This past weekend, the Wimbledon final was being played pitting Rafael Nadal, the number one ranked player in the world, against Novak Djokovic, the number two ranked player in the world. Now, because of how tennis computes their rankings, Djokovic was going to end up the number one player, irregardless of how he did in the final. But, to solidify the meaning of that #1 ranking, I'm sure he wanted to win.
Nadal is regarded as the fittest tennis player on the planet. The guy wears sleeveless shirts to show off his guns and is very fast and quick. He can run down balls that might otherwise be winners.
Djokovic is on one of the best streaks in tennis history. He has only lost one time this year and that was at the semifinals of the French Open. I think it is good for tennis to have him sneak into the class of Nadal and Roger Federer. If only an American could step up his game, but that is a rant for another day.
Djokovic lost in the U.S. Open Final and decided to make a re-dedication to fitness. He felt that was his weakness when he played the likes of Nadal. So, he started lifting, did speed drills to improve his speed and quickness, and really upped the cardio so his endurance would be top notch.
So, Djokovic comes into this Wimbledon match trying to become the first player other than Nadal and Federer since like 2002 to win this championship. He eventually did win in 4 sets and it was pretty fun to watch and listen to the commentators.
Djokovic was using his speed to his advantage. Because he was so quick and fast, he was the one tracking down all the shots and putting Nadal on the defensive. Speed is so important in tennis. If you are fast and quick, you can get yourself in an optimum position to hit the ball the way you want to hit it. Meaning, you are putting your body in proper position to mechanically make the right hits.
So if you have improved your speed and quickness, you can create a competitive advantage for yourself by constantly returning every ball to your opponent. Ultimately, this will cause frustration to your opponent and he will probably make some mis-hits. Especially, if his speed and quickness isn't up to snuff.
The commentators kept noting Djokovic's speed and how he was getting to every ball. At one point, I heard one of my favorite phrases, "Speed Kills!" Never thought I would hear this in tennis.
We don't get the chance to work with many tennis players. The last one we worked with, Matthew Wareti, made it to the states this year in tennis. He had worked with us before his freshman year and he ended up making states as part of a doubles team. This past year was for singles. Consequently, I think we would be a real asset to a lot of tennis players. They get so focused on practicing tennis all the time, they falter in their overall athleticism. That has to be developed, but another rant for another day.
Once again, speed plays a factor in another sport that you probably didn't realize. Get faster and quicker and you now have a weapon that can rival any booming serve on the tennis courts.
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