Which surface is least preferred for high-performance tennis courts?

Grass is considered the least preferred surface for high-performance tennis courts for several reasons. While grass courts offer a unique playing experience and are used in prestigious tournaments like Wimbledon, they require high maintenance to keep them in optimal playing condition. The grass can become slippery when wet, and uneven wear can lead to inconsistent bounce, which impacts the quality of play. Additionally, grass courts can be more susceptible to damage from heavy use and varying weather conditions.

In contrast, clay, concrete, and poured rubber surfaces provide more consistency in play and require less frequent maintenance compared to grass courts. Clay offers good traction and slower play, favoring baseline rallies. Concrete surfaces offer durability and a faster game, while poured rubber provides a flexible and cushioned option that reduces impact stress on players. These characteristics make clay, concrete, and poured rubber more favorable for high-performance tennis, as they allow for more predictable playing conditions and less variability due to weather or surface wear.