HunterST
Hall of Fame
Attacking tennis is beautiful and exciting to see. There’s nothing more impressive that a baseline winner, a put away volley, or an overhead smash. Such shots are even part of it considered the textbook way of playing tennis. Push forward, take time away from the opponent, finish at the net, etc.
but.
I suspect and fear that, given the players are of equal skill, defensive styles are more winning. A defensive style demands less of the player and takes the degree of difficulty down for them. Simultaneously, it asks the more offensive player to do more: hit down the line, come to net, execute overheads, etc. Other than for the absolute best players, that is a very tough ask.
Now, naturally you can find tons of examples of offensive players beating defensive players. First, I'm not saying a defensive style will win every match. Just that it would probably win a statistical majority. Second, I think it's important to clarify that the players should be of equal skill. If one player is significantly more skilled, they could win with pretty much any style. It seems, though, that for any great offensive player, you can come up with a defense-oriented player who would give them fits.
I almost hate to bring it up, but the Nadal/Federer rivalry kind of stands out to me as an example at the very pinnacle of the game. Federer has one of the greatest offensive games ever. Still, when you give him an equal but opposite defensive player, he loses more than he wins.
What do you think? Is defensive play just inherently an easier way to win?
but.
I suspect and fear that, given the players are of equal skill, defensive styles are more winning. A defensive style demands less of the player and takes the degree of difficulty down for them. Simultaneously, it asks the more offensive player to do more: hit down the line, come to net, execute overheads, etc. Other than for the absolute best players, that is a very tough ask.
Now, naturally you can find tons of examples of offensive players beating defensive players. First, I'm not saying a defensive style will win every match. Just that it would probably win a statistical majority. Second, I think it's important to clarify that the players should be of equal skill. If one player is significantly more skilled, they could win with pretty much any style. It seems, though, that for any great offensive player, you can come up with a defense-oriented player who would give them fits.
I almost hate to bring it up, but the Nadal/Federer rivalry kind of stands out to me as an example at the very pinnacle of the game. Federer has one of the greatest offensive games ever. Still, when you give him an equal but opposite defensive player, he loses more than he wins.
What do you think? Is defensive play just inherently an easier way to win?