimbledon | Tennis | Keith Prowse." 16 Aug. 2022, Accessed 16 July 2025. Solve the daily Crossword
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Travel + Leisure
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Travel + Leisure
The Best Tennis Bags to Protect Your Rackets Wherever You Go
Sure, you can show up to the tennis courts with just your tennis racket and a few tennis balls in tow (a good way to intimidate your opponents). But if you're serious about your gear, and prefer to keep your things organized, having a tennis bag is a must. The best tennis bags are spacious, comfortable to carry, keep your gear safe, and let you tote everything you'll need for a match, practice session, or lesson. I've been on the hunt for the best tennis bags for a while now, having realized that a simple canvas tote bag isn't quite enough for all of my gear. I need better protection for my rackets, more pockets for sweaty t-shirts and socks, and a few extra compartments for my keys, phone, wallet, and other everyday essentials. After testing a variety of bags, here are the best options to keep your gear safe and organized for every trip. The Tumi Tennis Racket Bag delivers the well-loved brand's signature blend of sophisticated design and smart functionality for tennis players. It holds up to two rackets in a dedicated split main compartment, keeping them protected from your other gear. Tumi thoughtfully addressed organization, utilizing specific pockets for all of your items, including an internal mesh pocket designed for up to three tennis balls, a media pocket, and multiple zip pockets for valuables and gear. We were impressed that the bag was easy to access even when hung up, a promise a lot of tennis bags make, but can't always follow through on. We think the bag is extremely well made and would hold up to rigorous use—we even wore it in the rain and had no issues with durability and the bag protected our gear easily. Its carrying options are exceptionally versatile: choose from comfortable top handles with a leather wrap, an innovative magnetic shoulder strap system that cleverly converts into backpack straps, or slide it over luggage handles using Tumi's Add-a-bag sleeve for travel. We tested the bag on multiple trips to Long Island City, via car and subway, and thought the bag made it easy to comfortably move around in both cases. Tumi also added some clever details to make it more practical for frequent use, such as an air vent to keep things from getting too stinky, a hideaway hook for easy fence attachment, a magnetic luggage tag, and an integrated key leash. And, like other Tumi bags, it includes access to the Tumi Tracer program, allowing you to track the bag with your phone. The Details: 12.5 x 29 x 2.5 inches | 2 racket capacity Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Babolat $100 at Amazon View on A versatile choice for players needing smart storage, the Babolat Pure Aero backpack is a great choice for players on a budget. We found that the bag's foldable racket compartment was about maxed out holding two rackets, though three should fit. When not needed, this section folds away neatly in the front of the pack. The bag uses a durable, water-resistant outer shell to keep your gear dry and utilizes Babolat's eco-conscious, dye-free lining that also protects against temperature changes. In addition to our two rackets, we also were able to pack the bag with a couple of sleeves of balls and a pair of tennis shoes, but we did notice that the bag could quickly feel overstuffed, so we think it's best for players who like to travel light. Finally, we love that we could pack a laptop in the bag along with all the tennis gear we need for a practice game or match. The Details: 13 x 8 x 30 inches | 3 racket capacity Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Caraa The Caraa Tennis Duffel is one of the most stylish bags we've seen, one we found to be perfect for casual sessions or as a versatile weekender bag. Its distinctive quilted exterior is made from water-repellent recycled materials and is paired with a water-resistant, antimicrobial lining for added protection. The dedicated, insulated racket compartment on the exterior was able to comfortably hold two rackets, keeping them secure and protected from the elements. Inside, we found the duffel to be incredibly organized, featuring perfectly sized water bottle and ball pockets, a zippered pocket, and open compartments to keep essentials easily accessible. Carrying is a breeze thanks to the comfortable, long over-the-shoulder handles with vegan leather accents, preventing shoulder strain. Despite its generous capacity for shoes, balls, and personal items, its design ensures it's never cumbersome, making it an ideal, durable companion for court-goers and travelers alike. The Details: 14.5 x 24 x 8.5 inches | 2 racket capacity Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure An ideal tennis bag for players who need to carry a ton of gear or like to tote the entire family's worth of rackets, the Wilson Shift Super Tour 9 is a great option. We were easily able to pack the bag with three rackets (though it can fit nine), multiple cans of balls, shoes, a change of clothes, and all of our tennis essentials. Its two main internal racket compartments feature an iridescent Thermoguard lining, offering excellent protection against extreme temperatures to keep your rackets and strings protected. While two