Would a Medvedev with Delpo FH be a multi-Slam champion by now and possibly better than Delpo?

[NedStark]

There is another thread about Zverev and Delpo, but IMO Medvedev would make a better discussion, as they both have a flat-hitting game, though Medvedev is much more defensive/counterpunching.

Compared to Delpo, Medvedev has better serve (both 1st and 2nd), backhand, movement and return. His FH, however, is a major weakness especially static FH/finishing FH/serve+1 FH. Unlike Zverev in the other thread, Med has better stamina and mental strength (even after taking into account the 2022 AO meltdown). Of all elite FHs out there, the Delpo FH would have fit into Med’s game very well.

Now imagine a version of Medvedev with biggest FH in the tour. He would be a Delpo with better 1st and 2nd serves, better BH, better ROS, better movement and defense. Delpo net game is better, sure, but neither guys venture to the net often. I think this guy could have won loads off hardcourt Slams starting from even USO 2019. USO 2020-2021 plus AO 2022 would have been a lock.

Re USO 2020 - yes, this dude would have *****-slapped Thiem.

 

[Kralingen]

While we’re handing out DelPo FHs left and right now, how about we take it to the final level and give one to Gasquet? Wouldn’t he be the GOAT?

 

[RaulRamirez]

While we’re handing out DelPo FHs left and right now, how about we take it to the final level and give one to Gasquet? Wouldn’t he be the GOAT?

I LOVE Gasquet's backhand -- great shot, and I'd say the most aesthetically pleasing one. But he'd still have that mediocre serve and non-elite court coverage to overcome. Now with that baseline game, he may not need much more, but...

 

[Rafa4LifeEver]

There is another thread about Zverev and Delpo, but IMO Medvedev would make a better discussion, as they both have a flat-hitting game, though Medvedev is much more defensive/counterpunching.

Compared to Delpo, Medvedev has better serve (both 1st and 2nd), backhand, movement and return. His FH, however, is a major weakness especially static FH/finishing FH/serve+1 FH. Unlike Zverev in the other thread, Med has better stamina and mental strength (even after taking into account the 2022 AO meltdown). Of all elite FHs out there, the Delpo FH would have fit into Med’s game very well.

Now imagine a version of Medvedev with biggest FH in the tour. He would be a Delpo with better 1st and 2nd serves, better BH, better ROS, better movement and defense. Delpo net game is better, sure, but neither guys venture to the net often. I think this guy could have won loads off hardcourt Slams starting from even USO 2019. USO 2020-2021 plus AO 2022 would have been a lock.

Re USO 2020 - yes, this dude would have *****-slapped Thiem.

Gentleman, you basically copied my thread idea but totally forgot the fact that body types don't match for Delpo and Medvedev. Medvedev is a skinny, flexible dude, tall but not giant; unlike Delpo and Zverev who are tall and giants.

 

[Rafa4LifeEver]

While we’re handing out DelPo FHs left and right now, how about we take it to the final level and give one to Gasquet? Wouldn’t he be the GOAT?

Gasquet and Delpo aren't even the same height or build, man. Please be realistic for Christ's sake.

 

[RaulRamirez]

Gasquet and Delpo aren't even the same height or build, man. Please be realistic for Christ's sake.

How does tennis realism benefit Jesus?

 

[Rafa4LifeEver]

How does tennis realism benefit Jesus?

Force of habit, man.

 

[Kralingen]

Gasquet and Delpo aren't even the same height or build, man. Please be realistic for Christ's sake.

Yes the thread was very very realistic already my apologies

 

[Rafa4LifeEver]

Yes the thread was very very realistic already my apologies

I disagreed with this thread in my very first post here, pal.

 

[daggerman]

I mean, Medvedev with Medvedev's FH is very nearly a multi-slam champ, so...

 

[BauerAlmeida]

Every player would be better and have better results if you take one shot and replace it with someone who does it better. Give del Potro Medvedev's movement or backhand and he'd be better too.

But as mentioned above, Medvedev came very close and will likely be eventually a multislam champion with his own forehand, so with del Potro's he might be on double digits potentially.

