From Sportstar · Nihit Sachdeva · · 1m 10s
Power has replaced grace in modern tennis
Former tennis star Vijay Amritraj explains how power has replaced grace in modern tennis.
In brief
Former tennis star Vijay Amritraj explains how power has replaced grace in modern tennis. Former tennis star Vijay Amritraj says power has replaced grace in modern tennis, causing injuries and changing playing styles. Originally reported by Sportstar.
Vijay Amritraj on tennis evolution
Vijay Amritraj, a Hall of Famer and Padma Bhushan Awardee, reflects on how tennis has changed since his retirement in 1993.
Serve-and-volley style vanished
Amritraj says the serve-and-volley style, a staple for his contemporaries, has disappeared from modern tennis.
Wimbledon grass court changes
Amritraj notes Wimbledon grass courts are slower now, causing baseline wear but minimal middle court use.
Tennis balls six times heavier
Modern tennis balls are six times heavier than when Amritraj played, forcing players to use both hands for backhands.
Injuries from power play
Amritraj blames current player injuries on power replacing grace, affecting shoulders, elbows, and wrists.
Hectic calendars for top players
Amritraj says the packed schedule is for the Top 10 players, leaving ATP 250s and 500s for others to survive.
What happens next
Amritraj calls for balancing player schedules to ensure ATP 250s and 500s remain viable for all players.
The takeaway
Former tennis star Vijay Amritraj says power has replaced grace in modern tennis, causing injuries and changing playing styles.
