Why is clay considered the least respected tennis surface?

Question

And if that's the case, which one is the most respected?

Answer 1

Clay court requires particular skills, tenacity, fitness far more than grass, and hard surface. Unless you grew up on it, it can be cruel. Especially for those who like fast games w/ big serves, as with many of USA players. Although USA has quite a lot of green surface, but they aren't exactly like clay. Great players like Sampras, McEnroe, Connors, Edberg, Federer had never won the French Open.

Answer 2

The ball moves a lot slower when it bounces on clay than when it bounces on other surfaces.  Players that aren't very quick on other surfaces can suddenly get to great drop-shots when they play on clay.  I'd say that the grass court is the most respected, in terms of the 'highest class court', because that's the surface of Wimbledon - the most respected tennis tournament.  Hope this helps!