 Jim
McLennan
Senior Editor, TennisONE
Davenport on a Roll With the Game's Best Rolling Backhand
Lindsay Davenport swept the last four womens professional tournaments including the US
Open, posting wins over Steffi Graf, Venus Williams, Monica Seles, and Martina Hingis
along the way. She plays an all court game, with penetrating serve, savvy groundstrokes
from both defensive and offensive backcourt positions, fluid return of serve, and a real
knack for anticipation that compensates for only average movement skills. Make no mistake,
she moves better than ever, and continues to improve in this area. But this writer remains
uncomfortable seeing her flat footed and unwilling to run for the occasional ball where,
in a similar situation, Steffi or Arantcha would hustle to make something happen.
Nevertheless, lets take a look at the foundation of her game, the rolling topspin
crosscourt backhand. Beautiful rhythm, excellent timing, and a superb command of both
length and angle. In her three set victory over Steffi Graf at the Bank of the West, the
telltale pattern of the match was the backhand to backhand duels these  two champions staged. Graf knifes her underspin backhand
crosscourt (see Rosewall in the library, though
his backhand is much more classic than hers), Lindsay counters with rolling topspin. Knife
slice /rolling topspin, backhand to backhand, but Lindsay's topspin "runs",
whereas Steffi's slice only "skids low". Graf did not venture this assessment in
the post match interview, but I felt Steffi had absolutely no advantage in these
exchanges, for once Lindsay found the angle to open the court, the "running
ball" carried Steffi too far out of court for an effective counter.
Davenport's circular swing, effortless rhythm, and amazing timing is a model for anyone
trying to build their own two handed topspin weapon. The swing is continuous, no starting
and stopping, the racquet builds momentum throughout the loop, and explodes into the ball.
She can play crosscourt or down the line with a subtle adjustment in timing, and can vary
her pace and spin from deep and heavy to spinning and angled. Excellent fundamentals and
intelligent shotmaking - it was the single most impressive shot I saw during the entire
Bank of the West tournament.
Early turn, shoulders, hips, knees all in line, the racquet's first move is slightly
up.
The racquet continues moving upward as Lindsay balances on her back foot. Note her
excellent posture.
The racquet swings down and back as she begins to step forward. Think of this as
stepping away from the racquet
The racquet swings down to the "bottom" of her loop.
Lindsay turns into the ball, contact well in front. Again, excellent posture and
balance.
Follow through well up, left arm staying in the stroke.
Davenport surveys her empire and likes what she sees.
Currently ranked #1 in the world, and a US Open under her belt, this young champion has
come into her own.
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