To put that question into context –the key word being “hang” - allow me to describe a recent Tennis Channel panel discussion between regular contributors, and former players, Prakesh Armitraj and Coco Vandeweigh.
The host had asked both for their thoughts on an upcoming match (at the time, pre-2025 AO)) between Novak Djokovic and Gael Monfils. Armitraj, despite Monfils’ long time record of consistently losing to the Serb. Nonetheless, Armitraj offered that he had a gut feeling that the resurgent Frenchman, would, against the odds, prevail this time around.
Vandeweigh was quick to respond with, “No way he can hang with Novak,” accompanied by a classic eye roll. Her reference was with regard to Monfils’ suspect rally tolerance from the back of the court, or his past inability to match Djokovic shot for shot from there.
Back in Clubland, even in doubles, you have to be able to “hang,” especially in those cross court duels from the backcourt against a formidable opponent. If your consistency ceiling is low, you’re in trouble.
Impatiently avoiding long, somewhat neutral points typically leads to pressing to win points too quickly, and lots of unforced errors among many Clubbers. Here’s a mind-set I recommend that you embrace: A) expect your shots to come back, B) don’t even mind. You don’t win the war without engaging the enemy. Make them play. Or hell, let them play. Or, play with them not against them.
Nonetheless, commit to being aggressive, but with safe margins (wiggle room) to the lines and the net – still playing to win vs not playing to not lose. Especially in TBs! And, of course, avoid being impulsive with glory shot expectations in the key moments.
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