Did modern tennis create a prototype of the ideal tennis player?

I believe that modern tennis, because of its slower and more similar court surfaces, has mold the "ideal tennis player" which is a tall, lean, fast and powerful counterpuncher.
Let's analyze.
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THE COACH
Patrick

[@Horsbreh]

That's been true for a while. For most of the past decade the three of the top four guys were capable of smothering defensive tennis (Djokovic, Nadal, Murray). It's taken someone on the level of Roger Federer or incredible destructive power (Wawrinka, Cilic, Thiem, Delpo) to even make a dent.

[@ultimpower9350]

agree, although weirdly enough nadals game is centered around winners...just, different?

[@bigtimeposters5963]

Diego Schwartzman, "How dare you"

[@PaulMacklinAmazing]

My first laugh this morning

[@JiraiyaSama86]

I've recognized for a while that the counterpunching style was taking over at the very top. Probably makes sense when virtually everyone can hit hard and be aggressive.

[@apapone]

Totally agree and honestly that is why i find very boring watching the first TOP 3. Don't get me wrong, they win and deserve to be there, but I rather watch a repeat of any Federer's match: more entertaining, inspiring and always having that 'how on earth did he do that' moment. Sinner, Shapovalov and also Alcaraz (this guy is super aggressive) are also better to watch for me than the top 3.

[@nsp1956]

So true! Federer is so much more fun to watch than the boring gamestyles of Djokovic and Medvedev

[@muhannadobeidat]

I think Medvedev is different and very enjoyable to watch

[@nsp1956]

@@muhannadobeidat Yey kinda, but his style is FAR from elegant

[@max08160]

Man Im so big Alcaraz fan, i think he will be The Nadal of this generation. He is so good and also a Nice human being and a Nice player to Watch

[@PaulMacklinAmazing]

So missing seeing Roger in this mix, his diverse virtuosity made every match he played exciting to watch, counterpunch capabilities with weapons on both sides from baseline to net.

[@pranavsreedhar1402]

the "IDEAL" player based on whom all these aforementioned players have built their game!

[@RogerDodger1991]

I'd like to see a greater variety of different surfaces, because as you said, all of them play practically the same and it's hard to play consistently aggressiv in a GS match or even tournament, so I'd like to see faster courts in the second half of the year (Wimbledon, NY) and probably slower courts in the first...but I really want to see a difference not just hearing the players say oh wow it's fast or slow etc... I think this would make the game more attractive and equal the rankings so it would be way harder to be so dominant... Just my opinion and I'm quite sure it won't make a difference or count but I wanted to post it anyway😅🤷‍♂️

[@willythefree]

I love this guy. He is making very interesting and catchy remarks and analysis

[@nicolasmts3264]

Poor Rublev not even mentioned

[@Lebohang666]

Wow! 👌🏼 on point!

[@petehill3634]

Thank you

[@MegaMrcomedy]

I want to hear your thoughts on Carlos Alcaraz

[@KH-ks7si]

It may add variety if they sped up some surfaces

[@chrisconformed]

Tennis changed from a shot makers game to a fitness game when they slowed down the courts. I think this was purposeful to stop Roger from dominating

[@ihuu2]

Many people think like you but this is the wrong story. Courts are slower today mostly because of Federer and Nadal. The two of them were the most important voices in favor of the speed equalization of the courts in the tour back in 08/09. I can’t find it right now but there’s an interview in which Tsonga (who was in favor of faster courts) talk about what really happened behind the curtains.

[@HowowYo]

@@ihuu2 Interesting. I always thought Federer would advocate faster courts

[@tall1071]

Most of the names that you mentioned are one dimensional players. Next gen players has no variety in game as dropshots, net game etc. This is one of many reasones what separate them from the big 3. But The exception from next gen is Carlos Alcaraz and He already complete player all-around at 18 years of age. This is why this kid is going to dominant for many years to come. Simple as that.

[@diegospielman-rodriguez4067]

You just stated my exact opinion on the state of tennis

[@pilecajuha1]

There is one, but crucial, element you did not mention. Alcaraz is all that you said plus he has mentallity of a fighter (unlike most of next gen) and because of all that he seems to be destined for no.1 domination.

