U.S. Open rolls in new changes for ballpersons

FILE PHOTO - Tennis - US Open - Womens Final - New York, U.S. - September 9, 2017 - Opening ceremony before Sloane Stephens of the United States defeated compatriot Madison Keys. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton

(Reuters) - Ballpersons at the U.S. Open will now roll the ball from point-to-point, rather than throw between positions, the United States Tennis Association said on Thursday in a bid to grow the number of applicants.

The USTA said rolling the ball between positions, a style that has traditionally been utilized at the other grand slam events, puts less emphasis on a single skill-set -- in this case throwing -- and more focus on speed, dexterity and agility.