"It's like a chess game...."

[helterskelter]

One thing that confuses this discussion is that, in chess, "strategy" and "technique" are nearly synonymous, whereas in tennis, they are not. That is, someone can have a good backhand but not be a very good strategic player; however, it's not possible to make good use of your rooks but have bad strategy. Well, I suppose it probably is possible to use some pieces better than others, but the distinction is not going to be as marked as in tennis.

 

[droliver]

Tennis strategy on the ATP tour in 6 words is largely "Hit your forehand to their backhand"

Literally, that's the playbook for 99% of points from the backcourt on the men's tour. All the positioning during a point is largely with an eye towards setting up a FH -> BH exchange to force an error or open the deuce court. Nadal is the extreme example of the setup.

 

[Tshooter]

McEnroe the Elder just wheeled out the "chess game" simile, a tennis broadcasting tradition. No, actually, it isn't like a chess game. This demeans chess players. Tennis is a game of execution, chess is a game of strategy and thought. The amount of strategy any player brings to a tennis match can generally be stated in, at most, two brief sentences. No, Johnny Mac, it isn't even like a checkers game.

Indubitably.

 

[Tshooter]

...i believe if a 7 time slam champion says tennis is like chess..i would think it hold way more credibility than anyone here....

Only when the 7 time slam champion is also a Chess Grandmaster. Otherwise, see OP.

 

[Tennis_Hands]

One thing that confuses this discussion is that, in chess, "strategy" and "technique" are nearly synonymous, whereas in tennis, they are not. That is, someone can have a good backhand but not be a very good strategic player; however, it's not possible to make good use of your rooks but have bad strategy. Well, I suppose it probably is possible to use some pieces better than others, but the distinction is not going to be as marked as in tennis.

To add to that: in tennis there are limitations of the tactics/strategies based on certain patterns that are "long positions". Like how a player with a certain grip cannot change it suddenly to something completely different: he/she has learned to use over years of practice and couldn't just change it to accommodate changes in the game that require something else or depending on the opponent. Same for stroke technique (to a certain extent). That is not a factor in chess, where virtually any position/tactic/strategy can be learned and used.

 

[PMChambers]

Low level chess, check mate in 4 moves. Fools check mate. What's the average rally on the med/slow AO court, 3 to 4 shots?

I agree, it's more about execution. But there's still impulsive strategy.