Grass court inexperience leads to unexpected Wimbledon defeats for some players, as demonstrated by Novak Djokovic's form.
In the world of tennis, the green grass courts of Wimbledon present a unique set of challenges for players, particularly those from regions where grass courts are less common. As the 2023 Wimbledon Championships unfold, several top contenders are demonstrating their adaptability on this demanding surface.
Novak Djokovic, the reigning men's champion, has proven himself a master of the grass, having qualified for the All England Club by winning three matches at the Roehampton facility. Djokovic, who first competed on Wimbledon's grass at the age of 18, will face Alex de Minaur on Monday in a bid to secure a quarterfinal berth.
For some players, the transition to grass can be a daunting task. Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, has had a rough encounter with grass that has left a lasting impact. Despite her success on other surfaces, Osaka has yet to progress past the third round at Wimbledon, a fact she jokingly attributes to her previous experience of playing on grass when she was tanning.
The unique characteristics of grass courts demand specific adaptations and strategies. Movement and footwork become crucial, as the lower, faster ball bounces require quicker, more controlled footwork. Players must play deeper and focus on staying balanced during rapid directional changes. Bending the knees to reach shots that skid more than bounce is also essential.
Tactically, points on grass tend to be faster and shorter, necessitating high concentration from the start of each point. Unlike clay, where a break can be recovered quickly, grass demands consistent focus due to the faster pace and fewer opportunities to regroup.
To prepare for the grass season, many players incorporate intense, surface-specific training after the clay season. Iga Swiatek, another former No. 1 and the owner of five major trophies, finds grass to be her least successful Slam as a pro but has felt comfortable on grass this year and had moments where she didn't have to think much.
Young players with little grass experience benefit from training with experienced grass-court players to understand nuances such as ball speed reduction and movement adjustments. This mentorship accelerates adaptation for those new to this surface.
Physical conditioning is also crucial for success on grass. Players optimize warm-ups and conditioning with routines that emphasize footwork agility, balance, and endurance tailored to the demands of grass-court play. Breath and physical endurance are trained to manage the quicker but intense rallies on grass.
The mental aspect of the game is equally important on grass, as the unique rhythm and challenges require psychological adaptability. Accepting a different pace and style of play and staying mentally focused on every point is critical for success.
The grass season is abbreviated, and the surface requires a lot of adapting. Many top players, like Djokovic, don't set foot on grass until they're about 17 or 18 and heading to England, typically for Wimbledon's junior tournament.
This year, Wimbledon will see a new women's champion, making it the ninth year in a row with a different winner. Elena Rybakina, the 2022 champion, and defending champ Barbora Krejcikova have both been eliminated from the tournament.
As the competition heats up, players like Tommy Paul, the 13th-seeded American, will continue to showcase their adaptability on the grass courts of Wimbledon. Paul, who first tried hitting on grass at age 15 or 16, finds grass to be the most fun surface to play on. Iga Swiatek, another contender, hopes to equal her best Wimbledon run by reaching the quarterfinals with a victory against No. 23 Clara Tauson.
Despite the challenges, the grass courts of Wimbledon continue to captivate tennis fans worldwide, offering a unique test of skill, adaptability, and resilience for the players who compete on them.
Players like Iga Swiatek, who have struggled on grass in the past, are improveing their adaptability this year. Swiatek hopes to reach the quarterfinals at Wimbledon, following her training on European grass courts. Meanwhile, young players such as Tommy Paul are finding enjoyment on the demanding grass surface, demonstrating their readiness to compete in Europe's most prestigious tennis tournament.
