Tennis World english 34

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Nadal: heading back to the top?

Transcript of Tennis World english 34

HeadingBackToTheTop?

byMarcoDiNardo

At�the�end�of�2015,�there�were�signs�thatRafael�Nadal�was�starting�to�find�his�feet�again.Yet�those�hopes�were�quickly�dashed�at�the

start�of�this�season,�when�he�took�a�stepbackwards�in�terms�of�both�his�performanceand�his�results.�The�Spaniard�has�not�beenhimself�since�the�middle�of�2014,�and�has�sincethen�suffered�setback�after�setback,�though�hehas�always�maintained�a�positive�outlook.

�That�outlook�might�finally�prove�to�besomething�more�than�wishful�thinking,�asNadal�has�improved�significantly�since�reaching

the�semi-finals�at�Indian�Wells.�True,�he�had�towithdraw�early�in�Miami�against�an�opponenthe�would�under�normal�circumstances�beat

easily,�but�something�good�is�definitelybrewing�in�Nadal’s�camp.�Indeed,�if�we�ignorethe�withdrawal�in�Miami,�Nadal�has�won�nine

of�his�last�ten�matches,�with�his�only�losscoming�against�Novak�Djokovic.�And�in�thatmatch�he�pushed�the�world�number�one�hard

in�the�first�set,�even�earning�a�set�point�beforefinally�losing�the�tie-break�and�eventually�thematch.�Not�ideal,�but�definitely�something�to

build�on.�

The�real�breakthrough�came,�of�course,�inMonte�Carlo,�a�tournament�where�the�Spaniardhas�enjoyed�enormous�success.�In�2015,�Nadalplayed�in�all�the�Masters�1000�events,�but�only

reached�one�final�(Madrid)�and�one�semi-final(Shanghai).�Yet�this�year�he�has�alreadysignificantly�improved�on�that�tally,�and�it’sbarely�May.�The�good�news,�apart�from�the�fact�that�Nadalis�feeling�as�confident�now�as�he�has�in�years,

we�are�entering�the�part�of�the�year�where�hehas�had�his�best�results:�the�European�clay

court�swing.�If�he�can�maintain�his�currentform,�he�will�be�second�only�to�Djokovic�when

it�comes�to�being�the�favorite�for�any�event.�Saying�that�Nadal�is�second�only�to�Djokovic�isactually�supported�by�the�rankings.�Not�thesingles�rankings,�to�be�fair,�but�the�Race

rankings,�which�keeps�track�of�all�the�players’points�accumulated�so�far�this�year.�In�the�Raceto�London�rankings�Nadal�is�number�two,having�recently�leapfrogged�Milos�Raonic�forthat�honor,�after�he�triumphed�at�the�event�inBarcelona.�It�was�the�eighth�time�Nadal�had

won�both�Barcelona�and�Monte�Carlo�in�thesame�year,�a�truly�astonishing�feat�(2005�to2009,�2011,�2012,�2016).�

What�has�really�changed�in�the�last�few�weeksis�Nadal’s�ability�to�play�his�best�tennis�duringthe�most�important�points.�He�played�well�in

all�the�important�moments�during�his�three-setwin�over�Gilles�Muller�in�Indian�Wells,�andsaved�three�consecutive�set�points�against

Fernando�Verdasco.�He�also�saved�a�matchpoint�against�Zverev�and�came�back�from�2-5in�the�third�set�in�that�match.�Even�the

apparently�easy�win�over�Nishikori�startedfrom�an�almost�desperate�situation,�with�Nadalstarting�the�match�1-3�and�15-40.�But�from

there�he�was�able�to�recover�himself�and�asserthis�authority�on�the�match,�grinding�Nishikoriinto�the�dust�with�his�relentless�physical�play.

�Even�in�his�loss�to�Dzumhur,�Nadal�did�verywell�to�win�the�first�set�considering�how�many

break�points�he�failed�to�take�advantage�of.�Inrecent�years�Nadal’s�game�and�mental�statewould�suffer�if�he�failed�to�take�advantage�ofsuch�opportunities,�but�now�he�seems�able�tobounce�back�from�such�adversity�more�easily.�In�Monte�Carlo,�he�had�some�very�tough

matches�as�well,�having�to�beat�Thiem,�Murrayand�Monfils�en�route�to�the�title.�Against

HeadingBackToTheTop?

byMarcoDiNardo

At�the�end�of�2015,�there�were�signs�thatRafael�Nadal�was�starting�to�find�his�feet�again.Yet�those�hopes�were�quickly�dashed�at�the

start�of�this�season,�when�he�took�a�stepbackwards�in�terms�of�both�his�performanceand�his�results.�The�Spaniard�has�not�beenhimself�since�the�middle�of�2014,�and�has�sincethen�suffered�setback�after�setback,�though�hehas�always�maintained�a�positive�outlook.

�That�outlook�might�finally�prove�to�besomething�more�than�wishful�thinking,�asNadal�has�improved�significantly�since�reaching

the�semi-finals�at�Indian�Wells.�True,�he�had�towithdraw�early�in�Miami�against�an�opponenthe�would�under�normal�circumstances�beat

easily,�but�something�good�is�definitelybrewing�in�Nadal’s�camp.�Indeed,�if�we�ignorethe�withdrawal�in�Miami,�Nadal�has�won�nine

of�his�last�ten�matches,�with�his�only�losscoming�against�Novak�Djokovic.�And�in�thatmatch�he�pushed�the�world�number�one�hard

in�the�first�set,�even�earning�a�set�point�beforefinally�losing�the�tie-break�and�eventually�thematch.�Not�ideal,�but�definitely�something�to

build�on.�

The�real�breakthrough�came,�of�course,�inMonte�Carlo,�a�tournament�where�the�Spaniardhas�enjoyed�enormous�success.�In�2015,�Nadalplayed�in�all�the�Masters�1000�events,�but�only

reached�one�final�(Madrid)�and�one�semi-final(Shanghai).�Yet�this�year�he�has�alreadysignificantly�improved�on�that�tally,�and�it’sbarely�May.�The�good�news,�apart�from�the�fact�that�Nadalis�feeling�as�confident�now�as�he�has�in�years,

we�are�entering�the�part�of�the�year�where�hehas�had�his�best�results:�the�European�clay

court�swing.�If�he�can�maintain�his�currentform,�he�will�be�second�only�to�Djokovic�when

it�comes�to�being�the�favorite�for�any�event.�Saying�that�Nadal�is�second�only�to�Djokovic�isactually�supported�by�the�rankings.�Not�thesingles�rankings,�to�be�fair,�but�the�Race

rankings,�which�keeps�track�of�all�the�players’points�accumulated�so�far�this�year.�In�the�Raceto�London�rankings�Nadal�is�number�two,having�recently�leapfrogged�Milos�Raonic�forthat�honor,�after�he�triumphed�at�the�event�inBarcelona.�It�was�the�eighth�time�Nadal�had

won�both�Barcelona�and�Monte�Carlo�in�thesame�year,�a�truly�astonishing�feat�(2005�to2009,�2011,�2012,�2016).�

What�has�really�changed�in�the�last�few�weeksis�Nadal’s�ability�to�play�his�best�tennis�duringthe�most�important�points.�He�played�well�in

all�the�important�moments�during�his�three-setwin�over�Gilles�Muller�in�Indian�Wells,�andsaved�three�consecutive�set�points�against

Fernando�Verdasco.�He�also�saved�a�matchpoint�against�Zverev�and�came�back�from�2-5in�the�third�set�in�that�match.�Even�the

apparently�easy�win�over�Nishikori�startedfrom�an�almost�desperate�situation,�with�Nadalstarting�the�match�1-3�and�15-40.�But�from

there�he�was�able�to�recover�himself�and�asserthis�authority�on�the�match,�grinding�Nishikoriinto�the�dust�with�his�relentless�physical�play.