external zippered compartments provide additional storage, we thought that more internal organization for dirty clothes or shoes would be a nice addition. We found the backpack straps to be comfortable and balanced while carrying, making even a fully packed bag feel remarkably light and easy to maneuver, even in spite of its large size. Built with lightweight, durable materials, the bag showed no signs of wear even after rigorous testing at a local club. Ultimately, we think it's a strong, structured bag that will withstand years of regular play and travel. The Details: 29 x 13 x 13 inches | 9 racket capacity Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Vessel One of the most well-respected brands in the golf and tennis worlds, Vessel is a great choice for the racket sport athlete. We like that the Baseline 2.0 DXR racket Bag emphasizes premium protection, particularly against temperature extremes (a must for summer tennis). It features a dedicated racket compartment lined with thermal insulation, specifically designed to shield your frames and strings from the damaging effects of extreme weather conditions. Aside from the insulating liner, we found the bag to have plenty of redeeming qualities. It has a spacious main compartment where we could stuff an extra racket, a few sleeves of balls, an extra shirt, and a towel. There's a dedicated shoe compartment and a valuables pocket with a magnetic closure for easy access to your phone, keys, or wallet as well. The Details: 13 x 12 x 29 inches | 6 racket capacity Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Leatherology Blending style and practicality with its heavy-duty organic cotton canvas and premium Italian leather trim, the Leatherology Tennis Sling is a great option for players who just need to carry a racket or two, plus some tennis balls. Space in the bag may be limited, but we think it's a stylish accessory that's perfect for a quick weekend match or taking the train to a new court for a hitting session with a friend. Its clever design features an expandable gusset to comfortably hold one or two rackets. Inside, you'll find a zippered pocket and a full-panel mesh pocket, ideal for organizing essentials like keys, a phone, or your wallet. The adjustable strap is comfortable and holds the rackets close to the body, which is nice for navigating busy areas or public transportation on the way to the court. The Details: 11.5 x 1.5 x 17.5 inches | 2 racket capacity Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon $275 at Amazon View on The ADV Tennis Bag is clearly designed with the tournament player in mind. Its standout features include a generous six racket capacity with a dedicated thermal-lined compartment that can protect two rackets from extreme temperatures and weather. During testing, we packed the bag with four rackets, shoes, extra clothes, towel, a water bottle, snacks, resistance bands, and tennis balls—an impressive haul. The bag's organization is its superpower, offering separate spaces for shoes, clothes (even dirty ones), toiletries, and valuables, plus a clever built-in cooler to keep your water cold. We thought the bag was durable and comfortable to carry, but we did note that its bulk made it difficult to carry in busy areas or through tight doorways. If space is limited, we probably wouldn't recommend this bag. However, if you are driving to the courts or aren't worried about having room to move on your way to the racket club, we think this is a great pick. The Details: 30 x 14 x 12 inches | 6 racket capacity Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure We tested a variety of tennis bags, taking them to our local recreational courts and indoor tennis clubs across the country from San Francisco to New York City. We made sure to test a wide variety of bags, from slings to huge tournament-ready bags that can carry rackets, clothes, gear, and even laptops. We made notes of our first impressions, digging around in each bag to get a feel for how much space we had for our gear, whether we could fit essentials like phone, keys, and water bottles, and did a once-over for quality. From there, we loaded the bags up and headed out to play. We put the bags through their paces, traveling to casual games with friends, tennis clinics and lessons, and competitive play. We also packed the bags in larger suitcases to determine how compatible they are for flying. On each outing, we looked at how our rackets fit and if they were protected, how the bag was to carry on public transportation, and whose needs it might be best suited for. We yanked on zippers, threw the bags around (just a little bit), and examined their overall durability. Look for bags made from sturdy, water-resistant materials with quality zippers and reinforced stitching to withstand regular use and protect your gear from the elements. Features like padded compartments and thermal lining are crucial for keeping your rackets protected against impacts and extreme temperatures, which is essential to preserve frame integrity and string tension. Investing in durability ensures your bag lasts longer and keeps your equipment safe. Consider bags with dedicated compartments for rackets, shoes (ideally a ventilated pocket), apparel, water bottles, balls, and smaller accessories like keys, phone, and grips. Well-designed pockets help you find items quickly, keep clean clothes separate from sweaty gear or shoes, and prevent items from