Blue Or Red? The New Color Of Madrid's Clay

This isn't Roland Garros. This is the Madrid Open. To Rafael Nadal's disappointment, though, red clay may be a trend of the past. At least in Madrid.

Although it's not a clay-court revolution the tennis champion feels is a great idea, the Spanish tournament didn't care. When Nadal's sneakers touch clay in Spain's capital next year, they will be a part of history with the first officially sanctioned Tour event played on blue clay.

But this wasn't just a change for trend's sake. The developer, former French Open doubles champion Ion Tiriac believes the blue clay will actually create a visual contrast that will help the professionals.

From CNN:

"On the blue court, the contrast is much better," he told CNN. "I'm sure the spectators are going to say, 'Wow, we can see the ball better.' It's proved scientifically the ball and the contrast is at least 15 per cent better on the blue than the red."

That 15 percent contrast is costing the tournament double than red clay.

Don't worry Rafa, it's been tested that the only difference is the color contrast. You'll still get that slow ball speed you like to dominate the rest of the tour.