No.2013-SP47
Issue Date: July 16, 2013
Dunlop to Release Three Enhanced Tennis Ball Models
~More durable, with the same great feel~
Dunlop Sports Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Kobe, Japan; President: Yasushi Nojiri) is pleased to
announce the release of enhanced versions of three of its tennis ball models: the FORT and
SRIXON, which are long-running favorites for use as official game balls in numerous major
tournaments; and the St. JAMES, our popular practice ball. Each product has been made even
better while respecting the original feel. All products will be released throughout Japan on
September 9, 2013, with open pricing.
History of FORT
In the more than 80 years since Dunlop first began manufacturing tennis balls in Japan in
1930, we have continued to support the Japanese tennis scene through the pursuit of
consistent performance and quality. The FORT ball has undergone numerous improvements
since its debut in 1961 (in 4-ball canisters). In 2011, to commemorate the 50 th anniversary of
its release, a limited-edition canister containing four white balls with the original design was
made available.
History of SRIXON
Since its debut in 2007, the nimble, fast-playing SRIXON tennis ball has been used in
numerous international tournaments. Now SRIXON tennis balls have been newly selected
for use as the official game ball of the Shanghai Rolex Masters international men’s tennis
tournament (ATP World Tour Masters 1000), for the next three years starting in 2013*.
* Please see the following press release regarding the Dunlop official supplier agreement to
the Shanghai Rolex Masters: http://www.dunlopsports.co.jp/en/press/file/90.pdf
Enhancements to tennis balls
Durability has been improved without affecting the ball’s original feel. Major upgrades are as
follows:
(1) Enhanced core durability (applies to: FORT, SRIXON)
Manufacturing parameters during core production were revisited to produce a strong,
consistent-quality half core with 10% increased durability.
(2) Enhanced abrasion resistance for ball markings (applies to: all models)
Ball markings have undergone a full reform, with new lettering and coloring and a thicker
application of ink for improved abrasion resistance.
(3) SRIXON’s melton covering made more durable (applies to: SRIXON)
The dyeing process for the melton covering has been changed, reducing the fluffiness of the
melton. The new dyeing process results in a slightly different coloring than the high-visibility
color previously used, similar to that of the FORT.
(4) Fully redesigned packaging (applies to: all products)
Packaging has been fully redesigned.
FORT: First design change since 1998
SRIXON: First design change since its 2007 debut
St. JAMES: First design change since 2009
Major tournaments planning to use the new balls in 2013
FORT
National Sports Festival (Tennis)
Teijin All Japan Veterans’ Tennis Championships
All Japan Indoor Inter College Tennis Championships
Nikke All Japan Tennis
SRIXON
Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships
Shanghai Rolex Masters
HP Japan Women’s Open Tennis
Dunlop Japan Open Junior Tennis Championships
Dunlop World Challenge Tennis Tournament
Tennis ball specifications
FORT
SRIXON
St. JAMES
Ball type
Pressurized tennis ball
Color
Yellow
Materials
Melton wool, nylon, cotton; rubber core
Price
Open
Country of
manufacture
Thailand
Accreditation
International Tennis Federation approved ball;
Japan Tennis Association approved ball
Specifications
2 balls per canister/1case (30 cans)
Japan Tennis Association
endorsed ball
4 balls per bottle/1 case (15
bottles)