Amazingly insightful analysis, as always. You provide an extra level of understanding of this game that I find nowhere else. Keep up the good work and thank you so much!
1) Do you think there is an interest for Alcaraz to change his backhand motion? As you said it is a game of tradeoffs and I feel like he is the best at redirecting / flattening high balls, he does that great so it’s hard to expose him backhand cross. I though he managed to turn around his backhand or go line way more in the second, but I might change my mind after rewatching and statting both sets.
2) You often compare Alcaraz’s backhand to Rublev’s but I can’t help but feel Alcaraz’s is just one or two tiers above his. Is it just the locked wrist feature that helps control you mentioned several times (and that I again saw in Alcaraz today especially when he tried going for depth or changing direction) or is there more ?
I haven't watched Ruud much this year, so I don't know if this is typical for him: he sliced a lot to give Zverev low balls. He seemed to draw in Z, hit a forehand right at his feet, and then get an easy passing shot if Z's volley wasn't perfect.
I think Ruud can make it interesting in rallies against Novak, but I am not confident in the Norwegian's serve over 5 sets.
Alcaraz v Djokovic: Roland Garros Semifinal Analysis
Absolute wordsmith. Well done. I relived the match again thanks to you!
Amazingly insightful analysis, as always. You provide an extra level of understanding of this game that I find nowhere else. Keep up the good work and thank you so much!
Two questions in one:
1) Do you think there is an interest for Alcaraz to change his backhand motion? As you said it is a game of tradeoffs and I feel like he is the best at redirecting / flattening high balls, he does that great so it’s hard to expose him backhand cross. I though he managed to turn around his backhand or go line way more in the second, but I might change my mind after rewatching and statting both sets.
2) You often compare Alcaraz’s backhand to Rublev’s but I can’t help but feel Alcaraz’s is just one or two tiers above his. Is it just the locked wrist feature that helps control you mentioned several times (and that I again saw in Alcaraz today especially when he tried going for depth or changing direction) or is there more ?
Love this writeup. Your analysis is my favourite part of watching tennis
I haven't watched Ruud much this year, so I don't know if this is typical for him: he sliced a lot to give Zverev low balls. He seemed to draw in Z, hit a forehand right at his feet, and then get an easy passing shot if Z's volley wasn't perfect.
I think Ruud can make it interesting in rallies against Novak, but I am not confident in the Norwegian's serve over 5 sets.
Can you expand on “subtle change-of-direction”? What does that look like? How does it differ from standard change-of-direction?
Brilliant analysis. Novak’s biggest strength is definitely his control, added with his resilient mental strength. What a champion.