�Even�in�his�loss�to�Dzumhur,�Nadal�did�verywell�to�win�the�first�set�considering�how�many

break�points�he�failed�to�take�advantage�of.�Inrecent�years�Nadal’s�game�and�mental�statewould�suffer�if�he�failed�to�take�advantage�ofsuch�opportunities,�but�now�he�seems�able�tobounce�back�from�such�adversity�more�easily.�In�Monte�Carlo,�he�had�some�very�tough

matches�as�well,�having�to�beat�Thiem,�Murrayand�Monfils�en�route�to�the�title.�Against

Thiem,�in�particular,�he�had�a�tough�time,surrendering�17�break�points�in�the�match.�He

managed�to�save�15�of�them,�however,tremendously�boosting�his�confidence�whileundermining�his�opponent’s.�For�the�first�time�in�a�few�years�it�seems�as�if

Nadal�might�realistically�set�his�sights�on�histenth�Roland�Garros�trophy,�something�thatseemed�unthinkable�just�a�few�months�ago.There�are�many�tests�ahead,�to�be�sure,�but�hisrecent�results�and�form�suggest�that�he�canonce�again�realistically�chase�the�goal�of�being

the�best�player�in�the�world�on�clay.

Thiem,�in�particular,�he�had�a�tough�time,surrendering�17�break�points�in�the�match.�He

managed�to�save�15�of�them,�however,tremendously�boosting�his�confidence�whileundermining�his�opponent’s.�For�the�first�time�in�a�few�years�it�seems�as�if

Nadal�might�realistically�set�his�sights�on�histenth�Roland�Garros�trophy,�something�thatseemed�unthinkable�just�a�few�months�ago.There�are�many�tests�ahead,�to�be�sure,�but�hisrecent�results�and�form�suggest�that�he�canonce�again�realistically�chase�the�goal�of�being

the�best�player�in�the�world�on�clay.

After�what�can�charitably�be�described�as�a

“challenging”�year�in�2015,�Grigor�Dimitrov�stillfinds�himself�in�a�kind�of�limbo�in-between�theworkaday�professionals�and�the�truly�greatplayers�on�the�Tour.�He�dropped�his�coach�andsplit�with�his�girlfriend,�but�the�Bulgarian

seems�no�closer�to�fulfilling�his�massivepotential,�and�he�fast�is�approaching�the�agewhere�he�needs�to�be�playing�the�best�tennisof�his�life�if�he�is�to�make�any�lasting�impact�onthe�sport.�

What�Dimitrov�needs�is�a�breakthrough.�Whatkind�of�breakthrough?�Anything�will�do�at�thispoint.�But�something�needs�to�give�if�he�is�toplay�to�his�potential�any�time�soon.�But�before

we�start�wondering�what�change�the�Bulgariancan�make,�we�must�perhaps�ask�what�haschanged�up�until�now.�In�2014,�after�all,�he

reached�the�semi-finals�at�Wimbledon�andseemed�headed�for�the�Top�5.�Today,�Dimitrovis�a�shadow�of�his�former�self.�But�why?

�A�look�at�his�numbers�provides�part�of�theanswer.�It’s�true�that�numbers�cannot�tell�the

whole�story,�but�analyzing�Dimitrov’s�servicesstats�it�soon�becomes�clear�why�he�isstruggling�to�dominate�as�he�once�did.�His

serve�is�perhaps�his�biggest�weapon,�and�it�hassimply�been�underperforming�over�the�past

two�years.�Before�the�start�of�the�clay�season�in�2016,Dimitrov�had�hit�118�aces�in�21�matches.�Thisequates�to�basically�five�per�match,�enough�tobe�26th�on�the�Tour�in�that�category.�This�is

even�worse�than�last�year,�when�he�finishedthe�season�with�396�aces�in�54,�or�21st�place.This�in�contrast�to�the�previous�two�years(2013-2014),�where�he�was�at�the�edge�of�theTop�10�in�terms�of�aces�(13th�and�12threspectively).

�Moving�beyond�his�ace�count,�a�look�at�his�firstserve�stats�also�reveal�a�lot.�This�year,�Dimitrovhas�won�70%�of�his�first�service�points,�putting

Grigor

Dimitrov:

incrisis

byFedericoMariani

him�in�the�same�company�as�Seppi,�Goffin,Mannarino�and�Haase,�players�who�are�not

known�for�their�big�first�serve�or�overallprowess�on�the�court.�This�is�substantiallydown�from�last�year,�when�he�won�75%,�whichis�down�again�from�76%�and�77%�in�2013�and2014�respectively.�To�the�casual�eye,�a�few

percentage�points�might�not�seem�like�much,but�at�this�level�of�tennis�it�can�mean�thedifference�between�winning�and�losing.�In�today's�game�the�serve�is�more�importantthan�ever.�Dimitrov�used�to�get�a�lot�of�free

points�off�his�big�serve,�but�that�is�no�longerthe�case.�This�has�put�a�lot�of�extra�pressureon�his�ground�game,�and�it�has�not�respondedstrongly�enough�for�him�to�maintain�his�Top�10

ranking�from�a�few�years�ago.�One�might�think�that�it�would�be�worth�it�for

him�to�take�less�risk�on�his�first�serve,�perhapsresulting�in�more�points.�Unfortunately,�thiswill�not�help,�as�he�has�basically�maintained�his

first�service�percentage�from�his�better�years(in�fact,�it�is�slightly�better�now�than�before).So�he�is�making�his�first�serves,�but�they�are

just�less�effective.�We�don’t�know�what�is�needed�to�fix

Dimitrov’s�game�in�general,�or�his�serve�inparticular.�However,�it�is�important�that�he�do

so�sooner�rather�than�later,�or�he�might�findhimself�added�to�the�long�list�of�career�under-achievers�on�the�ATP�Tour.

him�in�the�same�company�as�Seppi,�Goffin,Mannarino�and�Haase,�players�who�are�not

known�for�their�big�first�serve�or�overallprowess�on�the�court.�This�is�substantiallydown�from�last�year,�when�he�won�75%,�whichis�down�again�from�76%�and�77%�in�2013�and2014�respectively.�To�the�casual�eye,�a�few

percentage�points�might�not�seem�like�much,but�at�this�level�of�tennis�it�can�mean�thedifference�between�winning�and�losing.�In�today's�game�the�serve�is�more�importantthan�ever.�Dimitrov�used�to�get�a�lot�of�free

points�off�his�big�serve,�but�that�is�no�longerthe�case.�This�has�put�a�lot�of�extra�pressureon�his�ground�game,�and�it�has�not�respondedstrongly�enough�for�him�to�maintain�his�Top�10

ranking�from�a�few�years�ago.�One�might�think�that�it�would�be�worth�it�for

him�to�take�less�risk�on�his�first�serve,�perhapsresulting�in�more�points.�Unfortunately,�thiswill�not�help,�as�he�has�basically�maintained�his

first�service�percentage�from�his�better�years(in�fact,�it�is�slightly�better�now�than�before).So�he�is�making�his�first�serves,�but�they�are

just�less�effective.�We�don’t�know�what�is�needed�to�fix

Dimitrov’s�game�in�general,�or�his�serve�inparticular.�However,�it�is�important�that�he�do

so�sooner�rather�than�later,�or�he�might�findhimself�added�to�the�long�list�of�career�under-achievers�on�the�ATP�Tour.

