Here is what I learned. As serves and groundstrokes increased in power this century, the need for running speed became greater. However, not every player uses speed for both offense and defense. Gael Monfils, one of the fastest players in tennis history, never fulfilled his vast potential partly because he seldom used his speed offensively to attack when he should have. Conversely, former world No. 4 James Blake, another speedster, seldom used his speed defensively to keep the ball in play when he was in untenable court positions. Instead, Blake attempted low-percentage shots and frequently missed them.
“Tennis matches are won by the man who hits the ball to the right place at the right time most often.” — All-time great Bill Tilden
If you take a complete break from tennis during the holiday season, play less frequently, or don’t compete either in league matches or tournaments, the break will help you in several ways. It will give your injuries vital time to heal. And it will recharge your tennis batteries. When you resume play, you’ll be fired up.
One of the most exciting aspects of playing tournaments—at any level—is checking out the just-released draw. Similarly, one of the most challenging aspects of writing about Grand Slam tournaments is predicting the winners and contenders. And . . . the dark horses.
“A lot of players don’t like to serve first. I don’t know why,” commented respected Tennis Channel analyst Paul Annacone, who ranked No. 12 in singles in 1986 and later coached superstars Pete Sampras and Roger Federer, during the recent Canadian Open in Montreal.
Iga Swiatek provided one of the most thought-provoking quotes during the Wimbledon fortnight. After 32-year-old Alize Cornet, a versatile, clever French veteran ranked No. 37, ended Iga's terrific 37-match winning streak, by upsetting error-plagued Iga 6-4, 6-2, the 21-year-old Pole said, “Usually when I’m coming back, I have some kind of a plan, and I know what to change. Here I didn’t know. I was confused. On grass courts, everything happens so quickly. I didn’t tank it, but I just didn’t know what to do.”
