Hi, thank you for the analysis. Couldn't wait to get your take on how things played out!
One curious bit from Djokovic's post-match presser. He responded to a question comparing Alcaraz and Rune and mentioned that “Rune has better backhand, Alcaraz has better forehand”. However, I would beg to differ based purely on technicals as well as what I've understood from your posts. Could you give your thoughts on this comment?
As for their forehands, I think Alcaraz's is still better, but Rune won't have issues improving his stroke because it is still technically sound. I think he needs a slighty bigger loop at times to add some smoothness to it, but there is no reason it can't become a great shot. The same can't be said for Alcaraz's backhand with his current set-up.
I think Alcaraz's is better right now: he can get erratic at times but when it is on it is an absolute hammer. Alcaraz's is still technically really good, I just think the high elbow means it is harder for him to adjust to quick balls/hold the baseline, and while Rune's isn't as damaging yet, he CAN hold the baseline really well because his swing can abbreviate to something very short very easily. So in time, we might see the Dane's develop into something better.
Check out Rune's forehand at 0:49 seconds. He does this off the serve over and over again (serve +1) and just uses a very short swing to take time away. Easier with his forehand for this type of shot.
It's about getting the racquet head inside the line of the ball. This post goes into more detail. I'll write a clearer post about this in the future I think, but for now, check this out:
Thank you. I especially like the observation of how Rune shortens his swing in order to maintain the baseline. Contrasts with the majority who seem happy to retreat deep in order to take big swings.
So good. Making me think about tennis in a brand new way!
Hi, thank you for the analysis. Couldn't wait to get your take on how things played out!
One curious bit from Djokovic's post-match presser. He responded to a question comparing Alcaraz and Rune and mentioned that “Rune has better backhand, Alcaraz has better forehand”. However, I would beg to differ based purely on technicals as well as what I've understood from your posts. Could you give your thoughts on this comment?
I've touched on Alcaraz's backhand issues numerous times. Check out this post for more:
https://hughclarke.substack.com/p/alcaraz-x-musetti-hamburg-final
As for their forehands, I think Alcaraz's is still better, but Rune won't have issues improving his stroke because it is still technically sound. I think he needs a slighty bigger loop at times to add some smoothness to it, but there is no reason it can't become a great shot. The same can't be said for Alcaraz's backhand with his current set-up.
Sorry to clarify I was referring to the forehand and whether Alcaraz’s is better. Agree that Rune has the sounder of the two for the backhand. Thanks!
I think Alcaraz's is better right now: he can get erratic at times but when it is on it is an absolute hammer. Alcaraz's is still technically really good, I just think the high elbow means it is harder for him to adjust to quick balls/hold the baseline, and while Rune's isn't as damaging yet, he CAN hold the baseline really well because his swing can abbreviate to something very short very easily. So in time, we might see the Dane's develop into something better.
Check out Rune's forehand at 0:49 seconds. He does this off the serve over and over again (serve +1) and just uses a very short swing to take time away. Easier with his forehand for this type of shot.
What do you exactly mean by "drop inside" when talking about rune and djokovic's backhands here? Thanks for the high quality content!
It's about getting the racquet head inside the line of the ball. This post goes into more detail. I'll write a clearer post about this in the future I think, but for now, check this out:
https://hughclarke.substack.com/p/alcaraz-x-musetti-hamburg-final
Great analysis, appreciate the work and thought you put into this!
Thanks barnabas!
I’ve been looking forward to this analysis all day. It didn’t disappoint. Thank you so much.
Thank you. I especially like the observation of how Rune shortens his swing in order to maintain the baseline. Contrasts with the majority who seem happy to retreat deep in order to take big swings.
Glad you enjoyed it mate