[@markuse3472]

We really don't know because we can't see the future in this context. However, I do hope Carlos becomes #1 in the world within a couple or a few years. Or at least wins some slams soon enough and gets into the top three.

[@max08160]

@@markuse3472 Im so big Alcaraz fan already when i saw Some first things from him on yt, he is just 18 man thats sick. I think he will win a slam sooner than we all think

[@movdqa]

Have most older rec players made this adjustment? I used to play serve and volley in the 1980s and 1990s and then went to a baseline attacking game and now have a more baseline counterpunching game. Do rec players stick with what they learned long ago or adapt to modern playing styles?

[@TOM.POLET1955]

I think adapt to modern playing styles, from what i can see at my local club, i did get lessons in serve and volley and other stuff, but i rarely see someone using serve and volley or just volleying in general. It's almost always boring baseline games 😢, i was a agressive baseliner but i am now practicing to become a allcourt player. WHAT IM SAYING HERE COUNTS FOR THE YOUNG REC PLAYERS, THE OLDER ONES MOSTLY DONT ADAPT, THEY USE OLDSCHOOL STROKES MOSTLY AT MY CLUB.

[@Mike-lv4us]

True, with the slower courts AND modern technology the counter puncher is rewarded. The best players used to more offensive and they would break down the majority of “clay court players” . Now players can play pretty much the same game style on any surface. Remember when Lendl skipped the French Open one year to try improve his serve & volley so he could win a Wimbledon title. Extreme strokes are rewarded when the technology lets you swing out and control the ball with massive racket head speed. How would baseball home runs if one era was allowed aluminum bats or steroids? Would those numbers be looked at differently? I think we know the answer to that. That’s why the GS numbers are not the true representation of the GOAT. Djoker even said this himself when asked if he was the GOAT. He said was the beat right now but tennis is different with changes to technology and surface. Image if Courier played with this technology and these court surfaces. Top 3 kings of the court Open Era 1. Federer 2. Sampras 3. Laver ....... Mike drop

[@munetoshiyamasaki7536]

The problem of today's prototype players is that they take too much time to win each match, that will lead to future injuries. Aggressive style of Tennis like Sampras, Agassi, and Federer can finish off points early and can win the matches in straight sets, but counter punhching players today do not take risks, so their matches will be longer and longer. If somebody could win grand slams by only doing straight-set victory like Federer or Nadal in 2000's, their careers will be longer, but it seems difficult today. No one has killers shots to overwhelm other players and the only thing they can do is keeping rallies longer and put a lot of topspin until the opponents wear out.

[@angelor96]

I totally agree but id say djokovic and arguably zverev are hybrids of aggressive baseliner/ counterpuncher . Murray and medvedev in a way are your textbook counterpunchers where sinner / alcaraz tsitsipas are AB.

[@singledadsurrogacy-willdavlin]

They should make the net 39 inches straight across

[@tennis-man1902]

There are a lot of giants in tennis now and I hate it 🙁 I wish many top players had a height like the big3 have, but these new guns are coming up with heights almost impossible for an avg person to reach!

[@anonymous4711_]

Agree. A good sport is attractive to a wide variety of body types, soccer has guys like Messi, Haaland and everything in-between. Silly sports like sumo wrestling and basketball are onedimensional. But maybe Alcaraz (1,85m) wins 30 slams and he will be praised as the new prototype. :-)

[@tennis-man1902]

@@anonymous4711_ i hope so! I like Alcaraz cuz he is relatable! I’ll be as tall as him when I get 18

[@ishwareedatta1605]

How is Nadal able to win on Hard Courts? He is so different from these "prototype" players? And are these prototype players suited mainly for Hard Courts?

[@georgegl3192]

he wins because Djokovic doesn't play ;)

[@tennis-man1902]

@@georgegl3192 didn’t your hero just got destroyed by another left hander who is lesser than Nadal. 🤣 you guys are a joke

[@Mia-pw8zv]

He is able to win because Djokovic and Zverev were not playing against him. 😂

[@tennis-man1902]

@@Mia-pw8zv if if if…. Doesn’t exist

[@Mia-pw8zv]

@@tennis-man1902 that are just poor language skills.. Proving the point once again. 😂

[@angelsmobile7876]

Good analysis. I modestly would add: don't forget the drop shot. They all use it to end the point. All of them. And don't forget Nadal who is on his own league....