Perhaps�calling�it�a�crisis�is�alittle�much,�but�there�is�no

doubt�that�Serena�Williams�is�ina�rut.�For�most�players,�herrecent�results�would�be�worthcelebrating,�but�for�the�womanwho�has�dominated�the�Tour�foryears�anything�less�than�victory

in�every�event�is�seen�as�afailure.�And�there�have�beenvery�few�trophies�in�the�pastfew�months.�

Indeed,�one�has�to�go�back�toAugust�of�2015�and�Cincinnatifor�Serena’s�last�triumph.�Backthen,�things�were�looking�very

different�for�the�American.�Stillin�the�midst�of�an�incredibleseason,�she�seemed�on�the�road

to�history�as�she�left�Cincinnatifor�the�US�Open.�Theoverwhelming�favorite�to

become�the�first�person�to�wina�calendar�Grand�Slam�since1988,�nothing�appeared�capable

of�stopping�her.�Then,�the�unthinkable

happened:�she�lost�in�the�semi-finals�to�a�player�she�haddominated�in�the�past.�A�player

who�nobody�had�even�expectedto�reach�the�semis�­�RobertaVinci.�Crushed�and�demoralized,Williams�called�a�premature�endto�her�year,�hoping�that�sometime�off�would�heal�her�wounds,

both�physical�and�mental.�Unfortunately,�things�have�notgotten�off�to�a�sparkling�start�in2016.�She�reached�the�final�ofthe�Australian�Open,�but�any

hope�that�she�would�use�that�asa�springboard�for�another�runand�the�calendar�Slam�was

quickly�snuffed�out�by�the

Struggling

Serena

byValerioCarriero

German�underdog�Angelique�Kerber.Smarting�from�yet�another�lost

opportunity,�Williams�again�retreated�fromthe�Tour�until�Indian�Wells,�a�mandatoryevent.�She�breezed�through�the�draw,�for�abrief�moment�seeming�like�her�old�self.That�is,�until�the�final,�where�an�energized

Victoria�Azarenka�awaited�her.�Once�again,Williams�entered�the�match�as�a�favoriteagainst�an�opponent�she�had�never�hadmuch�trouble�with,�and�once�again�she�lost,in�straight�sets�as�well.�

Her�next�appearance,�at�anothermandatory�event�in�Miami,�went�evenworse.�In�the�round�of�16�she�ran�intoSvetlana�Kuznetova,�a�powerful�player�who

is�a�few�years�past�her�prime.�Yet�Williamsmade�Kuznetsova�look�like�a�monstrousforce,�losing�6-7,�6-1,�6-2.�The�last�two�sets

were�particularly�hard�to�watch�for�theAmerican�fans�who�had�turned�out�indroves�to�support�her.

Throughout�all�of�these�struggles�Serenahas�remained�her�usual�self�in�pressconferences�­�prickly�and�stand-offish,�but

giving�the�impression�that�she�was�notworried�about�her�overall�form.�Yet�thefact�remains�that�she�has�not�lost�two

finals�in�a�row�since�2004,�surely�anindication�that�something�is�amiss.

�It’s�hard�to�imagine�that�she�will�continueto�fall�short�in�big�tournaments�for�muchlonger.�It�is�even�harder�to�imagine�thatshe�will�give�up�and�retire�while�being�soclose�to�equaling�Graf’s�record�for�number

of�Slams�won.�At�the�end�of�the�year�we�might�look�backon�this�as�a�tiny�speedbump�in�another

dominant�season�for�the�younger�Williamssister,�but�one�thing�is�for�sure:�she�will

have�to�play�a�lot�better�if�she�wants�toremain�the�top�dog�for�much�longer.

German�underdog�Angelique�Kerber.Smarting�from�yet�another�lost

opportunity,�Williams�again�retreated�fromthe�Tour�until�Indian�Wells,�a�mandatoryevent.�She�breezed�through�the�draw,�for�abrief�moment�seeming�like�her�old�self.That�is,�until�the�final,�where�an�energized

Victoria�Azarenka�awaited�her.�Once�again,Williams�entered�the�match�as�a�favoriteagainst�an�opponent�she�had�never�hadmuch�trouble�with,�and�once�again�she�lost,in�straight�sets�as�well.�

Her�next�appearance,�at�anothermandatory�event�in�Miami,�went�evenworse.�In�the�round�of�16�she�ran�intoSvetlana�Kuznetova,�a�powerful�player�who

is�a�few�years�past�her�prime.�Yet�Williamsmade�Kuznetsova�look�like�a�monstrousforce,�losing�6-7,�6-1,�6-2.�The�last�two�sets

were�particularly�hard�to�watch�for�theAmerican�fans�who�had�turned�out�indroves�to�support�her.

Throughout�all�of�these�struggles�Serenahas�remained�her�usual�self�in�pressconferences�­�prickly�and�stand-offish,�but

giving�the�impression�that�she�was�notworried�about�her�overall�form.�Yet�thefact�remains�that�she�has�not�lost�two

finals�in�a�row�since�2004,�surely�anindication�that�something�is�amiss.

�It’s�hard�to�imagine�that�she�will�continueto�fall�short�in�big�tournaments�for�muchlonger.�It�is�even�harder�to�imagine�thatshe�will�give�up�and�retire�while�being�soclose�to�equaling�Graf’s�record�for�number

of�Slams�won.�At�the�end�of�the�year�we�might�look�backon�this�as�a�tiny�speedbump�in�another

dominant�season�for�the�younger�Williamssister,�but�one�thing�is�for�sure:�she�will

have�to�play�a�lot�better�if�she�wants�toremain�the�top�dog�for�much�longer.

Imagine�tennis�without�any�surprises,without�any�twists�of�fate�or�suddenunexpected�turns.�It�would�be�unthinkable.Tennis,�perhaps�more�than�any�other�sport,lives�on�the�constant�edge�ofunpredictability,�where�a�few�points�can

completely�turn�a�match�on�its�head.�It�is�asport�that�gives�you�a�fresh�opportunityevery�week,�and�which�allows�you�to�returnto�the�top�of�the�sport�even�after�longperiods�away�from�the�game.�Today,�we�aregoing�to�have�a�look�at�a�few�of�the�biggest

such�surprises�of�the�past�decade.�We�begin�with�Juan�Martin�Del�Potro,�theimmensely�talented�and�incredibly�unlucky

Argentine.�He�recently�re-emerged�on�Tourafter�a�seemingly�endless�saga�of�wristsurgeries,�followed�by�rehab,�followed�by

more�wrist�surgeries.�After�winning�the�USOpen�in�2009,�Del�Potro�has�yet�to�enjoy�anextended�period�of�health�on�the�Tour,�but�is

hoping�that�this�time�he�will�be�able�to�finallyfulfil�his�potential.�Even�though�he�had�a

Major�under�his�belt,�he�has�still�not�won�aMasters�1000�event.Even�more�curious�is�the�case�of�Del�Potro’s

compatriot,�David�Nalbandian.�He�reachedone�Slam�final,�at�Wimbledon�where�he�lostto�Lleyton�Hewitt,�but�stunned�the�tennis

world�in�2005�when�he�won�the�ATP�World

Tour�Finals,�beating�none�other�than�RogerFederer�in�the�championship�match.�A�fewyears�later,�in�2007,�Nalbandian�went�onanother�tear,�beating�Federer�and�Nadalmultiple�times�in�the�space�of�a�few�weeks.In�doing�so,�he�won�not�just�his�first�Masters

1000�event,�but�another�one�shortly�after.�Nikolay�Davydenko�had�a�similar�remarkablerun�in�2009,�when�he�came�out�of�nowhereto�win�the�ATP�World�Tour�Finals,�beatingDel�Potro�in�the�final.�That�was�the�best

period�of�the�Russian’s�career,�and�he�toowould�beat�Nadal�and�Federer�multiple�timesin�the�space�of�a�few�months.The�WTA�has�also�seen�its�fair�share�of

surprises,�one�of�which�is�AgnieszkaRadwanska.�The�Polish�prodigy,�who�hassuffered�some�criticism�in�her�career�for�her

lack�of�performance�at�Slams,�made�astunning�comeback�to�win�the�WTAChampionships�in�2015.�After�barely

surviving�the�round�robin�stage,�where�shefaced�the�prospect�of�almost�certain

elimination,�she�breezed�through�theknockout�portion�to�win�the�biggest�title�ofher�career.

