Berasategui's Forehand: Best Ever?

[Bilbo]

If we take a look at ALberto Berasategui's forehand alone... not his whole game, but just his forehand, is it too far fetched to say that Alberto Berasategui's forehand alone was the best ever. I know other guys who would rank up there are Jimmy Arias, Petros Sampras, F-Gon, Federer, and some other guys. But, as far as pure forehand goes, i'm not sure how anyone can dispute with Berasategui as having the best forehand ever.

 

[rod99]

not even close. his forehand was only effective on slow surfaces where he had time to setup and the ball stayed high. on fast surfaces his grip was too extreme that he struggled with low balls.

 

[grafselesfan]

Only on clay surfaces did he have a great forehand and even on those alone it wasnt the best ever. His forehand combined with some heart and speed took him to one French Open final one one Aussie quarterfinal. That is it. Great shot but far from the best ever.

 

[120mphBodyServe]

Apart from those mentioned, I'd have to say Rios and Kuerten had pretty devastating forehands.
Oh and Boris Becker too....

 

[vive le beau jeu !]

If we take a look at ALberto Berasategui's forehand alone... not his whole game, but just his forehand, is it too far fetched to say that Alberto Berasategui's forehand alone was the best ever. I know other guys who would rank up there are Jimmy Arias, Petros Sampras, F-Gon, Federer, and some other guys. But, as far as pure forehand goes, i'm not sure how anyone can dispute with Berasategui as having the best forehand ever.

it was a monstruous shot (see RG 1994 or his match vs agassi at AO 1998) and also an unusual one, but i don't think it was one of the most efficient for taking the ball early (especially on fast surfaces) due to his very extreme grip !

i was always covering the eyes of my wrist when i was watching him on TV... too painful to see for it !

 

[egn]

Jim Courier anyone?

 

[rod99]

Apart from those mentioned, I'd have to say Rios and Kuerten had pretty devastating forehands.
Oh and Boris Becker too....

becker and kuerten had better backhands than forehands. rios was pretty comparable off both sides.