Koki Niwa's backhand slice from the forehand side

Dieter Verhofstadt Asked 10 years ago

I saw Koki Niwa do a shot against Fan Zendong that I've rarely seen in the modern game. It's almost reverting back to the most amateurish shot one can make: a backhand slice from the forehand side.

He moves to his forehand side as if he's going to play a banana flip but upon receiving the serve he suddenly goes for a slice ball. He's really putting a lot of backspin on the ball - and this is where he separates himself from the amateurs obviously.

Is this a new shot the Japanese are developing so as to surprise the powerful Chinese like Fan Zendong? Or is it just Koki Niwa fooling around?

Alois Rosario Answered 10 years ago

Hi Dieter,

I think it is just a variation that he does.  Koki Niwa plays with a lot of flair and variation and has the ability to counter the next ball as well.