Three tactics to take from his powerful yet controlled game. 1. Hit cross-court. What’s taken Ljubicic from being a Top 40 player several years ago into the Top 5 today is that he’s gotten into better shape and he’s improved his tactics. Most notably, when Ljubicic is involved in a baseline exchange, he has stopped [...]

It’s a risky play, but great disguise, excellent footwork, and solid technique make Hingis’ drop shot a winner. In a game dominated by power hitters, Martina Hingis’ brand of control-oriented tennis makes her a fan favorite. A genius at geometry, the former world No. 1 uses the whole court to beat her opponents. Not only [...]

What the dynamic Spaniard’s game can teach you. 1. Don’t play the score. Nadal has become one of my favorite players to watch because of his sensational attitude. Whether he’s up 5-0 or down 0-5, he maintains his intensity. The only thing on his radar screen is winning the next point. If Nadal plays it [...]

Three tips from his game that you can use in your own. 1. Use your serve to set up the point. Marcos Baghdatis, who’s risen from outside the Top 50 to a spot inside the Top 10 in the span of a year, is aggressive and likes to make things happen on the court, so [...]

How the Russian Top Tenner works around her weak serve. 1. Accept your shortcomings. Elena Dementieva has a lot going for her on the tennis court. She’s strong, athletic, and one of the best movers in the women’s game, and her ground strokes are outright weapons. But her serve is a signifi cant liability. Not [...]

Davydenko uses his aggressive footwork and precise timing to take the ball early 1. Hit through the line of the ball. Davydenko doesn’t have the extreme grips and wide-open stances that are commonplace in today’s pro game. In fact, his style is reminiscent of what you saw on tour 10 to 15 years ago. One [...]

The American has lifted his game with percentage play. 1. Improve your weaker side. Blake’s backhand has always been a liability, but in recent years he’s done a great job of shoring it up. I don’t think he’s really changed his technique—he may be hitting a little more out in front of his body—but it’s [...]

Three ways the athletic Russian’s game can help you. 1. Go for a balance of power and spin. Some players, such as Lindsay Davenport, hit through the ball exceptionally well but don’t use much spin. Others, like Patty Schnyder, hit shots with tons of spin but little penetration. Kuznetsova is a hybrid. She generates great [...]

The Serb has beefed up his game. Here are two ways to help you do the same. 1. Take your chances. Novak Djokovic has a lot of the ingredients that make some players superstars. He’s athletic; he can play offensively; he knows how to take the ball early; he’s not afraid to end points at [...]

Two things you can take from the smooth-hitting Slovak. 1. Keep it simple. I often see club players try to imitate the wristy ground strokes that many top players use. That’s fine for the pros because they have the time to continually perfect and groove their swings, but it’s not a good idea if you [...]