getting damaged. Good organizations makes packing and accessing your essentials much more convenient before and after play, especially if you are going to be taking your tennis bag on a long trip. While most tennis bags accommodate standard adult racket lengths (typically around 27 inches), ensure the designated racket compartment provides a secure fit without excessive movement. This helps protect the frames and strings during transport. More importantly, choose a bag capacity based on the number of rackets you regularly carry with you. Frequently Asked Questions Consider how many rackets you need to carry and the amount of extra gear you like to keep with you. Think balls, extra clothes, towels, water, and the like. Choose a racket capacity and carry style that suits your needs—if you never need to carry more than two rackets, you probably don't need one made to carry nine. Also, features like thermal-lined compartments for racket protection and dedicated pockets for organization are a must. Most tennis bags are suitable as a carry-on bag, but check your airline's specific policies regarding size and weight limits on sports equipment, as the largest tennis bags may need to be checked. Pack your rackets securely, often buffered by clothes or a towel, and consider using a durable bag or hard case for better protection during transit. Organize your bag by placing rackets in their designated compartment first, utilizing the thermal lining (if available). Next, use the remaining pockets for shoes, balls, water bottles, towels, extra apparel, grips, and personal items to keep things tidy and accessible. Make sure heavier items are balanced for comfortable carrying and security if you do end up checking your tennis bag. Will Porter has spent the past few years breaking back into tennis by taking lessons and playing matches with friends. He's a devout gear obsessive, so picking out the right bag has been a long journey, making sure he can not only keep his rackets safe and protected, but also keep all the gear he needs on him each time he hits the courts. He worked with the T+L team to test a variety of tennis bags to find the best options for all travelers. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
The Sun
02-07-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
People are just realising Wimbledon tennis balls become homes for MICE thanks to genius initiative
WIMBLEDON tennis balls have a second life after being used at the All England Club. Around 55,000 balls are expected to be used at this year's championship. 2 2 And although some will continue to be used for their intended purpose, many more will be upcycled and used as homes for mice. In partnership with the Wildlife Trust in Avon, Glamorgan and Northumberland, balls have been donated to protect harvest mice. The Wimbledon balls are modified by cutting small openings which allow the thumb-sized mice to burrow into. They are then placed in tall grass, which is where the mice are often found, or on mounted on poles to help them escape predators. The balls also protect the mice from extreme weather conditions. The initiative began in 2000 as harvest mice became endangered following the loss of their habitat as a result of farming and flooding. Fans love the scheme with one saying: "Wonderful idea❣️" Another added: "Love this." A third wrote: "This is very adorable 😍"
The Sun
14-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Surprising £1 item helps to remove oil from the surface of your paddling pool – you don't have to do any work
THE temperatures are rising and the Sun is shining which means Brits will be digging out their paddling pools from garden shed and garages. But after washing it and filling it up with water, it can still be unsuitable to play in for kids as oil can collect on the surface. 2 2 However, you don't need to refill your paddling pool every time that happens. In a cost of living crisis, it could cost you a pretty penny if you are on water meter and pay for the water you use. Instead of wasting time, money and precious water, you can use a simple and cheap solution that could fix the problem. The easiest way to get rid of oil is by throwing in a few tennis balls. Their texture will absorb all of the oil that was left from sunscreen, sweat, cosmetics and sebum. The best part is it will only cost you £1 to do so, as tennis balls sell for this bargain price in Poundland. You can even leave some tennis balls in the pool to keep the oil away. A pack of three tennis balls will set you back a mere £1, and they can even be useful if you have dogs or want to pick up a new hobby. If you want to keep using the pool this summer, it's important to keep it clean to avoid refilling it. You can lower costs by buying sterilising fluid or using a filter - which means you don't have to keep filling your pool up. Mum shares the £64.99 paddling pool that won't leave you puffed out blowing it up & it's perfect for the warm weather Sterilising fluid can be picked up for as little as £4.20 for a litre, from Sainsbury's and will help stop the growth of bacteria and algae. Or you could get a filter that you place into your pool - when we checked prices online at Amazon, we found the cheapest ones would cost around £13.00 Another Poundland find will transform your garden furniture for only £2 as it instantly lifts mildew stains. Alternatively, a kitchen ingredient can also be used to scrub up your garden set.
