How David Attenborough helped turn tennis balls yellow (yes, really)

Sir David Attenborough has introduced millions around the world to many natural wonders.

The beloved British broadcaster has gained celebrity status for his compelling narrative and ability to marry storytelling with the sounds and colours of his subject matter.

The use of colour has been a keen interest of Attenborough throughout his career, linking him to a perhaps little-known feat – how tennis balls became yellow.

As racquets strings are tightened and strawberries and cream are prepared for Wimbledon 2024, it's fitting to revisit Attenborough's involvement in "the game of Kings".

David Attenborough on day one of Wimbledon 2024 - no doubt admiring the colour of the tennis balls.

It was 1967 and Attenborough was the head of British broadcaster, BBC2. He had been given the job of introducing of introducing the nation to colour television.

After getting the go-ahead from the Wilson government, Attenborough and his team faced a nine-month deadline. It would be tight – they didn't having any new equipment.

Then, he had an idea. What if he could film a daytime event?

"I thought of Wimbledon. I mean, it is a wonderful plot: you've got drama, you've got everything. And it's a national event, it's got everything going for it," he recalled in piece for Radio Times in 2017.

"I was as proud as a peacock. It was absolutely terrific. It was a big moment in my life."

So, on July 1, 1967, the Grand Slam tournament was screened for the first time in colour.

Once upon a time, tennis balls were white - which is impossible to imagine now.

It was a success, except viewers found it difficult to follow the passage of the ball.

Back in those days, tennis balls were white.

After the championship, Attenborough made the suggestion of a change in colour, with a brighter yellow being his preference. It would be more visible on screen.

In 1972, the International Tennis Federation approved the shift from white to optic yellow. A year later in 1973, the US Open was the first Grand Slam to adopt the colour change.

Despite his suggestion, Wimbledon did not adopt the change until 1986.

Almost 40 years after yellow tennis balls made their debut, 98-year-old Attenborough is among the high profile guests at Wimbledon 2024, watching from the Royal Box.

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