�But�even�the�best�players�on�the�circuit�offerup�surprises�every�now�and�then.�Novak

Djokovic�knows�this�all�too�well.�The�world

TheManySurprises

OfTennis

byValerioCarriero

Imagine�tennis�without�any�surprises,without�any�twists�of�fate�or�suddenunexpected�turns.�It�would�be�unthinkable.Tennis,�perhaps�more�than�any�other�sport,lives�on�the�constant�edge�ofunpredictability,�where�a�few�points�can

completely�turn�a�match�on�its�head.�It�is�asport�that�gives�you�a�fresh�opportunityevery�week,�and�which�allows�you�to�returnto�the�top�of�the�sport�even�after�longperiods�away�from�the�game.�Today,�we�aregoing�to�have�a�look�at�a�few�of�the�biggest

such�surprises�of�the�past�decade.�We�begin�with�Juan�Martin�Del�Potro,�theimmensely�talented�and�incredibly�unlucky

Argentine.�He�recently�re-emerged�on�Tourafter�a�seemingly�endless�saga�of�wristsurgeries,�followed�by�rehab,�followed�by

more�wrist�surgeries.�After�winning�the�USOpen�in�2009,�Del�Potro�has�yet�to�enjoy�anextended�period�of�health�on�the�Tour,�but�is

hoping�that�this�time�he�will�be�able�to�finallyfulfil�his�potential.�Even�though�he�had�a

Major�under�his�belt,�he�has�still�not�won�aMasters�1000�event.Even�more�curious�is�the�case�of�Del�Potro’s

compatriot,�David�Nalbandian.�He�reachedone�Slam�final,�at�Wimbledon�where�he�lostto�Lleyton�Hewitt,�but�stunned�the�tennis

world�in�2005�when�he�won�the�ATP�World

Tour�Finals,�beating�none�other�than�RogerFederer�in�the�championship�match.�A�fewyears�later,�in�2007,�Nalbandian�went�onanother�tear,�beating�Federer�and�Nadalmultiple�times�in�the�space�of�a�few�weeks.In�doing�so,�he�won�not�just�his�first�Masters

1000�event,�but�another�one�shortly�after.�Nikolay�Davydenko�had�a�similar�remarkablerun�in�2009,�when�he�came�out�of�nowhereto�win�the�ATP�World�Tour�Finals,�beatingDel�Potro�in�the�final.�That�was�the�best

period�of�the�Russian’s�career,�and�he�toowould�beat�Nadal�and�Federer�multiple�timesin�the�space�of�a�few�months.The�WTA�has�also�seen�its�fair�share�of

surprises,�one�of�which�is�AgnieszkaRadwanska.�The�Polish�prodigy,�who�hassuffered�some�criticism�in�her�career�for�her

lack�of�performance�at�Slams,�made�astunning�comeback�to�win�the�WTAChampionships�in�2015.�After�barely

surviving�the�round�robin�stage,�where�shefaced�the�prospect�of�almost�certain

elimination,�she�breezed�through�theknockout�portion�to�win�the�biggest�title�ofher�career.

�But�even�the�best�players�on�the�circuit�offerup�surprises�every�now�and�then.�Novak

Djokovic�knows�this�all�too�well.�The�world

TheManySurprises

OfTennis

byValerioCarriero

number�one�and�undisputedruler�of�the�circuit�for�quite

some�time�now,�the�Serb�hasbeen�cursed�when�it�comes�toRoland�Garros.�It�is�evenstranger�when�considering�thatDjokovic�has�won�many�Masters

1000�events�on�clay�against�thebest�players�in�the�world,�butsimply�has�not�been�able�to�playhis�best�at�the�French�Open.�Rafael�Nadal�has�a�similar

problem,�but�on�grass.�Afterreaching�five�consecutive�finals�­not�counting�his�absence�in2009�­�from�2006�to�2011,�the

Mallorcan�has�not�even�reachedthe�quarter-finals�since.�EvenFederer�also�has�his�demons,

having�won�Olympic�gold�not�insingles,�but�in�doubles,�adiscipline�he�has�barely

participated�in�since�he�turnedpro�in�1998.�

We�close�with�some�curiouscases�involving�the�finals.�Themost�famous,�of�course,�is�the

sad�record�of�Julien�Benneteau,who�has�fallen�short�of�winninghis�first�career�titles�no�fewer

than�10�times.�Ten�finals,�tenlosses�for�the�Frenchman.�Incontrast,�someone�like�Ernests

Gulbis,�who�has�been�wildlyinconsistent�in�his�career,�is�aperfect�six�out�of�six�in�finals.�Onthe�women’s�side,�SloaneStephens�has�an�equally�perfectrecord,�having�won�four�titles�infour�appearances.

number�one�and�undisputedruler�of�the�circuit�for�quite

some�time�now,�the�Serb�hasbeen�cursed�when�it�comes�toRoland�Garros.�It�is�evenstranger�when�considering�thatDjokovic�has�won�many�Masters

1000�events�on�clay�against�thebest�players�in�the�world,�butsimply�has�not�been�able�to�playhis�best�at�the�French�Open.�Rafael�Nadal�has�a�similar

problem,�but�on�grass.�Afterreaching�five�consecutive�finals�­not�counting�his�absence�in2009�­�from�2006�to�2011,�the

Mallorcan�has�not�even�reachedthe�quarter-finals�since.�EvenFederer�also�has�his�demons,

having�won�Olympic�gold�not�insingles,�but�in�doubles,�adiscipline�he�has�barely

participated�in�since�he�turnedpro�in�1998.�

We�close�with�some�curiouscases�involving�the�finals.�Themost�famous,�of�course,�is�the

sad�record�of�Julien�Benneteau,who�has�fallen�short�of�winninghis�first�career�titles�no�fewer

than�10�times.�Ten�finals,�tenlosses�for�the�Frenchman.�Incontrast,�someone�like�Ernests

Gulbis,�who�has�been�wildlyinconsistent�in�his�career,�is�aperfect�six�out�of�six�in�finals.�Onthe�women’s�side,�SloaneStephens�has�an�equally�perfectrecord,�having�won�four�titles�infour�appearances.

CreatingYourOwn

SignatureShot

byFedericoCoppini

The�great�champions�usually�have�a�shot

that�characterizes�them�and�gives�them�anextra�edge�over�their�peers.

Andre�Agassi�had�his�tremendous�return,Jimmy�Connors�hit�his�backhand�like�few�otherplayers�in�the�world�and�Goran�Ivanisevic�got

countless�free�points�from�his�serve.�AndStefan�Edberg�and�Martina�Navratilova�usedtheir�serve-and-volley�tactics�to�devastatingeffect.

�There�are�many�other�examples,�of�course,�butthese�are�just�a�few�instances�where�great

players�had�shots�that�will�forever�beassociated�with�them.�

After�falling�to�Ivanisevic�in�the�quarter-finalsof�Wimbledon�in�1992,�a�frustrated�StefanEdberg�summed�up�the�Croatian’s�devastating

strength:�"In�the�fifth�set�I�got�a�break�pointwhich�he�saved�with�an�ace.�Then�at�5-3,�15/40he�hit�two�more.�Then�I�got�another�and�he�hit

another�ace.�Usually�you�hope�to�play�somebreak�points�on�a�second�serve,�but�Goran�doesnot�work�that�way."

�Similarly,�Jimmy�Connors�always�built�his

famous�comebacks�on�his�devastatingbackhand,�while�Jim�Courier�put�blind�faith�inhis�forehand�when�things�got�tight.�While�a�club�player�can�never�hope�to�developa�weapon�quite�as�magnificent�as�that�of�a�prothey�can,�given�sufficient�time�and

commitment,�hone�one�of�their�shots�to�thepoint�where�it�can�dominate�their�opponents�in

good�times,�and�keep�them�in�the�match�in�badtimes.�First�you�need�the�objectivity�to�be�able�to

recognize�which�of�your�shots�can�be�honedinto�just�such�a�weapon.�You�might�think�youhave�a�great�backhand,�but�in�reality�it�might

be�your�forehand�that�has�the�most�potential.Once�the�shot�has�been�selected,�you�can�trainit�with�care�so�as�to�eliminate�any�technicalproblems�and�increase�your�confidence�in�its

offensive�capabilities.�The�preferred�shot�mustbe�kept�under�constant�review.�That�does�notmean�you�have�to�neglect�other�areas�of�yourgame,�but�you�must�make�sure�that�you�keepyour�best�shot�in�tip-top�condition�at�all�times.This�will�not�only�keep�it�sharp,�but�will�giveyou�the�psychological�assurance�that�you�can

rely�on�it.�

Assuming�that�your�chosen�weapon�is�yourforehand,�here�are�some�tips:1)�Practice�rallies�using�low�and�medium�pace

to�get�a�“feel”�for�the�ball,�favoring�fluidity�ofmovement,�the�correct�point�of�impact�and�thetransfer�of�your�body�weight�to�the�ball.

