Risky business or lethal weapon? Drop shot in focus after Bublik barrage
PARIS - Hit with lots of backslice and a soft touch, the drop shot can be a well-masked weapon in tennis but Alexander Bublik's staggering 37 attempts in Monday's French Open fourth round win over Jack Draper brought the shot sharply into focus.
In today's power game where players -- women and men -- thump the ball from baseline to baseline at a speed of more than 120 kmh, applying the shot can be extremely risky.
When it does work it gets the crowd going and can crush an opponent's spirit.
But Kazakh Bublik, among the most naturally gifted players of his generation, used it to maximum effect against his British opponent, leaving even women's world number one Aryna Sabalenka impressed.
"That was crazy. I was watching that match," Sabalenka said on Tuesday after her own march into the semi-finals with a straight sets victory over China's Zheng Qinwen.
Sabalenka and Zheng hit a total of 20 drop shots combined, compared to Bublik's 37.
"I have to say that the drop shot is quite a risky shot, and you really have to have good hands and good understanding of the court to be able to make it," Sabalenka said.
"Not every girl is that fearless like Bublik. I watched that match yesterday, and sometimes it was just, like, wow, it just seems like it was his day."
Bublik's drop shot frequency also left his opponent stunned.
"He was hitting incredible drop shots all around. I don't play many matches where I feel like it's almost out of my control what's going on, and he made that happen," Draper said.
Four-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek hit just three in her own quarter-final win over Ukraine's Elina Svitolina on Tuesday.
"He (Bublik) would just go for the drop shot from the serves, from returns. It doesn't make sense, you know?," Sabalenka said.
"If you feel that this is the day when things are going to work out for you, you definitely have to go for it because it's a good shot, especially on the clay court," she added.
"But it's a risky shot. Not everyone has that good hands as Bublik had yesterday." REUTERS
Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
an hour ago
- Straits Times
England name squad for India Test series opener at Headingley
England have named a 14-player squad for the first match of the Rothesay Test Series against India, which is set to begin on June 20 at Headingley in Leeds. Ben Stokes will lead the squad as captain and Surrey bowling all-rounder Jamie Overton returns to the Test line-up for the first time since earning his sole cap against New Zealand at Headingley in June 2022. The 31-year-old is still under close medical review after breaking his right little finger during the first One-Day International against the West Indies at Edgbaston last week. Durham seamer Brydon Carse, as well as Warwickshire's Jacob Bethell and Chris Woakes, were recalled after featuring in England's Test tour of New Zealand in December. Surrey's Gus Atkinson was ruled out of selection due to a hamstring injury sustained during the one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge last month. England will play five Test matches against India over the next couple of months, finishing on August 4 at the Kia Oval in London. SQUAD Ben Stokes, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue and Chris Woakes. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
2 hours ago
- Straits Times
Rangers appoint ex-Southampton boss Martin as head coach
Rangers have appointed former Southampton manager Russell Martin as head coach on a three-year deal, the Scottish Premiership side said on Thursday. Martin, who played 29 times for Scotland and made 17 appearances for Rangers during a loan spell in the 2017-18 season, returns to management for the first time since he was sacked by Premier League club Southampton in December. The 39-year-old took charge of Southampton in 2023 and guided them to promotion via the playoffs in his first season at the club, earning plaudits for his side's attractive style of football. They were brutally exposed in the top flight, however, losing 13 of their opening 16 games and going on to suffer the earliest relegation from the Premier League with seven games left in the season. "From my time here, I had a taste of how special this club is, the expectation, the passion and the history," Martin, who has also coached Swansea City and MK Dons, said in a statement. "Now, as I return, I'm determined to bring success back, for the supporters, the players, and everyone inside this club. "There's a lot to be done, but the goal is clear: win matches, win trophies, and give Rangers fans a team that they can be proud of. We want to play with bravery, to take the ball, to be aggressive, and to stand up in the big moments." Rangers, who were taken over by an American consortium of investors led by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises in May, finished their domestic campaign second behind rivals Celtic for the fourth consecutive year, last winning the league in 2020-21. Rangers will enter Champions League qualifying in the second round. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
3 hours ago
- Straits Times
Of kaya toast and cai fan: Who owns the rights to local food merch, art and design?
An unfinished painting of Hawker Food by home-grown art and lifestyle brand Singlapa. PHOTO: SINGLAPA SINGAPORE – A few years ago, the ang ku kueh cushion was a staple in almost every Singapore millennial household. It was created in 2015 for SG50 by home-grown souvenirs brand Red Republic (now called which also originated paraphernalia such as the iced gem biscuit plushie and Kopibag Mug. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
