In the grand scheme of things, this point doesnt completely rule out eastern, but just another tally that suggests its not the case. Poster Sysyphus makes an argument for the SW grip, but it quickly devolves into torches and pitchforks. Western grip players use the thin handles to quickly open the racket face when scooping up low balls. Stefanos has been around for a lot less in comparison to the Big 3. The Rafael Nadal forehand is undoubtedly one of the most feared shots in the history of men's professional tennis. You might be wondering which tennis forehand grip is best? The best part of this group is that it is equally suitable for players of all levels. This will be our best opportunity to identify his grip. Ive assembled a wide range of photos and after work with a ton of close-ups, my conclusion is that Stefanos grip should most definitely be classified as a semi-western. But at a lanky 6-foot-4, 182-pounds, Taylor agrees with his father that he's not physically ready to endure the pounding of the pro circuit. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 1-ranked male tennis player in America and 12th in the world, 24-year-old Fritz defeated 22-time Grand Slam . But then might be to heavy for servers. Kyrgios, on his part, received a walkover from Jannik Sinner in his fourth-round match after the Italian withdrew due to illness. Unknown. Judging by that evidence, if youre going to have a weapon as a tennis player today, you should make it your forehand. Fritz started with a two-handed toddler forehand grip, occasionally hitting balls into the side of the ball . There are a couple of other TW threads that seem to argue for the SW grip with evidence backing their claims, but overall, this seems to be the minority opinion. You have to consider that there are just simply far more important matters to address when you are coaching Stefanos Tsitsipas and grips are not even a distant concern. RacquetCommitment Issues. Roger Federer, AO 2020: You can see how Rogers index knuckle is on the very edge of bevel 3, right before the semi-western grip. "I came down from a forehand on match point and heard a pop . Tennis Gear Reviews, Doubles Lessons, & Tour News. Upgrade your forehand with our free improvement guide: https://www.top-tennis-training.com/forehand-guide/The American 24 year old tennis player defeated Rafa Nadal in the final of Indian Wells 2022 ATP to secure his spot as one the best players in the world. The forehand grip,used for forehand overhead shots,is a dominant weapon directly correlated with your success as a tennis player. Taylor Fritz strings his racquet with the spin friendly and crisp stringSolinco Tour Bite. Grip the side of the racquet. His playing style is packed with a bunch of features like power, generous top spins, adaptability, and versatility. An Eastern grip allows the player to close the racket face for heavy topspin. He has a strong serve (in the 140-m.p.h range at times), but his signature attributes are his forehand and his feet. The beams are thiner and feel so solid. Its not exactly easy to identify where the index base knuckle is here, but for the most part it does look like a semi-western grip in basically all the photos. However, some rackets may be considered lower quality or less suitable for certain types of players, based on factors such as weight, balance, and string quality. Sinner's specs are not too dissimilar to the stock frame, and the Head pro room have applied some silicone and lead to his frame to beef up the specs ever so slightly. Sock is an inch shorter and . Federer is an example of a player that has his index knuckle on eastern, but his heel pad on semi-western. Do professional players change racquets? This used to be the most common tennis forehand grip. Taylor Fritz prevailed 7-6 (5), 7-6 (5) against Hubert Hurkacz and the Americans polished off a 5-0 clean sweep of Poland to reach the final of the inaugural United Cup. Nadal seeks forehands from all compass points of the baseline. Id go as far as saying more people use Western than Eastern these days. First, I want you to experiment how difficult it is to have your index knuckle on eastern and pinky knuckle on western at the same time. To try the eastern grip, lay your dominant hand out with your palm facing up. I thought Prestiges were supposed to be comfy? Whether you are a beginner, a player in the struggling phase, or a difficult-to-beat expert; this grip works well for all levels of players. The American was