Rampras vs Rubin: a contrast in styles & strategies

[onehandbh]

Just saw the Rajeev Ram - Noah Rubin match.

It was an interesting contrast in styles of play. Before the match I actaully thought Rubin would probably win in 2 tight sets or 3 sets because the Indian Wells courts are super slow, favoring his style of grinding, more defensive style of play.

Rubin was often around 4 meters behind the baseline when returning serve. Staying further back allowed him to take fuller swings and get a lot of serves back.

Rampras either chipped his returns or tried to hit flatter.

During the baseline rallies, Rampras played closer to the baseline and dictated most of the points, but he also missed more because he went for bigger and flatter shots. He often ran around his backhand and controlled the points.

Rubin was often 4 or 5 meters behind the baseline. Sometimes you could barely see him on TV b/c he was so far behind the baseline. He did a great job of running down and getting a lot of shots back, and often getting them back deep. Many times, on his serve, he was able to eventually get back to neutral and eventually hit a winner or force an error.

 

[dgold44]

Just saw the Rajeev Ram - Noah Rubin match.

It was an interesting contrast in styles of play. Before the match I actaully thought Rubin would probably win in 2 tight sets or 3 sets because the Indian Wells courts are super slow, favoring his style of grinding, more defensive style of play.

Rubin was often around 4 meters behind the baseline when returning serve. Staying further back allowed him to take fuller swings and get a lot of serves back.

Rampras either chipped his returns or tried to hit flatter.

During the baseline rallies, Rampras played closer to the baseline and dictated most of the points, but he also missed more because he went for bigger and flatter shots. He often ran around his backhand and controlled the points.

Rubin was often 4 or 5 meters behind the baseline. Sometimes you could barely see him on TV b/c he was so far behind the baseline. He did a great job of running down and getting a lot of shots back, and often getting them back deep. Many times, on his serve, he was able to eventually get back to neutral and eventually hit a winner or force an error.

How is Rubens offense ?? his serve, etc..

He does an extreme amount of running that is for sure.

 

[onehandbh]

How is Rubens offense ?? his serve, etc..

He does an extreme amount of running that is for sure.

His serve looked pretty solid. Decent pace and placement for a shorter guy. Hard to tell how tall he is b/c Rampras is giant, but he looked to be about 5'9"ish.

Shorter players like the Rochus have done decently, so his height may not be a barrier. When I saw Rios play, he didn't look very tall, either. Maybe 5'9" - 5'11". He was a much more explosive ball striker, though. Seemed to have effortless power.

He seems like he has pretty good control, footwork and placement and occasionally comes in to put the ball away. If he continues to improve, I think he'll be in the top 100 for sure.