Ranking the games of Berdych, Del-Potro and Soderling

[always_crosscourt]

Here they are - the 3 (now 2) 'giants' of modern tennis. Sure - Isner, Raonic and Cilic are also giants, but as of now are a clear tier or two below the best of these guys.

When they were/are each at their peak, how would you rate their shots in terms of;

Forehand spin:
Forehand pace:

(Topspin) backhand spin:
(Topspin) backhand pace:

1st serve:
2nd serve:

Movement & defense:

Volleys & feel:

Mental strength & intangibles:



Going from Berdych, Del-Potro Soderling left to right, I'd say;

Forehand spin: 4/6/8
Forehand pace: 8/10/7

(Topspin) backhand spin: 3/6/6
(Topspin) backhand pace: 8/7/7

1st serve: 7/8/7
2nd serve: 6/7/7

Movement & defense: 5/7/3

Volleys & feel: 8/7/3

Mental strength & intangibles: 4/8/6

 

[paulorenzo]

interesting subject. i can agree with almost everything you came up with. although i feel as if berdych and soderling can serve better than del potro at times.

also if we were to further break down movement down to offensive and defensive, i would list them at 7/6/5 in regards to offensive.

 

[President]

Soderling definitely serves better/harder and hits the backhand harder than Del Potro. Berdych also definitely has the least pace and spin (but the best placement) of the 3 on the forehand, while Del Potro has the least pace on the backhand.

 

[paulorenzo]

which match, or string of matches should we consider them to be in their respective peaks?

 

[Relinquis]

berdych has less pace than delpo?! on groundstrokes? i think their opponents would disagree.

 

[President]

berdych has less pace than delpo?! on groundstrokes? i think their opponents would disagree.

Berdych definitely has less pace, he is a more aggressive player than Del Potro but that is a different matter. Del Potro hits the ball very hard down the middle consistently, Berdych goes for winners and dictates play a lot more often.

 

[sportsfan1]

I am more inclined to rate Berdych higher than JMDP in the forecourt. Berdych approaches more, and didn't Chardy use the short slice to beat JMDP at the AO.

 

[papertank]

Delpo is the best baseliner- he has the most power on the forehand is the best defender. Berdych is the most aggressive, with less pace than Delpo but better all-court play. Delpo moves slightly better. Soderling is about in between them when it comes to style of play (baseline vs. coming in more) and has the best backhand out of the bunch, and slightly worse movement. Delpo definitely seems to have the best intangibles as he has pulled out more impressive wins at important moments than the other two, and seems less likely to choke those matches away.

 

[WhiskeyEE]

serve - soderling
backhand - soderling
forehand - del po. would be soderling if not for his long and inefficient wind up.

But soderling has the worst movement and not so good at other things like return of serve.