What is a "tempo player"

[Kavala]

I read about players described as tempo players but not much about what that means. Does it apply to players who hit on the rise / early, or to players who change pace and flat to spin?

 

[Jonesy]

 

[aldeayeah]

Someone who plays like Nishikori, Davydenko or Nalbandian I guess

Can hit on the rise, doesn't usually murder the ball, likes to play hugging the baseline or one step inside, returns well, has a good backhand, can go crosscourt or dtl off both sides, hits flat or at least without extreme spin, is very much a baseliner.

 

[MurraysMetalHip]

A weaponless player.