Shubert Blog 12/3/2011 – Davis Cup Finals Update

Written by: Staff on 4th December 2011

Shubert Blog 12/3/2011 - Davis Cup Finals Update

King Juan Carlos II of Spain (2nd L) and Spanish tennis players (L-R) Feliciano Lopez, captain Albert Costa, Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer pose with the Davis Cup trophy after Nadal defeated Argentinian Juan Martin del Potro in their match of the Davis Cup final between Spain and Argentina at the Olympic stadium in Seville, southern Spain, 04 December 2011. Nadal won 1-6, 6-4, 6-1 and 7-6 (0) and achieved the fifth Davis Cup title for Spain. EPA/JOSE MANUEL VIDAL |

Tennis fans! It’s been an exciting few days watching the Davis Cup Finals over in Sevilla as well as recent developments for myself on the practice court! Rafa has been dominant, this has always been evident. The match with Monaco left me thinking it was a bad match up for Monaco as he wasn’t able to harm Nadal’s defenses or prevent him from attacking at all. And the way Ferrer defeated Del Po is a classic example of modern day Spanish tennis. Del Po was slapping winners left and right, Ferrer stayed steady, kept moving him around until he couldn’t hit his winners on the run anymore. Del Po got tired, started committing more unforced errors, and couldn’t hang with Ferrer in the movement department; On clay, it is especially important to maintain positioning or else you are toast!

I know this to be true first hand because I’ve spent the last few days practicing on a clay court. The benefits of playing on clay far outweigh the benefits of hard court; the game is played so differently and player strengths and weaknesses truly come into the open. I love sliding and playing defense to win points, I’ve found new life and excitement when I step onto the court to train. It’s also been great because you can play longer hours and not get as tired or sore – points last longer, your body and heart work harder, yet you don’t feel as “beat-up” afterwards. Today was a little more unique because my training partner, Aba Omodele-Lucien and I were joined by USC’s Daniel Nguyen to practice a bit this afternoon. There are stark differences between all the players I train with so it’s a constant challenge to adapt to each and play accordingly. I’m happy to announce that progress is being made in the form of a healing shoulder and a backhand that is becoming more and more reliable each day!

Just a few more days until I leave for Hawaii and new adventures,

Shubert