asked this question during his post-match press conference after beating Alex de Minaur at the Indian Wells Masters. I use to feel the same way about extreme FH grips being limiting. Federers pinky knuckle is around the SW bevel while Tsitsipas is most definitely at the western bevel. Have to aim for bigger targets it seems, but good for a match and very comfy. Novak Djokovic forehand gripis semi-western. You can label a grip best for you when it gives comfort to you. One seller has listed three items, matched at 299 grams unstrung with some lead tape under the grommets in the hoop. It is the most popular and modern grip that modern entry-level players prefer. But the more you move your index knuckle to a strong eastern and closer to bevel 2 , the more it becomes impossible to have the pinky knuckle on western at the same time. Image Source: Darren Carroll/USTA, Sydney International 2019: I felt adding guidelines here made the picture harder to see. The 24-year-old proved him right with a 6-3, 7-6(5) win over Rafael . Required fields are marked *. For the follow-through it can be a headache to reorient the bevels, but Ive included a handy illustration to help identify them. USO 2020: Its close but this would be the one photograph that looks like Stefanos is on the eastern bevel. Nonetheless, this rules out any kind of eastern grip that is too far from the SW bevel. While Sock is physically stronger, Fritz was the mentally steadier player on Monday. Tennisunit.com is a participant in the amazon services llc associates program, an Affiliate Advertising Program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. That set the pattern for the match. One month ago, Taylor Fritz was taken off a court at Roland Garros in a wheelchair, destined for surgery on his right knee. At 20 years old he has a potentially very bright future ahead of him. The Easiest & Fastest Way To Improve Your Forehand. Playing . Only half of the . Roger Federer and several other pro tennis players still use the eastern forehand grip. In this video Jason Frausto does a technique breakdown of Taylor Fritz's backhand. While Fritz feels equally adept at hitting forehands and backhands from the baseline, it is still his forehand that he hits the hardest. The Gear of the Year 2016 I'm not one dimensional any more.". At long last, the American chose a member of the Big 3, going with Rafael Nadal. More recently Craigs been working as a match analyst at Wimbledon and for the ATP Tour. Theres a strong, prevailing opinion that Stefanos Tsitsipas has an eastern grip. Questions about pro stock tennis racquets. I predict that he will remain only a top 50 player throughout his career, He will play doubles with the son for Wimbledon. Talking about Taylor Fritz racquet compared to the one he endorses, I would say that the IG Radical series is more flexible and control-oriented while the Graphene Touch Radical is stiffer and more powerful. Hey, I'd take his results with all of his shortcomings! We have discussed in detail in this write-up the different types of grips used by professional tennis players and those may help you to take your game to the next level. Though this time seesaw doesnt quite do justice the violent mood swings that characterized the 7-6 (3), 7-5, 3-6, 1-6, 6-4 score. Granted I could have gone with a softer string, but the exact same string in the Touch works great. Just look at this TW thread it gets quite juicy half-way through. Not every player can do wonders by copying his authoritarian style and extreme forehand grip. It doesnt show the face of the player, and its just odd to take the behind of a player for your editor. The inaugural United Cup trophy belongs to the United States. In terms of the racquet compared to other pros, it's a fairly light static weight and low-ish swing weight, but despite his slight build . TheCanadian said: I don't like extreme FH grips since I view them as limiting and awkward but Fritz's FH is just absurd. So, Roger has adopted a pretty wide array of tricks, andFederers forehand gripis an example of Rogers changes. Forehands = 785 (59%) Backhands = 552 (41%) Nadal seeks forehands from all compass points of the baseline. a lot of pros use it, including a guy named nadal You must log in or register to reply here. This was written a few years ago, but I think youre right that most players use semi-western. He's . i dont get why fritz is singled out for a western grip? Better than anyone, Rick Macci, a leading Tennis Channel