Why do tennis players no longer serve-and-volley?

For it to be successful, the player must either have a good serve or be exceptionally quick in movement around the net. But, as John McEnroe puts it in his book “You Can’t Be Serious!”, the cause of the decline in the serve-and-volley game are the powerful lightweight composite racquets that everyone uses today.

When did serve-and-volley die?

The serve-and-volley era (roughly 1940-2000) Although some early tennis greats such as Bill Tilden, Ellsworth Vines, and Don Budge were noted for their fine serves and net games, they did not play a 100\% serve-and-volley style game.

Who was the last serve-and-volley player?

The last pure serve-and-volleyer to hang around the courts was American Taylor Dent, who retired in 2010. Within the last decade there were only two other players—Tim Henman and Patrick Rafter—who managed to have success adopting this aggressive and classic style of play.

Will serve-and-volley come back?

They have mixed success at first. Few players are even close to having our hero’s all-around talent and physical prowess. But in the ensuing years, more young players develop into pure serve and volley players, some with a very high level of success. Finally, the serve and volley makes its return to tennis.

Is serve and volley dead?

Sadly, over the last two decades, the serve and volley game has died out due to slower court speeds, softer balls, better rackets, enhanced string technology, and improved fitness and strength in today’s players.

Is Federer a serve and volley?

Roger Federer shares why he doesn’t serve and volley as much as in the past. In an interview to ESPN Radio Roger Federer spoke about how his tennis evolved in the last two decades. I play more offensive tennis.

Why is the volley important in tennis?

The main objective of a tennis volley is to surprise your opponent since this shot limits your opponent’s reaction time because it’s returned so quickly. It’s considered an offensive shot as opposed to a defensive one. The shot also minimizes the bad bounce effect especially on grass and clay courts.

What happened to the serve and volley game?

Sadly, over the last two decades, the serve and volley game has died out due to slower court speeds, softer balls, better rackets, enhanced string technology, and improved fitness and strength in today’s players.

Why are tennis players shifting from serve and volley to baseline play?

Interestingly, it is the wear and tear on the grass that indicates a shift from the serve and volley mentality to baseline play. “In the earlier days, the grass was worn out at the service line, where you’d come up to volley. It was completely rubbed out by the end of the two weeks,” says former India Davis Cup captain Anand Amritraj.

Can you use serve and volley to win on clay?

We’ve written articles specifically on how you can use serve and volley to win at the club level, and even on clay. However, this post will exclusively focus on the history of serve and volley game at the professional level of tennis.

Why are baseline rallies better than fast-paced serve and volley?

It’s because the fast-paced serve and volley style is not considered exciting for the audience. It’s largely a one-and-done style where the point is won or lost quickly. Baseline rallies, however, are longer, more fun to watch and add drama to the match. This equates to more viewers, increased fan excitement and participation and better revenue.