Daily Mail
30-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Dr Chris Brown warns dog owners to NEVER play fetch with tennis balls
Australian vet Dr Chris Brown has issued a grave warning to dog owners about playing fetch with tennis balls. The Bondi Vet revealed things he would never do as a pet owner - including a popular game thousands of Aussies play with their dogs. Appearing on Sunrise, hosts Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington asked the animal expert why he's against letting dogs chase tennis balls, as this seemingly innocuous park activity can come with long-term health risks. 'This is a big one so a lot of dogs are absolutely ball obsessed, ball is life... they'd chase a ball but that puts a lot of stress on their joints,' Brown explained. 'You'll see border collies down in the park just chasing ball after ball. They generally get early onset arthritis in the hips and in their knees from the forces on their joints.' It wasn't the only concern the Channel Seven TV host had about dogs playing with tennis balls. Interestingly, the vet explained that the materials and construction of tennis balls are not designed with a dog's mouth in mind. 'The fur on a tennis ball is highly abrasive because it needs to withstand hard courts when you're playing tennis,' Brown said. As a result, the vet noted that dogs who constantly chew on tennis balls are prone to tooth erosion. 'Ball obsessed dogs often have worn down teeth,' he said, adding that this can become a problematic health issue for dogs as they get older. Elsewhere in the interview, Brown explained why pet owners should never feed their dogs more than once a day. 'This is an interesting one,' the vet said. 'Similar to human intermittent fasting, there's genuine research around the fact that if you feed your dog once a day, they will live longer and have a lower risk of cognitive decline-like doggy dementia - compared to feeding them two to three times a day. 'So (feeding once a day) helps to regulate their blood flow, sugar, insulin release and actually means their brain stays younger for longer.' Surprisingly, many pet owners agreed with the vet's advice to avoid using tennis balls when playing with dogs. 'Completely agree with the ball thing as someone who worked in the dog industry,' one said. 'My adult dogs are fed once a day in the afternoon. Always have. And agree with the tennis ball... been there, done that,' another shared. 'The ball theory is true' 'The ball theory is true - my dog just recovered from ball injury and now back to square one with new injury,' one revealed. While another was stunned be the advice, saying: 'Can't believe a border collie can't chase a ball as it effects its joints. These dogs run for miles zipping in and out of sheep - surely a thrown ball can't do more damage?' When one person questioned why ball chasing games would be an issue for herding dogs - which are built for long stretches of running - another person helpfully pointed out that the two activities are quite different. 'The sudden jolting stop to get the ball can tear their ligaments', they responded. '[When they are] herding sheep they are not doing sudden jolting stops close to the ground.' Brown's segment also called out cat owners for a common habit. The TV vet recommended that a cat should never be left alone for extended periods of time - and certainly no longer than 24 hours. 'All the research is now showing that cats actually experience a level of cortisol increase when we leave the house or leave them alone,' he explained, adding that this can result in them experiencing 'more separation anxiety than dogs do'. The revelation stunned Barr, who said she'd always had the impression that cats seemed unfussed about whether people were around or not. 'It's probably a surprise for a lot of people,' Brown agreed. 'A lot of people think that cats are very independent and sometimes a bit aloof. 'They like to give the impression that they don't need you.' The vet said the tell-tale signs of a cat experiencing stress or separation anxiety included a 'sneaky' vomit, weight loss, or 'licking themselves a lot'. Brown said that all these signs pointed towards a cat who is 'actually quite stressed and experiencing extreme separation anxiety'. The animal expert concluded that '24 hours alone is the absolute limit' for a cat to be left alone. 'Don't go away for the weekend and leave them without any sort of care or attention,' he added.