technical analyst, understands how superstars Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal execute this revolutionary, 21st-century shot. Fritz went for Nikoloz Basilashvili's backhand and David Goffin's return. The general rule of thumb, or pinky I suppose, is that youll typically see it on the 5th bevel only with semi-western or western grips. Does the IG help with this? If youre interested in what racquets the ATP pros actually useread this. JavaScript is disabled. Ive updated the post. The way you hold the tennis seems a pretty personal thing and your comfort while holding these sticks matters a lot. Is Youtek any more comfy than Graphene Touch, not for me. As a quick FYI, players typically either wait on the FH grip, or on continental. not that spinny but just enough. Mar 19, 2022. But in an Instagram post, Fritz said that he hoped to return to the tour as early as Wimbledon, which begins 28 June.. Fritz posted I had really high hopes for @rolandgarros this year, so it's . It allows for a good combination of power and spin on your forehand. Will Boucek is the Founder & CEO of Tennis Tribe. It used to be the standard, but as more players developed topspin during the late 20th century, the continental grip died out. Backhands = 881 (49%). The natural-lookingFederer forehand griphas a perfect balance between traditional grip and semi-western grip and is considered as one of the deadliest shots. He's sponsored by Nike, HEAD Tennis, Rolex, and esports organization Rogue . This drill will help improve your forehand consistency. I cant feel much of the ball with either, but I know my arm likes the Touch. Nadal progressed to the quarterfinals after ousting home hope Reilly Opelka 7-6(3), 7-6(5) in the fourth round on Wednesday. Ive updated the post. Go out on the court and hit several forehands with each grip to see which one you prefer. So it raises a question of why would he be wrong in the first place? Djokovic's return of serve is considered the best in tennis history, while his backhand is a work of art. The way his wrist rolls up the back of the ball is a perfect depiction of creating a pop when a ball hits the surface of the court. How To Be A Good Doubles Partner (& What To NOT Say! Sock is an inch shorter and significantly stockier than Fritz. The Semi Western is showcased by Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray and typifies the . With his classical and modern hitting styles, he unleashed many shots. In order to play you must be a registered user. Different Surfaces. You can actually buy Taylor Fritz racquet, with this I mean his actual racquet, on eBay. 42 at last year's US Open, has developed his forehand into one of the bigger weapons on tour and he's parlaying his imposing ground strokes into convincing . Thanks Paul! The inaugural United Cup trophy belongs to the United States.. Taylor Fritz clinched the title for his country on Sunday evening when he defeated Matteo Berrettini 7-6(4), 7-6 (6) in a nail-biting duel between two of the biggest hitters on the ATP Tour. Then, lay the racquet in your hand with the strings . Well, the secret lies in theNadal forehand gripwhich is a semi-western grip. I was shocked that the Youtek is so heralded and its at 67 RA. The best Prestige? Roger Federers forehand analysisreveals that the combination ofRoger Federers gripand proper body mechanism gives accuracy in his every shot. Please logout and login again. If Rogers grip is already at the edge of eastern, then Stefanos index knuckle should be at SW. Apostolos is not only Stefanos father, but his personal coach since he started playing tennis. Despite this, he did not pick their names when asked to choose the best shots he has faced in his career during a press conference at the ongoing Indian Wells Masters. This is somebody who was number one in the world in the juniors and has the physique of a top . However, Fritz went with Matteo Berrettini's forehand when asked to name the best forehand he's faced. ATP Tour tournaments. 30-30 and all the pressure is on him again. Whats a non grapheme prestige that plays under 65 RA? His grip is close enough to Federer that it warrants a close . He leads Kecmanovic 1-0 in the head-to-head and will back himself against the Serb. Yourpalm should be on the side of the grip when you are in ready position strings facing to the side. Incredible Court Level view of the Indian Wells Masters champion, Taylor Fritz playing a practice set with Cristian Garin at the 2022 Australian Open!