Rafa’s victory over Roger at Roland Garros proves that attacking the net on slow courts, in tough conditions, is a fool’s errand.
The best defenders and counterpunchers in the world will typically beat the best attackers in the world in these conditions.
Source: ATP Tour
“Federer had won an average 70 per cent of net approaches coming into the semi-finals. But in blustery conditions against Nadal – who is one of the toughest opponents to volley against even in benign conditions – Federer’s forward progress was always going to be challenging. The 20-time Grand Slam champion made 35 net approaches – second only to the 60 he made in his four-set win against Stan Wawrinka in the quarters – but won less than half (17). Although Nadal also lost more points than he won at net (9/20), his volleying success was always going to be less consequential in the match result.”
Roger—as gifted as he is moving forwards—could not overcome an equally gifted counterpuncher.
Follow Chris at these websites and social media links:
Website: www.chrislewit.com
Blog: www.ProdigyMaker.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChrisLewitTennisAcademy
Twitter: www.twitter.com/chrislewit
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/chris-lewit-tennis-academy
Instagram: www.instagram.com/chrislewittennis/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/ChrisLewit
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-prodigy-maker-tennis-show/