Rise of the counterpuncher in the WTA.

[conjoshruk]

In the past few years or so we have seen prominent defensive players or 'counter punchers' such as Caroline Wozniacki, Simona Halep, Sloane Stephens and Angelique Kerber all go on to win grand slams. Therefore it appears that we are currently in an age where, having good defense, appears to be better weapon that have just sheer power (eg. Madison Keys, Sabalenka).
Players such as Venus & Serena Williams, who mainly relied on their power, in the time when big babe tennis was emerging have had to evolve and change their game, in this current era.

I am curious as to why defensive skills are often overlooked and undermine, as inferior to power and aggression.

 

[bigserving]

At most levels of the game, more points are won by players missing than by hitting winners. Players with a "grind it out and don't miss the court" mentality have always done well at winning points. Winning more points, wins more games, wins more sets, wins more matches.

The addition of co-poly strings to the modern game highlights the positive match results of the defensive style of game that much more.

 

[IowaGuy]

Slower courts = defensive skills more valuable?

 

[Deon Sanders]

Holding your serve more than 50% of the time and not tanking matches is all it takes these days to win slams

Its literally all you have to do

 

[wtatp]

Wozniacki and Kerber are just pushers. Sabalenka will win grand slams next year.

 

[dominikk1985]

The grinders are consistent and do well in the world ranking but in slams it is hard because it just takes one ball basher having a hot day.

The bashers are vice versa, they can win big but they will also often lose early because they have days were they miss everything.

 

[helixx]

Because ball bashers are not good enough atm to win Slams me think.

For Sabalenka, she is young, her break thru was only this season but she will def win big.