Ask me anything about being a professional tennis player

[fpeliwo]

Originally Posted by LeeD

I think you misunderstand.
I like your strokes. Like Couriers, and Elliot's. Both guys made top 4 in their time.
Some player's, like Nalbandian, have longer strokes.
Definetely hit the way you are doing, as it's working. I"m just wondering what your coach says about your serve motion, and it's effect on consistency when the days string together and the matches last longer and longer.

Haha sorry.

Well we are trying to keep it more compact, to avoid unecessary movements. Still working on finding something I'm 100% satisfied with.

[fpeliwo]

Originally Posted by AltiusFortius

Hello, what is your favorite tennis stroke?

Probably the FH.

[fpeliwo]

Originally Posted by Power Player

This sure is nice to read. Lot of info, especially on technique nd strokes that I agree with, but it's nice to see a high level player verifying. Especially in terms of the relaxed swing. Definitely changed the game for me once I relaxed and got my arm loose. the racquet head speed goes up as well.

Looks a like a lot of forehand spin coming off that 18x20 pattern in the Aussie Open link. That is the best of both worlds right there.

I have a coach who has ATP points and he taught me a flatter backhand as well. Very similar to yours in some ways. Load up the weight on the front foot, lean into the shot and crack it. It seems like most pros are hitting the 2 hander this way, do you deal with any that hit with more top off that side?

It's very rare to have a guy hit more topspin from his backhand. I have seen quite a few guys who hit their backhands better and bigger than their forehands.

[fpeliwo]

Originally Posted by SStrikerR

How much do players (in general) actually enjoy interacting with fans? Like signing autographs, talking, things like that. Sometimes I wonder if they don't get bored of it and only do it because they feel obligated to.

Haha sorry responded to the wrong question here..

[fpeliwo]

Originally Posted by SStrikerR

How much do players (in general) actually enjoy interacting with fans? Like signing autographs, talking, things like that. Sometimes I wonder if they don't get bored of it and only do it because they feel obligated to.

I'm not sure how other players feel about it. I'm sure they do see it partly as an obligation.

Personally, I enjoy interacting with fans. It's always nice to hear words of support from them, and know that you are liked by the tennis community. I do see it as an obligation, in a sense, because I feel like I should at least sign an autograph to thank the fans for coming out to support me during my matches. It's really the least I could do to show my gratitude. It does get a bit boring (or rather, difficult to keep smiling for the camera, haha) if there is 50 people lined up waiting for a picture, but I still enjoy it. I feel bad if I leave anyone out, especially after they waited a long time to get one.

[fpeliwo]

Originally Posted by kaku

Have you ever hit against a top 4 player? If so, how did it go?

Never have hit with a top 4 player.

[fpeliwo]

Originally Posted by TheCanadian

What are your bh grips?

I use a grip that is close to, or completely continental with my right hand, and a semi-western with the left.

[LeeD]

Strong, flowing backhand 1hbh slice confirms that.....

[sureshs]

Originally Posted by TheCanadian

What are your bh grips?

Same as the forehand one - Wilson grip with white overgrip as he already said.




































Sorry couldn't resist that one

[dominikk1985]

Originally Posted by sureshs

Don't take LeeD's posts seriously. No one does.

actually he gives some of the best advice here in the forum regarding tennis tips (no kidding). you just have to plow through some crazy old mens stories to get to them.

[dominikk1985]

Originally Posted by sureshs

His swing is not short. It is just so much faster than you are used to seeing that it appears short to you.

His BH is not short?

Originally Posted by fpeliwo

I try to give myself the option of hitting any shot, so technique is important. That being said, I try not to think too much about it anymore, as that causes me to overthink my strokes and mess them up.

You don't see it on tv from that angle, but there's a lot more spin on that FH than you think :P BH is quite flat though.

I try to take the ball quite early, so that makes it a bit tougher to get a lot of spin on my shots, so I always get a lot more topspin when I stay a bit further back.

Yes I was talking about the BH mainly. I like the FH. that BH looks a little like a hockey slap. still some nice snap.

[dominikk1985]

Hey Filip most do agree now that a lot of power in the modern strokes is generated by the legs and hip/spine rotation into the shots.

Are you doing any specific drills to increase rotational power that you can recommend to us?

[klementine79]

Pocałuj mnie Murzyna!

My uncle's married to a Polish woman... love the Christmas and Easter traditions.

Good work my man! You're gaining a lot of fans here, including my wife. You'll have to pay the divorce fees if you want to take her off my hands.

Stay hungry, humble and healthy. Good luck with everything!

[tennis_pro]

Who's the girl on the left?

[tennis_pro]

Originally Posted by dominikk1985

Hey Filip most do agree now that a lot of power in the modern strokes is generated by the legs and hip/spine rotation into the shots.

Are you doing any specific drills to increase rotational power that you can recommend to us?

Since we're all turning pro

[fpeliwo]

Originally Posted by dominikk1985

Hey Filip most do agree now that a lot of power in the modern strokes is generated by the legs and hip/spine rotation into the shots.

Are you doing any specific drills to increase rotational power that you can recommend to us?

Yes that's how it is usually generated. Not really, I don't do anything to increase power other than working out in the gym. I honestly don't have trouble generating power if I need to though. It's all about being loose and using your whole body(legs and hip rotation, keeping your arm loose) and going through the ball with your body weight.

[fpeliwo]

Originally Posted by tennis_pro

Who's the girl on the left?

Eugenie Bouchard, the top Canadian junior on the female side.

[TopFH]

Originally Posted by tennis_pro

Who's the girl on the left?

Genie Bouchard.

[fpeliwo]

Originally Posted by klementine79

Pocałuj mnie Murzyna!

My uncle's married to a Polish woman... love the Christmas and Easter traditions.

Good work my man! You're gaining a lot of fans here, including my wife. You'll have to pay the divorce fees if you want to take her off my hands.

Stay hungry, humble and healthy. Good luck with everything!

Hahaha, thanks! And don't worry about that :P Yeah I love the holiday traditions, so much good food!

[klementine79]

^oh yeah... the desserts alone kind of make me wish I too had married a Polish woman!

Do you or did you play other sports growing up? Hockey, Basketball, Fútbol, etc.. and had to make that tough decision?

or any other sport related hobbies you're into? Biking, climbing? I'm sure some of those activities helped in developing some tennis skills.

I came from lacrosse, so unless they remove the net one day and allow for full contact tennis... my background doesn't help. Except for maybe footwork.