2)�Practice�all�variations�of�the�shot.�There�arethree�main�types:�A�=�Low�(impact�below�theknees)�B�=�Middle�(impact�between�the�kneesand�shoulders)�C�=�High�(impact�above�the

shoulders).�You�must�focus�on�hitting�the�ballto�all�areas�of�the�court�from�these�three�mainheights.�Training�should�also�include�practicingat�these�heights�from�all�areas�of�the�court:�farbehind�the�baseline,�on�the�baseline,�on�theservice�line�and�at�the�net.�Also�practicerunning�around�your�backhand�to�hit�a

forehand.3)�Try�to�hit�the�ball�on�the�rise.4)�It�is�important�to�remember�that�your�bestshot�may�not�be�a�powerhouse,�but�it�can�stillwin�you�a�lot�of�points.�Not�everyone�is�strong

enough�to�hit�winners�off�of�almost�any�ball,and�you�might�need�to�use�your�trump�cardshot�to�move�your�opponent�around�so�that

you�can�hit�an�easy�winner,�or�even�draw�anerror�from�your�opponent.�The�mental�aspectof�this�shot�is�as�important�as�the�physical�andtechnical�components.�It�might�not�seem�to�the

outside�world�that�you�have�a�weapon�in�yourforehand,�but�you�know�that�you�do�and�that�itcan�win�you�matches.�One�need�only�look�atEmilio�Sanchez,�who�rose�as�high�as�7�in�theworld�rankings,�for�proof�of�this.�He�didn’t�haveany�overwhelming�weapons,�but�used�to�hisspeed�to�position�himself�perfectly�for�each

shot�and�outmaneuver�his�opponents.�Powercomes�in�many�different�forms,�and�you�needto�find�the�form�that�works�best�for�you.

Immagin

CreatingYourOwn

SignatureShot

byFedericoCoppini

The�great�champions�usually�have�a�shot

that�characterizes�them�and�gives�them�anextra�edge�over�their�peers.

Andre�Agassi�had�his�tremendous�return,Jimmy�Connors�hit�his�backhand�like�few�otherplayers�in�the�world�and�Goran�Ivanisevic�got

countless�free�points�from�his�serve.�AndStefan�Edberg�and�Martina�Navratilova�usedtheir�serve-and-volley�tactics�to�devastatingeffect.

�There�are�many�other�examples,�of�course,�butthese�are�just�a�few�instances�where�great

players�had�shots�that�will�forever�beassociated�with�them.�

After�falling�to�Ivanisevic�in�the�quarter-finalsof�Wimbledon�in�1992,�a�frustrated�StefanEdberg�summed�up�the�Croatian’s�devastating

strength:�"In�the�fifth�set�I�got�a�break�pointwhich�he�saved�with�an�ace.�Then�at�5-3,�15/40he�hit�two�more.�Then�I�got�another�and�he�hit

another�ace.�Usually�you�hope�to�play�somebreak�points�on�a�second�serve,�but�Goran�doesnot�work�that�way."

�Similarly,�Jimmy�Connors�always�built�his

famous�comebacks�on�his�devastatingbackhand,�while�Jim�Courier�put�blind�faith�inhis�forehand�when�things�got�tight.�While�a�club�player�can�never�hope�to�developa�weapon�quite�as�magnificent�as�that�of�a�prothey�can,�given�sufficient�time�and

commitment,�hone�one�of�their�shots�to�thepoint�where�it�can�dominate�their�opponents�in

good�times,�and�keep�them�in�the�match�in�badtimes.�First�you�need�the�objectivity�to�be�able�to

recognize�which�of�your�shots�can�be�honedinto�just�such�a�weapon.�You�might�think�youhave�a�great�backhand,�but�in�reality�it�might

be�your�forehand�that�has�the�most�potential.Once�the�shot�has�been�selected,�you�can�trainit�with�care�so�as�to�eliminate�any�technicalproblems�and�increase�your�confidence�in�its

offensive�capabilities.�The�preferred�shot�mustbe�kept�under�constant�review.�That�does�notmean�you�have�to�neglect�other�areas�of�yourgame,�but�you�must�make�sure�that�you�keepyour�best�shot�in�tip-top�condition�at�all�times.This�will�not�only�keep�it�sharp,�but�will�giveyou�the�psychological�assurance�that�you�can

rely�on�it.�

Assuming�that�your�chosen�weapon�is�yourforehand,�here�are�some�tips:1)�Practice�rallies�using�low�and�medium�pace

to�get�a�“feel”�for�the�ball,�favoring�fluidity�ofmovement,�the�correct�point�of�impact�and�thetransfer�of�your�body�weight�to�the�ball.

2)�Practice�all�variations�of�the�shot.�There�arethree�main�types:�A�=�Low�(impact�below�theknees)�B�=�Middle�(impact�between�the�kneesand�shoulders)�C�=�High�(impact�above�the

shoulders).�You�must�focus�on�hitting�the�ballto�all�areas�of�the�court�from�these�three�mainheights.�Training�should�also�include�practicingat�these�heights�from�all�areas�of�the�court:�farbehind�the�baseline,�on�the�baseline,�on�theservice�line�and�at�the�net.�Also�practicerunning�around�your�backhand�to�hit�a

forehand.

3)�Try�to�hit�the�ball�on�the�rise.

4)�It�is�important�to�remember�that�your�bestshot�may�not�be�a�powerhouse,�but�it�can�stillwin�you�a�lot�of�points.�Not�everyone�is�strong

enough�to�hit�winners�off�of�almost�any�ball,and�you�might�need�to�use�your�trump�cardshot�to�move�your�opponent�around�so�that

you�can�hit�an�easy�winner,�or�even�draw�anerror�from�your�opponent.�The�mental�aspectof�this�shot�is�as�important�as�the�physical�andtechnical�components.�It�might�not�seem�to�the

outside�world�that�you�have�a�weapon�in�yourforehand,�but�you�know�that�you�do�and�that�itcan�win�you�matches.�One�need�only�look�atEmilio�Sanchez,�who�rose�as�high�as�7�in�theworld�rankings,�for�proof�of�this.�He�didn’t�haveany�overwhelming�weapons,�but�used�to�hisspeed�to�position�himself�perfectly�for�each

shot�and�outmaneuver�his�opponents.�Power

comes�in�many�different�forms,�and�you�need

to�find�the�form�that�works�best�for�you.Immagin

HowToFaceA

Lefty

byFedericoCoppini

Lefties�can�completelydistort�our�conception�of�amatch�by�using�angles�weare�not�used�to�and�therebycompletely�changing�theflow�and�direction�of�the

match.�For�example,�theirmost�deadly�serves�comewhen�they�are�serving�onthe�ad�court,�which�often

comes�at�critical�momentslike�break�points.�

The�classic�version�of�thetypical�left�hander�is�a�playerwith�a�strong�backhand,

better�forehand�and�wickedslice�serve�on�the�ad�court�tothe�righty’s�backhand�(think

John�McEnroe).�Of�coursethis�is�just�a�sketch,�and�eachof�your�opponents�will�have

their�own�characteristics,�butwe�will�use�our�idealized

version�of�a�lefty�to�illustratea�way�of�using�his�ownweapons�against�him.�

One�of�the�strengths�oflefties�is,�of�course,�theirslice�service�played�from�leftto�right.�Let's�try�to�steal�theidea,�and�when�we�servefrom�right�to�left�we�also�hitwith�more�slice�and�less

pace,�focusing�on�theirbackhand.

