Why Almagro's backhand is better than Gasquet's against high balls

[thomasferrett]

^I have seen how Gasquet's backhand crumble against the kinds of balls Ferrer is hitting from 7:16 in the video. Gasquet would have to fall backwards, taking these balls on the drop, and his shot would be looped woefully short and easy to attack. Almagro can step in, get effortless depth and pace and hit forcing shots.

And even when they both hit high balls, Almagro can get so much more zip and depth on his shots. Gasquet's backhand is only good when he's hitting balls in his ideal strike-zone - and he's not even as good as Almagro is at taking balls on the rise, which means he has to play so deep behind the baseline.

Overall, I really think Almagro's backhand is significantly better than Gasquet's (and only slightly behind Wawrinka's) - and I can't understand why everyone seems to overrate Gasquet's backhand so much. Is it just because he's more famous than Almagro?

 

[captainbryce]

^I have seen how Gasquet's backhand crumble against the kinds of balls Ferrer is hitting from 7:16 in the video. Gasquet would have to fall backwards, taking these balls on the drop, and his shot would be looped woefully short and easy to attack. Almagro can step in, get effortless depth and pace and hit forcing shots.

And even when they both hit high balls, Almagro can get so much more zip and depth on his shots. Gasquet's backhand is only good when he's hitting balls in his ideal strike-zone - and he's not even as good as Almagro is at taking balls on the rise, which means he has to play so deep behind the baseline.

Overall, I really think Almagro's backhand is significantly better than Gasquet's (and only slightly behind Wawrinka's) - and I can't understand why everyone seems to overrate Gasquet's backhand so much. Is it just because he's more famous than Almagro?

Gasquet's backhand is a much more artistic, beautiful shot. I'm guessing that's why! You are correct in that given the choice between the two (throughout the course of a career), I'd rather have the Wawrinka or Almagro backhand. Even Dominick Thiem's backhand is more effective in my opinion. Those three players IMO have the most efficient 1hbhs on tour. Gasquet's backhand only really works well on slower surfaces (clay and slow hardcourts like Indian Wells/Miami). That's because he has a longer backswing and requires more time to produce the shot. But you cannot deny the artistry that Gasquet's backhand has. Some strokes are just prettier than others to watch. Gasquet (along with Federer, Dimitrov, and Haas) fall into the "pretty backhand" category. Their backhands are still very good, just not the most effective.

 

[drewdoo]

Good grief....the barrage of forehands and backhands, and especially those high balls you mentioned...wow! He just punished Ferrer for his insolence!!!!