Source : Tennis 365
Who has the best forehand? Which backhand is the most effective? Who is the fastest player? Who has the best net game?
On a regular basis, these questions are addressed to the top players, thus enabling us to create the "perfect player".
We have often found the most accurate answers to such questions, but have you ever wondered who was the most powerful player on the circuit? Someone who could hit the ball like no one else?
Indexed as the tournament's fastest average forehand speed (132.7km/h) and fastest average backhand speed (128.1 km/h) at the Australian Open 2021, Basilashvili is generally considered to be the heaviest hitter on the ATP circuit.
Source : Tennis Tv , Saba Gurgenidze
On closer inspection, the Georgian does not seem any more powerful than anyone else and, above all, much less terrifying than the few "giants of the ATP circuit" such as Isner or Opelka, so how can we explain such power in Basilashvili's shots?
Where many players manage to put speed into their balls by taking the ball early, the Tsibilsi native achieves this feat through a long preparation.
Systematically situated behind his baseline, Basilashvili starts his preparation very early which allows him to release a phenomenal power at the impact on both backhand and forehand.
"Basilashvili hits the backhand harder than anyone else on tour"
Taylor Fritz
This paradox is quite interesting because it allows us to better understand certain statistics of the Georgian.
As grass greatly accelerates the speed of the game, players with a long shot preparation are not at an advantage and Basilashvili, despite his power, is no exception to the rule.
On the opposite, a slower surface such as the clay court of the Hamburg atp 500, allows him to take the time to arm his backhand and release a great power that enables him to attack his opponent despite the slower surface
While the game of the Georgian shines through with its explosiveness, the man himself has a much less pronounced character.
Basilashvili winning the Munich ATP Tournament
Source : Tennisnet
Nikoloz Basilashvili is anything but expressive, showing little emotion on the court and even presenting a neutral face when lifting trophies.
This discretion on the court however hides one of the other major characteristics of the Georgian's career : Inconstancy.
As Basilashvili has shown throughout his tennis career, he is capable of the best and the worst.
Basilashvili's inconsistency is mainly due to the fact that his game is based on very high risk taking.
Extraordinary on Monday, out of the box on Tuesday, the irregularity of the Georgian makes him one of the most unpredictable players on the ATP circuit on which many bettors must break their teeth.
"I think he's very strong, he only makes winning points, he hits hard , it's tough "
Giles Simon
Currently suffering from an elbow injury, the former world number 16 is unlikely to return to the circuit for several months.
The 31-year-old will have to surpass himself to make a comeback next season by playing on the secondary circuit.
While the mission may seem complicated, one should not forget that it is when you least expect it that the Georgian is capable of the best...
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