By�using�this�slice,�the�leftywill�be�in�the�same�trouble

that�the�righty�is�in�thatposition:�they�will�likely�notbe�able�to�hit�a�strongbackhand�return.�In�fact,they�may�have�to�opt�for�a

slice�return,�which�could�landshort�and�be�easy�to�exploit.If�this�is�the�case,�you�mustbe�ready�to�pounce�on�theball�and�hit�it�into�the�opencourt�(remember,�your

opponent�will�be�out�ofposition�after�your�serve).

On�the�other�side�of�thecourt,�when�you�are

receiving,�it�is�important�tobe�proactive�when�facing�thedreaded�lefty�slice�serve.�Donot�wait�for�the�ball,�butinstead�move�into�the�court

to�meet�it�before�it�gets�toowide.�If�you�do�this,�you�willbe�able�to�partly�neutralizethe�strength�of�the�serveand�also�take�time�awayfrom�your�opponent,�making

it�more�difficult�to�asserttheir�authority�with�theirstrongest�weapons.

Balancing

TrainingAnd

RecoveryTimes

byFedericoCoppini

Physical�training�can�put�a

lot�of�stress�on�your�body,but�as�you�continue�to�train

your�body�gradually�adaptsincreasingly�levels�ofphysical�stress.�If�you�traintoo�much�or�too�hard,placing�excessive�stress�onyour�body,�your�performancewill�suffer.�On�the�other

hand,�if�you�train�too�little�ortoo�lightly,�you�will�not�see�aperformance�gain�either.�In�order�to�strike�the�rightbalance,�here�are�10�simpleguidelines�to�keep�in�mind:

1.�Training�must�be�targeted

in�a�manner�that�balancesphysical�stress�with�recoverytime.

2.�The�stress/recovery�ratioshould�be�constantlymonitored�and�fine-tuned.

3.�Work�and�rest�cyclesshould�be�planned�carefullyahead�of�time

4.�Training�must�always�befollowed�by�recovery�periods,otherwise�you�will�notexperience�any�performance

gains�in�the�long�run.5.�You�cannot�always�train�atyour�maximum�level.6.�Long�periods�of�physicalstress�leads�to�poorperformance

7.�Rest�is�as�important�astraining.

8.�There�is�a�relationshipbetween�stress�and�fun.9.�Training�can�and�must�beboth�physical�and

psychological.

10.�When�work�periods�areexcessive�compared�torecovery�periods,�the

effectiveness�of�the�trainingdecreases.

The�body�has�many�naturalrhythms�and�cycles,�on�botha�macro�and�micro�level.

Every�cell�in�the�bodyfunctions�according�to�itsown�stress/recovery�cycle.Pulsations�of�the�heart,�brain

and�other�muscles�also�havetheir�own�rhythm�and�cycles.Maximum�performance�andhealth�is�achieved�when�allthe�rhythms�of�the�body�arein�sync.�This�can�be�achieved

by�controlling�the�pulsationsof�the�heart�during�training,

so�that�periods�of�stress�arebalanced�by�recoveryintervals�and�relaxation.

PositiveThinking

byFedericoCoppini

We�all�know�the�expression�of�seeing�theglass�as�half�full�instead�of�half�empty.�Whileit’s�impossible�to�say�exactly�how�manypeople�believe�in�the�latter�or�the�former,�it’sfair�to�say�that�countless�individuals�see�the

glass�as�half�empty.�While�some�tend�to�seethings�in�a�positive�light,�even�when�thingsare�not�very�positive�at�all,�others�are�theexact�opposite,�almost�always�gravitatingtowards�the�negative�interpretation�ofthings.

The�reasons�behind�this�are,�of�course,rooted�in�complex�psychological�dynamics,which�then�get�expressed�in�the�experience

of�everyday�life.

�That�being�said,�it�is�very�important�toremember�that�inside�every�pessimist�lurks

an�optimist.�This�may�be�more�readilyevident�in�some�people�than�in�others,�buteverybody�is�capable�of�being�a�positive

person.�Positive�thinking,�then,�before�beinga�mental�preparation�technique,�is�aphilosophy�of�life.�Without�this�inner

approach,�without�seeking�out�the�positivethings�in�the�world,�it�is�really�difficult�to�use

positive�thinking�as�a�mental�trainingtechnique.�To�make�use�of�this�technique,�it

is�important�to�understand�the�mindset�andpersonality�of�the�player�trying�to�adopt�it.You�have�to�understand�how�the�individuallives�their�life�and�prepares�for�matches.�Youmust�also�understand�how�they�process

losses:�do�they�think�it�was�luck,�skill�or�fatethat�decided�the�match?�Through�theseelements�it�is�possible�to�evaluate�anathlete's�self-esteem�and�self-efficacy,knowing�that�those�who�think�negativelyprobably�have�low�self-esteem.�One�can�then

engage�the�athlete�in�changing�their�way�ofthinking�into�a�more�positive�one.�

It�is,�of�course,�a�continuous�process.�To

remove�negative�thoughts�and�replace�themwith�positive�ones�is�an�ongoing�battle,�buteventually�it�will�become�second�nature.�The

athlete�will�discover�how�to�truly�thinkpositively,�and�embrace�that�as�the�only�wayto�think.�And�because�positive�thinking�is

"contagious,"�the�player�will�start�affectingthose�around�him�as�well.�This�will�be�theultimate�proof�that�the�player�has�fully

accepted,�embraced�and�understood�thetechnique�of�positive�thinking.

LearningFromYourBest

MatchEver

byFedericoCoppini

If�you�ask�an�athlete�about�the�best�match�theyever�played,�you�will�notice�that�theyremember�just�about�everything�about�it.�Thedate,�the�time,�the�setting,�the�court�­everything�about�the�match�has�been�utterlyetched�into�their�memory.�Perhaps�most

importantly,�they�will�remember�the�sensationsand�emotions�of�the�day,�all�those�positivefeelings�that�accompanied�the�match.�

Though�the�player�might�not�have�noticed,something�inside�them�changed�after�thatmatch,�and�it�was�a�change�for�the�better.�It�is

not�just�that�they�gained�extra�confidence�inthemselves�after�such�a�performance�­�thoughthey�certainly�did�get�that�­�but�that�they

experienced�true�“Flow”�and�“PeakPerformance”�for�the�first�time.�

While�playing�their�absolute�best�tennis�(PeakPerformance)�players�experience�differentinternal�sensations�and�emotions�than�normal.

They�likely�felt�as�if�everything�they�did�waseasy,�natural,�automatic�and�pleasant,�that�time

seemed�to�stop�just�as�they�hit�each�shot.�Thissensation�is�known�as�“Flow.”�By�furtherexpanding�your�understanding�of�PeakPerformance�and�Flow,�you�will�understand

what�an�extraordinary�and�memorableexperience�it�can�be�for�a�player,�and�how�itcan�be�used�to�achieve�even�better�goals�in�thefuture.�The�state�of�Flow�can�be�defined�as�an�optimalexperience�in�which�you�are�so�immersed�in

what�you're�doing�that�nothing�else�seems�tomatter.�It�is�a�very�exciting�experience�and�can

be�a�profound�source�of�satisfaction.�It�is

characterized�by�a�balance�between�challengeand�skill,�a�mix�of�action�and�awareness,�cleargoals,�immediate�feedback,�immenseconcentration,�strong�sense�of�control,�loss�ofself-awareness�and�disintegration�of�time.�

Peak�Performance,�on�the�other�hand,�ischaracterized�by�strong�emotional�reactions�toan�achievement�of�ideal�performance.�Playersexperience�clear�focus,�a�high�level�ofperformance,�total�sense�of�control�and�strongsense�of�self.�Flow�and�Peak�Performance�are

closely�related.�

It�seems�clear,�at�this�point,�that�one�of�themain�objectives�of�mental�preparation�will�be

to�recreate�all�these�psychological�conditions,so�that�the�athlete�can�re-experience�a�state�ofFlow.�This�will�hopefully�result�in�an�experience

of�Peak�Performance�on�the�court.�Tools�thatcan�aid�a�player�in�achieving�this�objectiveinclude:

