Image Credit : RTBF
While complaints about the evolution of playing styles, and more specifically the way tennis is played at the highest level, have been growing louder and louder from ATP Tour fans recently, the women's circuit seems to have been affected by this problem since the mid-2010s.
Admittedly, the evolution of tennis surfaces and equipment has favored the rise of the “baseline” player, who relies mainly on power and only goes to the net to shake hands with the opponent.
It would be unfortunate, however, to reduce women's tennis to this image and miss out on players who still play tennis based on variation and intelligent play.
Although Kirsten Flipkens hasn't won a Grand Slam and has already put away her rackets, she definitely belongs to this category of tennis artist that we must highlight.
Flipkens executing an incredible hot shot, Credit : WTA
« I am not that tall so I had to use creativity »
With her sunglasses and bandana, the Belgian brings a certain dose of nostalgia to the tennis court.
Armed with her slice and a magic hand at the net, “Flipper”, as she's known on the circuit, is an explosive player who makes the most of her tactical intelligence and speed of movement.
Ranked 13th in the world at her prime, Flipkens was one of the few players to have enjoyed success on both singles and doubles circuits. In fact, this “dual career” may well constitute the 2013 Wimbledon semi-finalist's greatest strength : her versatility.
Credit : Le Soir
“Since I Was a kid I always loved to play with the ball to hit dropshots and slices”
Having become a coach after a career lasting almost 20 years, the former Belgian Fed Cup representative could well share her knowledge and contribute to the birth of new players with atypical and versatile playing styles.
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