Opinions & Ideas
Many years ago you had said, that numerous players have tried and failed at copying Waldners style of play, including yourself.
My question is, what exactly defines his style of play? Is it predominantly blocking and countering or is there more to it? And since it is so unconventional, how did it work at the very highest level?
Thanks, you've always been such a great help!
Alois Rosario Answered 9 years ago
Hi Azhar,
Waldner... he was able to react quicker to a lot of balls that others can't do. He also looked like he had a lot more options when the ball came to him. His touch was exquisite which allowed those options. Others would try to play those touch shots but not be able to do it. He was deceptive because it always looked like the shots he was making were easy.
It worked for him because he was playing a different ball to the one that his opponent expected often.
I would love to hear others talk about Waldner.
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The great Jan Ove Waldner was the greatest server of all time. Take a look into one of his secrets to his serving success.
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Waldner is not only had a great block and counter but with a killer topspin or with magic shots he can play without tension in a high level. Thatswhy no one can copy his style.
I have tried to watch and analyse Waldner's style from my own view and also attempted to copy his shots with both longpips and smooth rubber.
I found out that most of his game is based on that he can read the game so well and that he reacted so fast.
This erased the need for lightning fast footwork and recovering from big strokes.
It explains the fact that I have managed to copy some of his strokes only if the opponent sent the ball exactly to my bat.
And there is another thing why Waldner reads the game so well: he has been fascinated by spinning things since his earliest years. He already knew exactly how which spin works and how it affects ball. His favourite toys in early age were those which he could spin in different ways around.
He said so in one interview.
This makes a lot of sense to me.
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