�•�Visualization

•�Concentration•�Proprioception•�Locomotor�training

LearningFromYourBest

MatchEver

byFedericoCoppini

If�you�ask�an�athlete�about�the�best�match�theyever�played,�you�will�notice�that�theyremember�just�about�everything�about�it.�Thedate,�the�time,�the�setting,�the�court�­everything�about�the�match�has�been�utterlyetched�into�their�memory.�Perhaps�most

importantly,�they�will�remember�the�sensationsand�emotions�of�the�day,�all�those�positivefeelings�that�accompanied�the�match.�

Though�the�player�might�not�have�noticed,something�inside�them�changed�after�thatmatch,�and�it�was�a�change�for�the�better.�It�is

not�just�that�they�gained�extra�confidence�inthemselves�after�such�a�performance�­�thoughthey�certainly�did�get�that�­�but�that�they

experienced�true�“Flow”�and�“PeakPerformance”�for�the�first�time.�

While�playing�their�absolute�best�tennis�(PeakPerformance)�players�experience�differentinternal�sensations�and�emotions�than�normal.

They�likely�felt�as�if�everything�they�did�waseasy,�natural,�automatic�and�pleasant,�that�time

seemed�to�stop�just�as�they�hit�each�shot.�Thissensation�is�known�as�“Flow.”�By�furtherexpanding�your�understanding�of�PeakPerformance�and�Flow,�you�will�understand

what�an�extraordinary�and�memorableexperience�it�can�be�for�a�player,�and�how�itcan�be�used�to�achieve�even�better�goals�in�thefuture.�The�state�of�Flow�can�be�defined�as�an�optimalexperience�in�which�you�are�so�immersed�in

what�you're�doing�that�nothing�else�seems�tomatter.�It�is�a�very�exciting�experience�and�can

be�a�profound�source�of�satisfaction.�It�is

characterized�by�a�balance�between�challengeand�skill,�a�mix�of�action�and�awareness,�cleargoals,�immediate�feedback,�immenseconcentration,�strong�sense�of�control,�loss�ofself-awareness�and�disintegration�of�time.�

Peak�Performance,�on�the�other�hand,�ischaracterized�by�strong�emotional�reactions�toan�achievement�of�ideal�performance.�Playersexperience�clear�focus,�a�high�level�ofperformance,�total�sense�of�control�and�strongsense�of�self.�Flow�and�Peak�Performance�are

closely�related.�

It�seems�clear,�at�this�point,�that�one�of�themain�objectives�of�mental�preparation�will�be

to�recreate�all�these�psychological�conditions,so�that�the�athlete�can�re-experience�a�state�ofFlow.�This�will�hopefully�result�in�an�experience

of�Peak�Performance�on�the�court.�Tools�thatcan�aid�a�player�in�achieving�this�objectiveinclude:

�•�Visualization

•�Concentration•�Proprioception•�Locomotor�training

Beforereturningaserve,

jump

byFedericoCoppini

Which�are�the�most�important�shots�intennis?All�of�them.The�serve�and�the�return�although,�are�thosethat�during�the�last�years�have�become�asubject�of�more�development�and�interest.

�Fast�courts,�light�racquets,�tall�players�andbiomechanics�discoveries�have�made�the�servea�lethal�gun�that�gets�to�throw�balls�faster�than

120�m/h.�Being�in�front�of�such�“bombers”�hasnecessarily�increased�the�research�for�a�betterand�more�efficient�way�to�return�and�avoid�to

lose�games�with�“zero”�points�scored.�The�return�to�the�serve�has�to�be�trained

because�of�two�main�reasons:-�Holding�your�own�and�sending�the�ballbeyond�the�net�in�return�to�the�opponent’s

powerful�serves;-�Being�aggressive�on�the�slowest�serves�andso�taking�control�of�the�rally.

Professionals’�stuff?�Absolutely�not!

Also�club’s�athletes�face�players�that�use�amore�or�less�powerful�and�angled�serve,�so�ifwe�want�to�improve�our�play�we�have�to�trainalso�our�return.

�Where�to�stand?On�the�base-line,�near�the�single’s�line.Which�stance�to�take?Waiting�position�with�the�racquet�in�front�ofthe�body,�elbows�forward,�weight�on�theforefeet�and�wide�feet�beyond�the�shoulders.

�What�then?

Do�a�split�step�and�go�hit�the�ball.�

What’s�a�split�step?It’s�the�little�jump�that�you�have�to�performwhen�the�opponent�is�about�to�hit�the�ball�andonce�landed�lets�us�keep�the�balance,�ready�tosprint�towards�the�ball’s�direction�without

wasting�time.

The�return�to�the�serve�is�characterized�also�bya�movement�towards�the�ball,�by�the�racquet’smovement,�the�stance�to�take�after�the�impactand�it�varies�based�on�factors�like�the

opponent’s�serve’s�habits,�rotations�and�wherewe�want�to�place�the�ball.

It�is�very�important�to�begin�the�split�step,though.�In�fact,�too�often�we�play�a�bad�return

because�we�don’t�move�and�we�wait�with�hardand�powerless�legs�in�front�of�the�opponent’sserve,�hoping�they�make�a�mistake�or�madelazy�by�the�concept�that�the�return�must�beplayed�“standing�still”.

Next�time�you�have�to�return�a�serve,�try�toslightly�jump�when�the�opponent�is�about�toimpact�the�ball�and�you�will�see�the�difference!

Beforereturningaserve,

jump

byFedericoCoppini

Which�are�the�most�important�shots�intennis?All�of�them.The�serve�and�the�return�although,�are�thosethat�during�the�last�years�have�become�asubject�of�more�development�and�interest.

�Fast�courts,�light�racquets,�tall�players�andbiomechanics�discoveries�have�made�the�servea�lethal�gun�that�gets�to�throw�balls�faster�than

120�m/h.�Being�in�front�of�such�“bombers”�hasnecessarily�increased�the�research�for�a�betterand�more�efficient�way�to�return�and�avoid�to

lose�games�with�“zero”�points�scored.�The�return�to�the�serve�has�to�be�trained

because�of�two�main�reasons:-�Holding�your�own�and�sending�the�ballbeyond�the�net�in�return�to�the�opponent’s

powerful�serves;-�Being�aggressive�on�the�slowest�serves�andso�taking�control�of�the�rally.

Professionals’�stuff?�Absolutely�not!

Also�club’s�athletes�face�players�that�use�amore�or�less�powerful�and�angled�serve,�so�ifwe�want�to�improve�our�play�we�have�to�trainalso�our�return.

�Where�to�stand?On�the�base-line,�near�the�single’s�line.Which�stance�to�take?Waiting�position�with�the�racquet�in�front�ofthe�body,�elbows�forward,�weight�on�theforefeet�and�wide�feet�beyond�the�shoulders.

�What�then?

Do�a�split�step�and�go�hit�the�ball.�

What’s�a�split�step?It’s�the�little�jump�that�you�have�to�performwhen�the�opponent�is�about�to�hit�the�ball�andonce�landed�lets�us�keep�the�balance,�ready�tosprint�towards�the�ball’s�direction�without

wasting�time.

The�return�to�the�serve�is�characterized�also�bya�movement�towards�the�ball,�by�the�racquet’smovement,�the�stance�to�take�after�the�impactand�it�varies�based�on�factors�like�the

opponent’s�serve’s�habits,�rotations�and�wherewe�want�to�place�the�ball.

It�is�very�important�to�begin�the�split�step,though.�In�fact,�too�often�we�play�a�bad�return

because�we�don’t�move�and�we�wait�with�hardand�powerless�legs�in�front�of�the�opponent’sserve,�hoping�they�make�a�mistake�or�madelazy�by�the�concept�that�the�return�must�beplayed�“standing�still”.

