As Roger Federer, Andy Murray, and Novak Djokovic tear up the courts in Melbourne, athletes thrill experts and spectators alike with their defined swings. What makes their slice so special?
For Federer’s backhand, a clockwise rotation of the arm encourages ball spin. For Murray’s serve and forehand, his ready-to-go stance coming out of his serve jumpstarts his counters. For Djokovic, a dedicated grip and great turns pack a precise punch to every swing. No singular silhouette exists for a professional serve—every player has their own twist to increase power, extension, and spin.
Each pro has to be quick on their feet, and quicker to swing. But nothing in the playbook says they need to mimic one another. Their unique techniques liven up matches and invite speculation on what each grip or unit turn does to a shot.
It’s one thing to read and another to watch, but nothing beats a courtside seat. If you’re looking to get an eyeful of the pros, look for tennis events from Ticket City. The careful viewer might even pick up on a trick or two.
In the meantime, check out this helpful infographic on “Dissecting the Techniques of the Best in the World.”
