A bigger tennis ball capable of taking around 10 mph off the fastest serves could be making its appearance at Wimbledon in two years' time. Slazenger, who provide 50,000 balls measuring a standard 2.65 inches for the Championships, are looking at a ball which is six per cent bigger, at 2.82 inches, but weighs almost the same at between 56.5 and 58 grammes.

Researchers have apparently found a compound that can make the balls bigger without adding any extra weight, which should avoid extra stress being exerted on the elbows and wrists.

Production of the ball will begin in September and there will be a two-year period for the International Tennis Federation to experiment.

The theory is the balls will curb the big servers and give punters more for their money than a serve, return and volley.