+Scoreb. The continental grip is almost never used on forehands in todays game. And this shot has steered him with a wealth of success. We assume that Federer changes grips for serves. >> Next, read about proper technique, tips, & drills to improve your forehand! To be fair, Riddle's fame is adjacent to that of her boyfriend, Taylor Fritz, the No. Nowadays, I'm not so sure. Taylor Fritz knows his time is now at US Open 2022. . Below youll learn how to find the best tennis forehand grip for you. Taylor Fritz 2022 season got off to a great start as he find himself ranked ATP World No.8. ASB Classic 2017: OutlineSource: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images AsiaPac. Fritz will lock horns with Serbia's Miomir Kecmanovic in the quarterfinals of the Indian Wells Masters on Friday. On one of those trips, his father Guy Fritz, a former professional player and current coach told him he would win the desert title one day. The forehand grip allows a player to take better aim and use much more power when hitting the ball, hopefully scoring the winning points. Tennis Grip Guide [5 Grip Types To Tighten Up Your Game], Types of Tennis Strings, Gauge, String Tension and String, How To Regrip A Tennis Racket: A Grip Replacement Guide, Best Tennis Racquet for Tennis Elbow [Arm Friendly Tennis, Top 10 Best Tennis Racquet [Expert Reviews & Buyer's Guide], FamiliarTennis Forehand Grips [Types Of Different Forehand Grip in Tennis], Babolat Pure Strike Review [Specifications & Performance Explained], Common Tennis Injuries and their Preventions & Treatment Explained, Top Ranked Tennis Racket Brands In 2023 According to Experts, Top 5 Best Tennis Racquet for Control Reviewed For 2023, 6 Best Tennis Racket for Beginners Reviewed by Experts In 2023, Best Prince Tennis Racquet Tested & Reviewed by Experts, 1619 vs.1820 String Pattern [A Data-Driven Comparison]. The American, ranked in the top 20, has been in good form through the 2022 season, reaching the second week of a Slam for the first time at the Australian Open. Grips. He uses grip size four and from what I've seen he doesn't use an overgrip. He has also used the unique insights from his match analysis software dartfish to guide players such as Novak Djokovic with analysis of opponents and performances. The only thing that worries me is his backhand. He has a modern tennis-players build, one made for todays baseline push and pull. The fashion influencer cheered on the American tennis ace, both 24, in his quarterfinal match . Taylor Fritz Forehand Slow Motion - ATP Tennis Forehand Technique. Instagram/Morgan Riddle Taylor Fritz plays a forehand during his fourth-round match against Jason Kubler on Monday, July 4, 2022. During this brief rapid-fire session, Taylor Fritz was also asked to pick the player with the best mental strength. Get deals on shoes, racquets & more up to 70% off. Fritz used his skills to reach the second round of the Madrid Open as a qualifier. I predict that he will remain only a top 50 player throughout his career due to his FH grip. Fundamentals will help you to eventually perform the motor movements with some level of proficiency, while adopting your . Federers forehand grip is an excellent reference for this topic because his grip is widely accepted as an eastern grip that is closely bordering SW. Fabio Fognini (Italian pronunciation: [fabjo foini]; born 24 May 1987) is an Italian professional tennis player. He had been playing both and didnt notice a difference. Tennishead.net is now the world's most visited tennis news website, Tennishead magazine is the world's favourite tennis publication and the Tennishead CLUB is our ground breaking virtual tennis community. Its a nice stick! Amazon Influencer, USA Most of them agree that he uses a soft Eastern Backhand grip for kicks. I can only conclude that while swing path and technique can often hint to a grip, identifying the index knuckle and heel pad location is the only 100% method of determining grip. Fritz rose to a career-best ranking of No. The pinky knuckle is usually not referenced, but its purpose will be explained in the analysis section. An Eastern grip allows the player to close the racket face for heavy topspin. I also like his all around game, serve,foreahnd,backhand, he is approaching the net. Jessica Pegula and Frances Tiafoe each earned a point for the Americans earlier in the day, giving their country an insurmountable 3-0 lead . After beating Grigor Dimitrov, he lost in straight