Weird analogy: Jamie Hampton reminds me of Marcelo Rios

[Gonzalito17]

Jamie Hampton reminds me of a righty Marcelo Rios for some reason. Is anyone watching her vs. Azarenka? Her strokes off both wings look like Rios, the bounce in her step, the smooth movement, the pony tail and the slight Asian features, the demeanor between points.

Looking for some back up on this. )

[slowfox]

I see some resemblance in the backhand. If memory serves, I think Rios often took balls on the rise earlier than her though. Plus Rios had crazy variety. Like magic...

[Gonzalito17]

Slowfox, there was only one Rios, he was one of a kind, but Hampton plays more like Rios than any other player I've seen since Rios retired. I don't know if it's a coincidence, natural or Rios was an inspiration for her as a kid. I tried to google some info on Hampton about her heroes but can't find that information.

BTW did you happen to read that Rios book that came out last year? 'The Man We Barely Knew.' It's a good read.

[Dedans Penthouse]

He is, Marcelo Rios.

[Dedans Penthouse]

Originally Posted by Gonzalito17

Jamie Hampton reminds me of a righty Marcelo Rios for some reason. Is anyone watching her vs. Azarenka? Her strokes off both wings look like Rios, the bounce in her step, the smooth movement, the pony tail and the slight Asian features, the demeanor between points.

Looking for some back up on this. )

That's so interesting. I thought the same thing about Ivo Karlovic and Rios: the bipedal movement, the two arms they both had, the way they hold a tennis racquet between points, I mean the similarities are almost scary. And as if that wasn't enough, I saw Rios at a Dairy Queen last night. True story.

[Gonzalito17]

Interesting observsations. Let me add that Dr. Ivo also reminds one of Justin Henin, Schiavone and Serena Williams.

Rios and Steffi Graf were quite similar also.

)