[@rafajar711]

1:48 sinner🥰

[@goldencalf5144]

Yeah for the last 40 years or so, the ideal height of a male tennis player was between 6' 1" and 6' 3". In the last couple of years the new stars started getting taller and skinnier. The challenge for some of these tall guys will be to avoid putting on too much muscle mass.

[@IEATPEACH]

what about... Rafa?

[@bootyshake5043]

Modern Tennis

[@kindascaredofmrsa6173]

the ideal tennis player is bernard tomic

[@pranavsreedhar1402]

counter punchers are the least efficient in terms of hitting outright winners but yes, more successful thanks to others failures. They don't really do anything of their own.

[@thomasrebotier1741]

Agreed, but at the same time almost all players today have "golden hands". They all use excellent drop shots and their face-to-face's at the net show a lot of touch, anticipation and coordination. Today's top players could win in the 90s using serve-and-volley style; they don't do it today because of court and balls

[@heinzconrads5243]

... sad that types like Sampras, Edberg, Becker don't exist anymore, but modern surfaces wouldn't promote their game. Tennis has becom kind of uniform. Too uniform for me.

[@tilmayne9780]

It seems a little blasphemous to call Novak just a counterpuncher. Novak is everything. He ist just complete in every sense of the game

[@spandanbaral3804]

No...courtspeed is basically same...which prolly shoots for defensive tennis...I wouldn't say he is the best defensive tennis player...but not complete...

[@jhgfsjhagJFB]

These qualities gets to become a super tennis player but i think to become a great champion you need to have the desire and mental strength more than anything else.

[@saschamillard8270]

epic fail by patrick. All of the multislam winners in the past two years have been at or below 190 cm. And Stan along with Murray are not exactly lean. Even recently out of the past five grand slam winners, only Medvedev has completely fit this archetype.

[@anthonydecastro6938]

not once does he say anything about Nadal. Medvedev? Nadal just beat him again. there is no such thing as an "ideal tennis player." it's all in your mind, Patrick. just look at the facts, from the beginning (let us say, 1968?).

[@Mia-pw8zv]

He mentioned Medvedev and Nadal is not as relevant because we know that lately Novak and Sasha have been difficult for him to play - proving the point. Nadal is a type of aggressive player, just like Tsitsipas. That is why he's spent after half a game.. And that is why players like Novak and Sasha are an issue for him, becase Daniil is a bit weaker, but those two can return anything Rafa sends their way no matter how strong but he on the other hand is much slower than them.. Once we see him play them this season, then we can comment further. But so far he's been lucky both have been removed before he met them on court 😁

[@anthonydecastro6938]

@@Mia-pw8zv your logic is really all over the place. Medvedev has dominated Zverev, Tsitsipas and even Djokovic in the last year or two. That is the reason why he is number 1. Nadal has beaten Medvedev twice already. Zverev and Tsitsipas have not won a single slam as yet. So Nadal has no insurmountable difficulty defeating those two, if he is healthy. They have a bit of an advantage on hard courts, but that does not count much it seems; after all Nadal beat Medvedev in both the US Open and Australia and then also in Acapulco on hard courts... Medvedev is NOT weaker than Zverev or Tsitsipas. Look up their head to head....

[@Mia-pw8zv]

@@anthonydecastro6938 you can't compare who has Medvedev won against to who can Rafa beat. You can only go head to head. And Rafa has a bad record with Novak and so-so with Zverev. Medvedev plays well against both because all 3 have the same style. Tsitsipas is not on their level, just to add. But Medvedev has issues with aggressive players like Rafa, he's not as strong in defence like Novak and Sasha. They also have more experience playing against Rafa and being on the tour. So, just to make it clear - you can only talk about players comparing them head to head. Medvedev has not won over Rafa in the past, maybe once.. So obviously there is a problem, while we know what Novak does to Rafa and we also have seen Sasha win against him. Sasha also won against Novak and Roger and Medvedev, Novak won against all of them , so by your logic what does that tell us...

