Yesterday's exhibition of superb tennis was a sublime experience.
When Roger Federer is on his game, it is an absolutely breathtaking experience if you're a tennis fan. His game is so solid, so cleverly constructed, his strokes so smooth that he literally makes the game look so easy.
I think that what a lot of people don't give a lot of thought to is Federer's tremendous defensive ability. Clearly, Federer is an otherworldy shotmaker.
Watch what happens when he's pushed and the matches get tight (doesn't happen too often obviously). But,when he's in a litle trouble, he relies on extraordinary footspeed and quickness to play superb defensive tennis. And, he's the best I've ever seen at turning defense into offense in a flash of a heartbeat.
There have been other great offensive tennis players in recent years. Players who were dangerous everytime the ball hit their rackets. Pete Sampras and John McCenroe come to mind right away. Anytime these guys touched the ball they could put the ball someplace difficult fot their opponent and be at the the net in a heartbeat.
But, neither Pete nor Mac were the greatest defensive players. Sampras actually was a better defensive player than Mac in my opinion because he had a lethal flat forehand -- a a weapon the that the continentally gripped Mac never possesssed.
And, when I think of great defensive players Rafael Nadal and Bjorn Borg come to mind.
But, Federer is literally the best offensive player and nearly the best defensive player in the game today. This is what makes him so unbeatable. When his offence is off, he can rely on his defense to keep him in the points. And, sooner or later, his offense starts to perk up again.
The other player who comes to mind as both the best offensive and the best defensive player of his time was Michael Jordan in basketball. And, he didn't do too badly did he?
By the way, I've just added a new section on my website about tennis strings. It's starting slow but will eventually have some really good info for you.
Cheers,
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US Open Tennis
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