The Enduring Power of Serve-and-Volley

BREAKING: Serve-and-Volley Sees Resurgence at Wimbledon; Legends Weigh In

WIMBLEDON – The hallowed grass courts of Wimbledon are witnessing a stylish revival of an old-school tactic: serve-and-volley. As the tournament progresses, several top players are demonstrating the effectiveness of this aggressive approach, drawing parallels too the game’s storied past and earning praise from tennis aficionados and former champions alike.Grigor Dimitrov, despite a premature exit due to injury, showcased masterful execution during his fourth-round match. He won an remarkable 75% of his serve-and-volley points, converting 36 out of 48 attempts. Similarly, young American talent Ben Shelton embraced the strategy, winning 70% of his 37 serve-and-volley points. This tactical choice resonated deeply, with Shelton crediting his father and coach, former professional Bryan Shelton, for inspiring his grass-court game and his willingness to incorporate vintage elements.

“He kind of inspires the way that I’m playing on grass, the way that I’m moving forward, how I’m cutting off angles, wanting to mix in the serve-and-volley vintage style of tennis every once in a while,” shelton shared after his recent victory, highlighting the generational influence on his play.

The article also notes a remarkable consistency in the serve-and-volley success rate at Wimbledon, hovering between 65% and 71% annually as 1997, with only minor dips in 1999 and 2000. This enduring effectiveness underscores the surface’s inherent nature, which favors attacking play at the net.

Former world No. 1 Pat Rafter, who made a guest appearance at Wimbledon, remains a staunch advocate for the serve-and-volley game when employed judiciously. Echoing this sentiment is Australian Jordan Thompson, who led the field in serve-and-volley attempts at this year’s event, with 31% of his play incorporating the tactic en route to the Round of 16.

Thompson articulated his gratitude for the attacking style, stating, “The grass is still slow, but it’s grass, so not letting the ball bounce, taking it out of the air, it’s going to pose a problem for any guy.” He added, “It creates so many problems. [A lot of players] wouldn’t have seen that before.”

Thompson further elaborated on his personal preference, expressing, “Personally, I like seeing the serve-and-volley style. I like seeing slices come in. I like watching Dan Evans play. I think that’s proper tennis, and that’s the way I want to play.” He concluded by emphasizing it’s suitability for grass, while acknowledging its lesser effectiveness on slower court surfaces. “It’s good on grass. I wouldn’t say it’s great on clay or the slow hard courts that we’ve got now. but certainly, coming forward on your terms is still going to be a positive if you can volley.”

The resurgence of this classic tennis strategy adds another captivating layer to the drama unfolding at Wimbledon, proving that precision, aggression, and a touch of nostalgia can still conquer the grass.

How does the ancient context of court surfaces influence the effectiveness of a serve-and-volley strategy?

A Tactical Masterclass in tennis

Serve-and-volley tennis, a once-dominant strategy, continues to hold a unique and powerful place in the modern game. While baseline rallies have become increasingly prevalent, the aggressive, net-rushing style offers distinct advantages for players willing to master it. This article delves into the nuances of serve-and-volley, exploring its history, techniques, benefits, and how it’s evolving in contemporary tennis. We’ll cover everything from the ideal serve placement to volley technique and court positioning.

The history of an Aggressive Style

Historically, serve-and-volley was the defining tactic in tennis. Players like Rod Laver,Ken Rosewall,and especially Wimbledon legends like William Renshaw and Suzanne Lenglen built their careers on quick points and dominating the net. The slower court surfaces of the past favored this approach,as balls didn’t bounce as high or move as quickly,making it easier to intercept them at the net.

The rise of power baseliners in the 1980s and 90s – players like Bjorn Borg and later Pete Sampras – initially challenged this dominance. Sampras,however,arguably perfected a modern serve-and-volley game,combining a massive serve with exceptional net play. The shift towards faster courts and improved racquet technology further intricate the landscape,but the core principles of aggressive net play remained relevant.

Key Techniques for Effective Serve-and-Volley

Success with serve-and-volley isn’t just about rushing the net; it’s about executing a series of precise techniques.

The Serve: A flat or slice serve is generally preferred.

Placement: wide serves pull the opponent off the court, opening up the angle for the volley. Body serves can jam the returner,forcing a weaker reply.

Power & Spin: While power is critically important, spin can be equally effective, creating difficult angles and disrupting the opponent’s timing.

The First Step: immediately after the serve, the player takes a decisive first step towards the net. This step should be quick and explosive.

Split Step: A crucial element.Executed just as the opponent makes contact with the return, the split step prepares the player to react quickly in any direction.

Volley Technique:

Grip: A continental grip is the most versatile for volleys, allowing for both forehand and backhand shots.

Punch Volley: A short, compact swing that directs the ball with precision.

Angle Volley: Used to create sharp angles and pull the opponent wide.

Drop Volley: A delicate shot that barely clears the net, forcing the opponent to rush forward.

Court Positioning: Don’t simply run straight at the net. Angle your approach to cut off the return and control the center of the court.

Benefits of Employing Serve-and-Volley

Despite the prevalence of baseline play, serve-and-volley offers several advantages:

Shorter Points: Aggressive net play often leads to quicker points, reducing physical exertion.

Disrupts Opponent’s Rhythm: Constantly attacking the net forces the opponent to change their game plan and adapt to uncomfortable situations.

Psychological Pressure: The threat of the volley can intimidate opponents and lead to errors.

Variety & Tactical Versatility: Serve-and-volley adds a crucial element of surprise and prevents opponents from settling into a comfortable rhythm. It’s a powerful tool to mix up play and exploit weaknesses.

Capitalizing on Weak Returns: A weak return is a prime chance to finish the point at the net.

Modern Adaptations & Players Utilizing the Style

While the pure serve-and-volley game of the past is less common,modern players are incorporating elements of it into their strategies.

Roger Federer: A master of all-court tennis, Federer frequently used serve-and-volley to change the pace of rallies and finish points.

Nick Kyrgios: Known for his unpredictable style, Kyrgios often employs serve-and-volley as a surprise tactic.

* Matteo Berrettini: his powerful serve and aggressive net play make him a dangerous serve-and-volleyer.