[@anthonydecastro6938]

@@Mia-pw8zv don't be daft. bad record against Nadal? head to head is 30-28. that is just two wins. even against Federer, Novak has only four more wins. bad would be more like Nadal vs Federer, where Nadal has eight more wins (24-16). or maybe you just don't know what "bad record" means? and don't be stupid. Nadal is 6-3 against Zverev. and Nadal is 7-2 against Tsitsipas. so there. pull your head from the clouds and get down to reality.

[@Mia-pw8zv]

@@anthonydecastro6938 Nadal has played against Roger longer that Novak has, so you can't compare that. Novak and Rafa, that is different.. As for Tsitsipas, I really don't see him up on the level of Medvedev and Zverev. You forget how young Zverev is and how much he achieved in just 2 years, since winning Nitto in 2018 till this year he achieved a lot, he won against the best players even half of the times - that's damn good. He can't have 30 wins over any of them being 24 😂 But he's solid against Rafa. Better than any new players, that's my point. So, when we see Rafa face both him and Novak in a few matches we can tell if Rafa can adjust to that. Because so far he only met players that we all know he's better than or at least has good record against. Not much of a challenge. For Medvedev Rafa is now a mental problem, not technical, physical... But that is just as important of a moment. No one is taking anything away from Rafa, he is a tremendous player he is just a different "generation" to these guys. Novak is close to his age, but I'm not talking about that. Novak and these other guys have a different style, different game, they play more. Rafa, throughout his career has played less tournaments than Roger and Novak. That's his decision, based on his foot problem (I understand it's something congenital) it was a very smart one, I really respect the fact he knew what would be best for him. Just like now, he said for him it's not smart to run for N1, golden masters etc.. That time has passed, his body was never meant for that type of play - he managed to thrive in some other areas, records etc. The only thing said is that the new generation is able to adjust to the conditions of the game easily, they improve rapidly and they have developed a strong and steady formula for success. Probably based on Novak's game, since he started it. Defence, backhand, speed, coverage... We need to add that body type also works there, all these guys are relatively tall and slim while Rafa is built differently. Similar to Berrettini, who already has injury issues. So Berrettini like Rafa needs to learn how to avoid it. You took this whole video and my comment as a critique of Rafa's game or career. But it's just not. I respect Rafa's accomplishments as much as the next person, but he is about to retire and these guys are still very into the game. Especially Zverev, Medvedev... Just starting.

[@A.B76]

Nadal?🤔

[@erwinmiro5471]

Nadal is unique. He is different from all of them😊 that makes him the GOAT😊

[@subzoroboy]

What about McEnroe, Lendle, Borg???? They were all tall and fast. Dont blame modern tennis, its a physical sport. The courts are big and wide, you need to be tall (better reach) and fast (better running), and powerful. Thats what every sport requires their athletes to be, period!!!

[@rosnalrajan9826]

What about nadal ?

[@JiraiyaSama86]

Nadal is capable of really great defense but the base of his game is to be aggressive. His defense is more of a necessity. Simon even commented that he never felt like Nadal was a defensive player.

[@mu1ch1ro__]

what about dominic thiem? he is not that tall but still

[@janveraart307]

1.85 still not tiny lol

[@mu1ch1ro__]

@@janveraart307 i am 16 and i am that height lol

[@steveross5061]

Not true, all best players ever are 183-188cm tall. Zverev, Stefsnos, Felix, Beretini will not take GS ever, not even in their dreams. Carlito, Thiem allready did.

[@z1az285]

Carlos Alcaraz is the past, present and future

[@georgegl3192]

Because this i boring, i foresee that the ATP will change the court speeds in the future, that means that the GrandSlam records will be untouched for the next 50 years.

[@Mollikar]

Slower surfaces isnt an improvement now we just get baseline tennis players who cant move for crap.

[@dastanprobg2071]

Medvedev and Zverev is ok for amateur tennis, but in ATP tennis you want to see some spectacular tennis, Medvedev plays the most boring but effective tennis.

