The OP is referring to Sampras' recent change to using the Babolat Pure Storm Ltd.
Not Ltd, PSTour.
Honestly, I think he switched to a less powerful frame compared to the kPS88.
I agree with drakulie that this "shanking" thing between Federer and other players is blown out of proportion.
I've heard other say it (i.e. Breakpoint) and I agree. A framed ball on a Wilson k90 is a framed ball on a Babolat APD......and given the frame cross-sections on those two frames, framing on an APD is less likely to get the ball headed back into the right direction.
^^^^
Yeah, everyone's kinda missed that point. Besides, Pete never suggested he would switch because of shanking--it had more to do with easier access to power and spin. Roger doesn't have that problem as he already switched to 90. Given the number of slams and time at Number 1 with his current stick, I think it is pretty presumptous, that folks on this board (excepting of course, those who think they can beat Isner if Isner wasn't allowed to hit his big serve) are serious with this criticism of Roger.
At the pro level (and frankly at the high amateur level), shanking has little or nothing to do with headsize--its all about a slightly mistimed shot, pulling off a little too soon or trying to give the ball a little more work than you are in position for. When you look at Roger's shot selection, he is amazingly aggressive both with the speed of his swing and with his placement--given what he is trying to do with the ball most of the time, any small footwork error or slight mistiming can result in a less than purely hit ball.
Finally, I think Drak's point about simply seeing more of Roger's matches is right on--as big a swing as most pros take, everybody hits a few shanks a match.
I don't agree with what you guys said here. According to you, shanking a ball, or for that matter not hitting the ball perfectly well, has nothing to do with head size? Well, in this case why 95% of college players and pros play with MP and OS racquets? Since small head sizes actually offer more control (which I agree with), better serving accuracy, good power, better feel etc ... then every competitive player should play with a 90sq in. Oh wait why not go back to the max200g (was it 80 sqin??), or the PS 85. I think we all agree these are great sticks, better feel and control than any MP and OS, right? According to your theory one would framed balls on a Bab 100 sqin the same as with a Jack Kramer woodie or a PS85 !?
Of course, one can say, it's all footwork and technique. True, but in the real world, when you play a match under stress and pressure, your footwork may not be perfect and having a slightly larger HS will help in retrieving these wide balls and playing defence more effeciently than with a small HS. My 2cts, from playing competitive tennis for more than 20yrs.
Frankly, the way Fed played today, we can all say, great ! his footwork was spot on, he played unbelieveable! And it's true, when he plays like this there's nothing to say, but most of his matches are not like today's performance anymore, and when he faces Nadal who throws in his huge top spin FH on his BH, we all know how it usually ends.
