In basketball and handball they score constantly, but it's only important when the score is even or if the clock is about to run out. In football every goal is important which leads to a loud fan reaction, but it doesn't happen often. In tennis there are so many important points in a match. That's the beauty of a sport without a time limit. Not just match points or set points. But break points, 15-30 on your own serve. Mini breaks in tie breakers. That is one of the main reasons why tennis is exciting to me. You can't miss a second because important points happen all the time.
I feel like your point about the styles of play would have been more pertinent five to ten years ago. Recently players have been much diversifying their play , incorporating more slice, net play and varied point construction, as well as adapting their strategy to different opponents. One example that springs to mind is how Dominic Thiem grinded out Zverev in the 2020 US Open final by hitting a slice on almost every backhand, even though his base backhand is one of the most lethal in the world.
Thanks for the comment! I hear ya. I think with Alcaraz as well, we see more drop shots and serve and volleys too. But... as you alluded to, Thiem "grinded" it out against Zverev. I think Thiem is really a poor man's version of Nadal, who is a baseline grinder. Baseline grinders operate on a mostly defensive style of play. Just because they may use a backhand slice more in a match doesn't change much of their style. They're looking to outlast the opponent. What we don't have any more are serve and volleyers or many aggressive baseliners like Federer or Agassi looking to take it early on almost every shot. Today's game lacks offense. I personally don't mind defensive tennis, but I think fans want to see more offense (winners) or at least a few more players who can win that way.
More of Coach Adrian's Video Essays at: th-cam.com/play/PL2RMMmJ0TFd41MN1m1Jzll3sPsvLALYYc.html
In basketball and handball they score constantly, but it's only important when the score is even or if the clock is about to run out. In football every goal is important which leads to a loud fan reaction, but it doesn't happen often. In tennis there are so many important points in a match. That's the beauty of a sport without a time limit. Not just match points or set points. But break points, 15-30 on your own serve. Mini breaks in tie breakers. That is one of the main reasons why tennis is exciting to me. You can't miss a second because important points happen all the time.
That's very true. So many important points throughout the match. Those 15-30's can be very anxious times for both players!
I feel like your point about the styles of play would have been more pertinent five to ten years ago. Recently players have been much diversifying their play , incorporating more slice, net play and varied point construction, as well as adapting their strategy to different opponents. One example that springs to mind is how Dominic Thiem grinded out Zverev in the 2020 US Open final by hitting a slice on almost every backhand, even though his base backhand is one of the most lethal in the world.
Thanks for the comment! I hear ya. I think with Alcaraz as well, we see more drop shots and serve and volleys too. But... as you alluded to, Thiem "grinded" it out against Zverev. I think Thiem is really a poor man's version of Nadal, who is a baseline grinder. Baseline grinders operate on a mostly defensive style of play. Just because they may use a backhand slice more in a match doesn't change much of their style. They're looking to outlast the opponent. What we don't have any more are serve and volleyers or many aggressive baseliners like Federer or Agassi looking to take it early on almost every shot. Today's game lacks offense. I personally don't mind defensive tennis, but I think fans want to see more offense (winners) or at least a few more players who can win that way.