[@Jackripster69]

sub 6 foot need not apply

[@NamesAreRandom]

Nadal, Alcaraz and Thiem are barely 6 foot, they seem to be doing fine. Schwartzman is only 5 7 and he has hovered about number 10 in the world for years. With slower courts mobility is more important then height, being a serve bot isn't the advantage it once was.

[@bigrobsydney]

@@NamesAreRandom You're right, but if you had the simple question of "would you like free points from aces, or not", what would you say? And lets not forget, Roger gets a LOT of free points from his serve, so having a service weapon certainly helps, no?

[@reverse2190]

@@NamesAreRandom Nadal and Thiem are both 6'1

[@tennis-man1902]

@@reverse2190 yes thats close to 6 foot lol

[@johnofavalon1]

And then you have RAFAAAAEL NADAAAAL!!

[@niberdoom]

And the top 3 players + Nadal is so boring to watch...

[@xg3069]

Maybe it’s just me but I find today’s matches pretty boring to watch because of the lack of variety in style. Before you had Borg vs McEnroe, Sampras vs Agassi, Evert vs Navratilova, such different styles and yet anyone could win. Should changes be made to the rules to “force” different style of play? Eliminate second serve? Point won in box counts double? At the very least let’s get rid of the warm up, players should enter the court and play, same as the boxers!

[@FUsheK]

That’s why Djokovic game is too boring 🤢. Too defensive . I have never seen him produce amazing shots like Nadal and federer.

[@davi.poiani]

See, I am huge fan of the Big 3, what these three have produced is mind blowing, 3 very, very different styles. I just think people have these issues with Novak's game... Roger's game is so beautiful and natural, no one will ever get close. Rafa's game is a style of his own, amazing to watch. And Novak has amazing abilities, athleticism and efficiency. I agree that at time he can be too defensive, but it is not just him, many others as well, even Rafa. Novak can also be pretty aggressive. Watch the highlights on YT of his semi-final Australian Open 2011 against Roger. You can't get more aggressive than that, he was more aggressive than Roger in that match by the way.

[@tanmaywadhwa211]

That's just hate, search up some highlights, or if you can try even showing the streching skills on a HC or grass court,especially on the bh side

[@markuse3472]

A little Racist leaving out the man who has won Twenty One slams, Rafael. And leaving out Carlos Alcaraz, who is playing so well. What racist and joke of a video. Any prejudice bigot is bound to be a racist. PS: skipping Roger was likely a personal dislike by this man in the video.

[@Mia-pw8zv]

Nadal and Federer are not modern players, Federer is barely playing. And Alcaraz is still not a formed player, he does really well but based on a few games he doesn't come even close to the top 3. If you look at the title it's about the most efficient modern, relevant players that the tip 3 are. Not retired Federer and Rafa that plays the same old game and is about to retire. Rafa hasn't changed his style in years, that works for him but that is also what (in my opinion) cost him all those injuries. If you look that top 3 now have very few injuries (Novak the elbow thing, yes) that means something. Players need to adjust and as the surfaces and other conditions change, grow with that. Federer can't do that and Rafa... Well, let's see him play Novak and Sasha... Then you'll see why he is not here, or check some of their latest matches. Alcaraz is far away from being mentioned as the best or example of something, he's just a big surprise and a huge hope for the tennis to come.

[@markuse3472]

@@Mia-pw8zv Novak is also not a "modern" tennis player yet this racist mentioned him. You are about as brainless (being kind here) as a slug-has-for-brains. The video brought up other young players but failed to include yes, another Spanish name: Alcaraz. You can and will go on and on with your special tour on the differences of the players but that is not what the video is about: it's about what it stated in its title. "Let's see him play novak and Sasha..." again, your pop culture stupidity is on display. Grow a brain and invest in honesty, logic and wisdom, all equaling intellect. My insults are simply what is showcasing in your comment(s). Not being rude just honest.

[@NN-nd7dx]

Modern tennis is boring.

[@TOM.POLET1955]

That is only if it is a baseline match, i am learning to become a allcourt player, i now use more variety in shots, volley's, lobs, winners, slow pace balls, so it doesn't become a boring baseline game. 😮