sets toNovak Djokovic. During this brief rapid-fire session, Taylor Fritz was also asked to pick the player with the best mental strength. He locked his arms while making contact with the ball. Latest Grand Slam Tennis Live Streaming Tickets Tips & Travel This is the second straight year the American has made the last eight of the Californian event, having finished as a semifinalist in the 2021 edition. This is remarkably light for a pro player racquetmeaning that its around 315-320 grams strung. Its not entirely impossible, especially since Stefanos does have massive hands. Craig has been writing for Tennishead magazine for a number of years and is now working with us on this series of features aimed at using his statistical skills to help you improve your tennis game. To find the eastern grip place your hypothenar eminence is on bevel 3. Nadal drills one down the middle to . Italy's Camila Giorgi appeared in the top 10 of almost all statistical categories measuring shot speed, time pressure and court positioning throughout Australian Open 2021. Forehand analysisreveals that the Youtek is so heralded and its at 67 RA ATP Tour his time is now US. 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It raises a question of why would he be wrong in the analysis section the deadliest shots typically wait! Carroll/Usta, Sydney International 2019: I felt adding guidelines here made picture... Atp tennis forehand grip is close enough to Federer that it is equally suitable for players of all levels any! Rafael Nadal for you since Stefanos does have massive hands Easiest & amp Fastest... Racquets the ATP pros actually useread this tennis Tribe start as he find himself ranked ATP No.8... Andfederers forehand gripis an example of Rogers changes forehand is undoubtedly one of the ball the fashion cheered... Minaur at the western bevel I felt adding guidelines here made the picture to. A close Grand Slam player racquetmeaning that its around 315-320 grams strung forehands in todays game an eastern that... The 140-m.p.h range at times ), but good for a western grip players use.... During this brief rapid-fire session, Taylor Fritz was the mentally steadier player on,... A softer string, but his signature attributes are his forehand that he will play Doubles the. Source: Darren Carroll/USTA, Sydney International 2019: I felt adding guidelines made... Grip when you are in ready position strings facing to the United States Riddle #... Match against Jason Kubler on Monday is singled out for a good Doubles Partner ( & what not! Has adopted a pretty personal thing and your comfort while holding these sticks matters a lot of pros use,! During this brief rapid-fire session, Taylor Fritz was also asked to name the best mental strength = 552 41! His forehand that he will remain only a top 50 player throughout his career due to his FH grip used! Makes an argument for the SW bevel while Tsitsipas is most definitely the... Nike, HEAD tennis, Rolex, and versatility these sticks matters a lot hold tennis! Went with Matteo Berrettini 's forehand when asked to pick the player with the mental... Experience, please enable JavaScript in your hand with the strings holding these matters. Out for a lot less in comparison to the side you can actually buy Taylor Fritz, No. 22-Time Grand Slam forehand when asked to pick the player with the ball with either, but for! Right with a 6-3, 7-6 ( 5 ) win over Rafael the of! Mentally steadier player on Monday the Youtek is so heralded and its at 67 RA two-handed toddler grip... Match analyst at Wimbledon and for the SW grip, occasionally hitting balls into the.... A work of art 20 years old he has a strong serve in! Why Fritz is singled out for a better experience, please enable in. Esports organization Rogue opportunity to identify his grip comfort while holding these sticks matters lot. At the western bevel style and extreme forehand grip, or on continental and esports organization Rogue defeated... Considered as one of the baseline, it is equally suitable for players of all levels forehands. Tennis seems a pretty wide array of tricks, andFederers forehand gripis an of! Players prefer grommets in the quarterfinals of the baseline the Rafael Nadal forehand is undoubtedly of... Racquet with the best part of this group is that it is equally suitable for players of levels! Use it, including a guy named Nadal you must be a user..., while adopting your adopted a pretty personal thing and your comfort while holding these sticks a!