Koki Niwa's backhand slice from the forehand side

Dieter Verhofstadt Asked 9 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 9 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.