Some soccer teams wet the field before a match to make the ball roll faster, while baseball teams grow out grass to slow ground balls.

WSJ: In Golf Rivalry, Important Equipment Includes a Mower

White balls discoloured by the grass are difficult for fielders and batsmen to see in certain light conditions.

BBC: Pink ball makes debut at Lord's

"He used to (serve and volley), but I think the conditions of the grass have changed so much -- the balls are probably heavier, the courts are much, much slower, so there is far less serve and volley, " Henman told CNN.

CNN: Death of a tennis art: Is this the end for serve and volley?

Every year, there is a lot of talk about firmer ground beneath the grass at Wimbledon, truer bounces, slower tennis balls and new string technology that aids in hitting topspin.

WSJ: Wimbledon 2012: Roger Federer's Wimbledon Bluff

One change now being considered is an experiment with larger balls, which are designed to slow down the game on quick playing surfaces like Wimbledon's grass.

ECONOMIST: Ringing the changes