Next�time�you�have�to�return�a�serve,�try�toslightly�jump�when�the�opponent�is�about�toimpact�the�ball�and�you�will�see�the�difference!

TheImportanceOfProper

PostureInTennis

byMarcoBucciarelli-fisioterapista

In�recent�years,�many�scientists�have�been

studying�biomechanics.�They�look�at�athletes’movements�while�they�are�playing�tennis,�andfocus�on�the�various�phases�of�the�game.�Thesescientists�use�sophisticated�equipment�toaccurately�capture�all�movements.�

The�aim�of�all�this�is�to�determine�how�athletescan�attain�maximum�technical�efficiency�withminimum�effort.�This�is�important�to�know,

because�our�bodies�experience�tremendous

stress�when�we�perform�the�same�actionrepeatedly,�as�in�most�sports.�

In�tennis,�this�is�especially�relevant,�as�players’muscles�and�joints�experience�extremepressure.�Different�surfaces,�long�travel�times

and�limited�recovery�time�all�add�to�the�bodilytrauma,�and�when�players�then�perform�certain

actions�with�poor�posture,�they�can�easilyinjure�themselves.�These�kinds�of�injuries�can�affect�bothprofessional�and�amateur�players.�The�main

causes�of�injury�are�bad�technique,�impropertraining�and�inadequate�warm-up�exercises.�Using�good�posture�when�performing�athleticactivities�has�two�main�benefits.�Firstly,�itstrengthens�the�muscles�and�allows�your�body

to�operate�at�maximum�efficiency,�whichreduces�the�risk�of�injury.�Secondly,�by�movingyour�body�in�a�perfectly�coordinated�manner,

you�maintain�your�balance�more�effectively.

�It�is�vital�for�each�player�to�develop�a�bodyawareness,�which�will�help�greatly�in�stabilising

athletic�movements�and�hand-eyecoordination.

It�should�be�noted�that�certain�sports�can�have

positive�effect�on�asymmetric�dysmorphicfeatures�of�the�spine,�such�as�scoliosis.�Sportssuch�as�tennis�or�fencing�can�help�develop�the

muscles�of�one�side�of�the�body,�but�do�notcause�or�worsen�scoliosis�at�an�early�stage.

Wind:friendorfoe?

byFedericoCoppini

Most�of�us�can�often�be�heard�saying�the�phrase,�"it’s�impossible�to�play�inthis�wind.”�Before�matches,�most�people�will�make�a�comment�about�thewind,�complaining�how�it�will�negatively�affect�their�game.�Some�simply

refuse�to�play�when�it’s�windy,�because�they�think�it�will�be�tedious�and�nofun.

�From�children�to�adults,�from�amateurs�to�professionals,�in�my�many�years�ofworking�with�players�I�have�heard�all�of�these�complaints�and�more.�Of�all�thethings�that�get�blamed�when�a�players�is�faring�poorly,�the�wind�is�always�the

most�likely�candidate.�But�this�fear�of�the�wind�becomes�a�self-fulfilling�prophecy.�If�you�keep�thinkingthat�you�cannot�play�in�the�wind,�you�won’t�be�able�to�play�in�the�wind!�Playing

in�extremely�windy�conditions�can�be�challenging,�it�is�true.�However,�thesechallenges�are�not�insurmountable.�You�simply�need�to�be�able�to�adjust�yourgame�sufficiently,�and�adapt�to�the�conditions,�and�you�will�be�able�to�walk�off

the�court�as�the�winner!�(Somebody,�after�all,�has�to�win�the�match)�As�a�general�rule,�people�tend�to�want�to�play�against�the�wind�rather�than�with

it.�This�is�a�natural�reaction,�as�playing�against�the�wind�is�certainly�moreforgiving.�The�wind�will�more�than�likely�help�one�or�two�balls�that�would�havegone�out�find�the�court,�and�that�fact�is�comforting.�But�it�should�be�noted�that

playing�against�the�wind�can�also�be�extremely�dangerous.�Your�shots�will�nothave�the�same�power,�and�a�skilled�opponent�will�more�than�likely�pick�yourweaker�shots�apart.

Knowing�this,�let’s�look�at�how�you�can�take�advantage�of�playing�with�the�wind.�Here�are�some

general�guidelines:-�Play�with�more�topspin,�and�try�to�steer�clear�of�the�lines-�Do�not�play�too�deep�-�Play�with�more�margin�for�error�-�Do�not�hit�the�ball�too�softly�

On�the�other�hand,�if�you�have�to�play�against�the�wind,�you�should�keep�the�following�in�mind:-�Do�not�play�too�defensively.-�Hit�the�ball�hard�and�deep.�This�will�limit�the�amount�of�court�you�lose�thanks�to�the�wind-�Do�not�force�winners.�You�will�probably�not�be�able�to�force�a�winner�from�the�baseline,�so�wait�forthe�right�opportunity

Playing�in�the�wind�can�be�quite�frustrating,�but�if�you�play�your�cards�right,�you�will�be�able�to�dealwith�the�situation�much�more�effectively�than�your�opponent.�If�you�are�able�to�do�this,�victory�willalmost�certainly�be�yours!

Wind:friendorfoe?

byFedericoCoppini

Most�of�us�can�often�be�heard�saying�the�phrase,�"it’s�impossible�to�play�inthis�wind.”�Before�matches,�most�people�will�make�a�comment�about�thewind,�complaining�how�it�will�negatively�affect�their�game.�Some�simply

refuse�to�play�when�it’s�windy,�because�they�think�it�will�be�tedious�and�nofun.

�From�children�to�adults,�from�amateurs�to�professionals,�in�my�many�years�ofworking�with�players�I�have�heard�all�of�these�complaints�and�more.�Of�all�thethings�that�get�blamed�when�a�players�is�faring�poorly,�the�wind�is�always�the

most�likely�candidate.�But�this�fear�of�the�wind�becomes�a�self-fulfilling�prophecy.�If�you�keep�thinkingthat�you�cannot�play�in�the�wind,�you�won’t�be�able�to�play�in�the�wind!�Playing

in�extremely�windy�conditions�can�be�challenging,�it�is�true.�However,�thesechallenges�are�not�insurmountable.�You�simply�need�to�be�able�to�adjust�yourgame�sufficiently,�and�adapt�to�the�conditions,�and�you�will�be�able�to�walk�off

the�court�as�the�winner!�(Somebody,�after�all,�has�to�win�the�match)�As�a�general�rule,�people�tend�to�want�to�play�against�the�wind�rather�than�with

it.�This�is�a�natural�reaction,�as�playing�against�the�wind�is�certainly�moreforgiving.�The�wind�will�more�than�likely�help�one�or�two�balls�that�would�havegone�out�find�the�court,�and�that�fact�is�comforting.�But�it�should�be�noted�that

playing�against�the�wind�can�also�be�extremely�dangerous.�Your�shots�will�nothave�the�same�power,�and�a�skilled�opponent�will�more�than�likely�pick�yourweaker�shots�apart.

Knowing�this,�let’s�look�at�how�you�can�take�advantage�of�playing�with�the�wind.�Here�are�some

general�guidelines:-�Play�with�more�topspin,�and�try�to�steer�clear�of�the�lines-�Do�not�play�too�deep�-�Play�with�more�margin�for�error�-�Do�not�hit�the�ball�too�softly�

On�the�other�hand,�if�you�have�to�play�against�the�wind,�you�should�keep�the�following�in�mind:-�Do�not�play�too�defensively.-�Hit�the�ball�hard�and�deep.�This�will�limit�the�amount�of�court�you�lose�thanks�to�the�wind-�Do�not�force�winners.�You�will�probably�not�be�able�to�force�a�winner�from�the�baseline,�so�wait�forthe�right�opportunity

Playing�in�the�wind�can�be�quite�frustrating,�but�if�you�play�your�cards�right,�you�will�be�able�to�dealwith�the�situation�much�more�effectively�than�your�opponent.�If�you�are�able�to�do�this,�victory�willalmost�certainly�be�yours!