I caught some of his match with Djokovic in Basel and remembered why I so love to watch him play. Terrific all court player, mixes baseline play with following in knifing approaches, even some serve and volley. Plays any style, good aggressive instinct, was volleying out of his mind yesterday. I wish more players played his exciting style, reminded me of the way Laver played, penetrating from the baseline but always looking to move forward.
Stepanek
- Thread starter El Diablo
- Start date
I watched it too and wondered why he had won only 4 titles. Then he failed to take the match at Djokovic 0-40 at 4-5, and step couldn't get the break points. Then I knew what was wrong with his game...the mental aspect that gets titles.
Well, that and the fact that he doesn't have the power to put balls away as easily as other players. He has to rely on that all-court game and variety - whereas a lot of players in the top 100 can, when times get rough, have a "bread-and-butter" play to rely on (usually serve+forehand), Stepanek just doesn't have that kind of shot.
When his game is flowing it looks beautiful and effortless, but when it's not, it looks a lot less impressive - it looks like a guy trying to get to net without any way of setting it up.
When his game is flowing it looks beautiful and effortless, but when it's not, it looks a lot less impressive - it looks like a guy trying to get to net without any way of setting it up.
Well said!
He reminded me of Sampras in that match.....I swear to god he did.......perfect voleys....flat forehand....just perfect net attacking instinct........it was beautyfull to watch
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roundiesee
Hall of Fame
A match he should never have lost; he did everything perfectly except win, a shame really; even Novak said he was "lucky" to have scraped through into the final....
Ripster
Hall of Fame
He used to really bother me but then one day while I was watching he won this amazing point, stuck out his chest and walked like a soldier to the baseline while staring at the crowd with a funny look on his face. I started laughing and ever since then I've found Stepanek very humourous. Throw in a great serve and volley game (which is rare these days) and his strange charming of the ladies. He's quite the guy!
Young Pete
Professional
Well said!
He reminded me of Sampras in that match.....I swear to god he did.......perfect voleys....flat forehand....just perfect net attacking instinct........it was beautyfull to watch
my thoughts exactly!
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