Tennis balls launched into space before being served by Alfie Hewett

Tennis balls were launched into space ahead of being served on the grass-court season at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton. Lexus developed bespoke aerospace technology to send four tennis balls 33,500 metres above Earth using a stratospheric hydrogen balloon, after which the balls were returned and transported in a Lexus NX SUV to the venue. One of the balls was then served by Alfie Hewett, world number one in men’s wheelchair doubles. Hewett said serving with a ball that had returned from space was a “first” and an unprecedented way to set the tone for the 2026 season. Lexus said the stunt was designed to “push the boundaries” of technical innovation. The company is a Platinum Partner and Official Automotive Partner of the ATP Tour, and Official Automotive Partner of the LTA.