Most intelligent tennis player ever? (tennis wise)
- Thread starter steenkash
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Deleted member 748597
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Djokovic.
ZanderGoga
Semi-Pro
Wilander.
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Deleted member 748597
Guest
Pancho is a close 2nd.
Born_to_slice
Legend
Nadal. 40 moonballs in a row to Federer's backhand if need be. IQ 500.
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Deleted member 748597
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That's nothing. Thiem just going bash bash is better. IQ over 9000.
Lleytonstation
Talk Tennis Guru
Lleytonstation
Talk Tennis Guru
Zverev even better, DF and DF and DF. IQ over 12000.
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Deleted member 748597
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I think that I watched that movie, lol.
Born_to_slice
Legend
Poisoned Slice
Bionic Poster
Cool, calm, just like Nadal
with another topspin to the backhand inside his palm.
with another topspin to the backhand inside his palm.
TripleATeam
G.O.A.T.
I mean it's rote, but probably Federer. Throughout his career he's been able to use all-court tennis against his opponents and knows when to do it. There's probably some lower ranked players that severely outperform their talent via tennis IQ, but Federer is the first player that pops into my head.
Djokovic is good at crafting points, but his relative lack of arsenal through most of his career (despite very solid groundstrokes as weapons) make the ability to craft points from the baseline more of a necessity than an advantage.
I've only been watching since the early 2000s, but from what I hear McEnroe is in contention for it when we start talking all-time.
Djokovic is good at crafting points, but his relative lack of arsenal through most of his career (despite very solid groundstrokes as weapons) make the ability to craft points from the baseline more of a necessity than an advantage.
I've only been watching since the early 2000s, but from what I hear McEnroe is in contention for it when we start talking all-time.
Third Serve
Talk Tennis Guru
Denis Shapovalov
ok, but really, it’s Fed or Djoker. Lean Fed.
ok, but really, it’s Fed or Djoker. Lean Fed.
Breakpointerer
Legend
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Deleted member 748597
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Played like headless chicken.
ZanderGoga
Semi-Pro
McEnroe got by on talent, not strategy.
The "rote" answer is probably Brad Gilbert. The correct answer is Wilander.
NonP
Legend
What amazes me is that it worked every damn time.
Born_to_slice
Legend
Seriously, Federer, Murray and Djokovic's tennis IQ is top notch. Think Djokovic is the greatest mind among 3, followed closely by Federer.
Stanislas was also pretty smart for some time. Always riling up the crowd against Djokovic.
Shoutout to Florian Mayer too, super slick tennis IQ:
Stanislas was also pretty smart for some time. Always riling up the crowd against Djokovic.
Shoutout to Florian Mayer too, super slick tennis IQ:
Born_to_slice
Legend
Until Federer went for a bigger head racquet and ruined his forehand.
Nadal>>>>>Federer
Professional
nalbandian
Jason Swerve
Hall of Fame
Evert and Wilander.
Perfect answer.
Hingis' court intelligence is overblown. What people really saw from her was a quicker attention to detail than the other players'.
Ray Mercer
Hall of Fame
Brad Gilbert
skaj
Legend
But after Nadal.
Anyway, both of their games are all about tactics and intelligence, no doubt.
MadariKatu
Hall of Fame
I came here to say the same
skaj
Legend
Mobility was his weapon.
I completely agree. Growing up watching the way Wilander used the court still helps me today. And he became nr in a tough field without any weapons besides his speed, physic and tennisbrain.
game..set..match
Semi-Pro
definitely djokovic
AnOctorokForDinner
Talk Tennis Guru
Wilander it is. Among ATGs, certainly. He had the least weapons besides movement of any ATG so needed to adjust more to win as much and did so in impressive fashion.
btsjungkook
Professional
I think Federer in his peak probably could do any type of shot and Murray too at times.
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Deleted member 771911
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Nalbandian. Sometimes I watch clips of that Madrid '07 run and just marvel.
Jason Swerve
Hall of Fame
I'm wondering whether you all consider gamesmanship and certain other intangibles as part of the intelligence package.
RaulRamirez
Legend
Outside of this era, Wilander and Chang came to mind for me.
I think Evert is also a good choice.
I think Evert is also a good choice.
Swingmaster
Hall of Fame
Einstein played tennis recreationally (dumb answer).
Off the top of my head;
Dan Evans
Stepanek
Nadal
Fed
Djok
Murray
Lopez
Gilbert
Santoro
Simon
*I think it's hard to separate talent and intelligent play *sometimes* - talented players make shots that would seem dumb if they missed them but seem obviously the right choice if you are able to make it.
Dan Evans
Stepanek
Nadal
Fed
Djok
Murray
Lopez
Gilbert
Santoro
Simon
*I think it's hard to separate talent and intelligent play *sometimes* - talented players make shots that would seem dumb if they missed them but seem obviously the right choice if you are able to make it.
Nadalgaenger
G.O.A.T.
Probably a guy like Brad Gilbert that took mediocre talent and scrapped out a very successful career.
Later Fed’s a brilliant tactical player and that edge has greatly prolonged his career.
Medvedev probably best tactician around today.
Later Fed’s a brilliant tactical player and that edge has greatly prolonged his career.
Medvedev probably best tactician around today.
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Deleted member 781040
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Chang's forehand and speed were great weapons. He didn't have a "big" forehand but could control points very effectively with it. Also had great court sense and could close the net in a way that would make today's buffoons sigh in longing.
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Deleted member 781040
Guest
Perhaps Baghdatis?
Mark-Touch
Legend
Hard to pick "the most intelligent tennis player ever",
but Seles certainly would be right up there.
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