 

[NeutralFan]

Yes the thread was very very realistic already my apologies

Nice comeback ,son

 

[NeutralFan]

I wish people who were bored and making such thread would instead watch Rugby World cup.so many nail biting matches and qf finals alone were better than FIFA World Cup. France vs South Africa has been the best match I ever watched in two decades ( probably the best French side ever )

 

[mike danny]

I mean, Medvedev with Medvedev's FH is very nearly a multi-slam champ, so...

At the same time his own FH is why he isn’t

 

[NedStark]

While we’re handing out DelPo FHs left and right now, how about we take it to the final level and give one to Gasquet? Wouldn’t he be the GOAT?

I would say that giving Delpo FH to Medvedev makes complete sense since they have similar height, and they both hit flat strokes.

Gentleman, you basically copied my thread idea but totally forgot the fact that body types don't match for Delpo and Medvedev. Medvedev is a skinny, flexible dude, tall but not giant; unlike Delpo and Zverev who are tall and giants.

Delpo already blasted his FHs even when he was still a lanky teenager. Technique matters more than muscles. Guys like Berdych, Federer, Rublev and Sinner crack the balls very hard despite having quite skinny arms. Plus, muscle is something that can be added.

 

[Krish0608]

Would Schwartzmann be a multi slam champ and world no.1 if he was a few inches taller?

 

[Rafa4LifeEver]

I would say that giving Delpo FH to Medvedev makes complete sense since they have similar height, and they both hit flat strokes.


Delpo already blasted his FHs even when he was still a lanky teenager. Technique matters more than muscles. Guys like Berdych, Federer, Rublev and Sinner crack the balls very hard despite having quite skinny arms. Plus, muscle is something that can be added.

1) Delpo was never a lanky dude, not even close to that.
2) Berdych, Federer, Rublev, Sinner etc have massive upper body, torso, shoulders and rotation. They don't have skinny arms. Yes, muscles & long levers do matter when you're talking about hitting Delpo-ish big, consistently.

 

[NedStark]

Berdych, Federer, Rublev, Sinner etc have massive upper body, torso, shoulders and rotation. They don't have skinny arms. Yes, muscles & long levers do matter when you're talking about hitting Delpo-ish big, consistently.

Sinner and Rublev definitely do not have massive shoulder and upper body - and last time I check it is the same for Berdych. Another skinny guy who could crush the ball is Ugo Humbert. When we talk about someone with big upper body, we talk about guys like Murray, Stan, Soderling and Tsonga.

Medvedev certainly has the levers - dude is 6ft6 with very long arms. Muscles, unlike arm length, can absolutely be built (hence strength training exists). And yes, after technique, arm length is more important than muscles.

 

[NedStark]

Would Schwartzmann be a multi slam champ and world no.1 if he was a few inches taller?

Except that Medvedev and Delpo have the same heights.

 

[RS]

Except that Medvedev and Delpo have the same heights.

Del Potro looks taller than every 6'6er in pictures.

 

[ryushen21]

Y'all forget that none of them are worthy of DelPo's FH.

 

[Fabresque]

“Possibly be better than Delpo”?

Sorry to burst your bubble but he IS better than Delpo.

 

[Krish0608]

Except that Medvedev and Delpo have the same heights.

Doesn't matter we're both talking about impossible what-if scenarios.

 

[Krish0608]

I mean, Medvedev with Medvedev's FH is very nearly a multi-slam champ, so...

That too in this era of titans, as opposed to Delpo who peaked in a weak era and vultured a slam.

 

[Krish0608]

“Possibly be better than Delpo”?

Sorry to burst your bubble but he IS better than Delpo.

Speaking of bubbles..

 

[daggerman]

That too in this era of titan, as opposed to Delpo who peaked in a weak era and vultured a slam.

I think most would (rightfully) disagree with this characterization

 

[-snake-]

“Possibly be better than Delpo”?

Sorry to burst your bubble but he IS better than Delpo.

Lol. If he was, he wouldn't struggle so much vs Zombiedal.

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

Gasquet and Delpo aren't even the same height or build, man. Please be realistic for Christ's sake.

Wah? U don' think short man can 'av delpo fohand?