TENNIS RECORD FROM THE PAST 52 WEEKS AS THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS TO THE BARCLAYS ATP WORLD TOUR FINALS

Written by: Staff on 16th October 2014

TENNIS RECORD FROM THE PAST 52 WEEKS AS THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS TO THE BARCLAYS ATP WORLD TOUR FINALS

epa04438403 Novak Djokovic of Serbia in action during his third round match against Mikhail Kukushkin of Kazakhstan at the Shanghai Tennis Masters in Shanghai, China, 09 October 2014. EPA/DIEGO AZUBEL |

(Original Link and Courtesy of ATP: http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2014/09/39/FedEx-Current-52-Week-Indoor-Records.aspx?utm_source=ATPMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ATP%20World%20Tour%20Insider%20#41%20-%20October%2016%202014%20%281%29 )

We look at the players who have the best indoor records during the past 52 weeks, as the countdown begins to the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in November.

Indoor tennis is all about speed of thought. Conditions are controlled, so there are no variables like sun or wind. Tennis balls often bounce lower and generally skid through the court. It all means that players are forced to be aggressive in their shot selection and match tactics.

Novak Djokovic, a winner of eight indoor titles, has compiled a perfect 12-0 record at indoor tournaments over the past 52 weeks to lead the FedEx ATP Win-Loss Index. By comparison, Roger Federer, the winner of the most indoor trophies (20) among active players and with a 240-60 (.800) lifetime record, has performed strongly over the past decade.

Roger Federer of Switzerland in action during his final match against Gilles Simon of France at the Shanghai Tennis Masters in Shanghai, China, 12 October 2014. Federer won the final. EPA/DIEGO AZUBEL

Richard Gasquet, who has gone 16-9 indoors over the past 52 weeks, says, “Djokovic and Federer are incredible players. They are doing everything perfectly. They serve big, big forehands, big backhands and they move incredible on the court.

“Hitting the ball cleanly is essential to playing well indoors. Of course, it’s faster than outdoors and not windy, so everybody can play better indoors. It’s important to serve well. The serve is the main key on indoor courts.”

Mardy Fish admits, “Any time you have different variables — cool and hot conditions, sun or wind — it can sometimes be an equaliser. But a lot of the time, when the conditions are perfect, the better player wins more often than not.”

Gene Mayer believes, “Being a good returner of serve is the key, since serves are more potent indoors. With early stroke preparation, accuracy of shot is rewarded and positioning yourself near the baseline allows the player to dictate points.”

Marin Cilic , the recent US Open champion and a winner of four PBZ Zagreb Indoors crowns (2009-10, 2013-14), is ranked No. 2 over the past 52 weeks with a 13-2 (.867) record in the FedEx ATP Win-Loss Index. Kei Nishikori (9-2, .818) and Milos Raonic (8-2, .800) also feature in the Top 5.

Over the next six weeks, the trio will be attempting to join Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Federer as qualifiers for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 in London from 9-16 November.

Topics: Atp World Tour, Marin Cilic, Novak Djokovic, Rafa, Richard Gasquet, Roger Federer, Tennis, Tennis News

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10sBalls_com says:

October 16, 2014 at 6:09 pm

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