What is a Volley in Professional Tennis?
A volley is a shot in tennis that is hit before the ball bounces on the court. The goal of a volley is to take away the time the opponent has to react, making the shot difficult to return. When done properly, a volley is an aggressive and powerful shot.
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Why is a Volley Important in Professional Tennis?
Volleys are an important part of professional tennis because they can be used to put pressure on the opponent and to force errors. They also allow a player to take control of the point and finish the point quickly. Furthermore, volleys are often used to surprise the opponent and to set up other shots.
The Longest Volley in Professional Tennis
The longest volley in professional tennis is widely considered to be the one between John McEnroe and Björn Borg at the 1980 Wimbledon final. The rally lasted for an astonishing 29 shots, with Borg eventually winning the point. This record has stood for 40 years and is unlikely to be broken anytime soon.
John McEnroe and Björn Borg
John McEnroe and Björn Borg were two of the greatest players of the 70s and 80s. They faced off in many memorable matches, but none more so than the 1980 Wimbledon final. The match was a classic, with McEnroe eventually winning the fifth set and becoming the champion. The longest volley of the match occurred in the fourth set, with the point eventually going to Borg.
The 29-Shot Volley
The 29-shot volley between McEnroe and Borg is widely considered to be one of the greatest points in tennis history. It began with a McEnroe drop shot, which Borg was able to return. The two then proceeded to exchange volleys for the next 29 shots, with neither player giving an inch. In the end, it was Borg who was able to hit a winner, ending the point.
The Strategy Behind the Point
The 29-shot volley was an incredible display of tennis strategy. McEnroe was the aggressor in the point, using his serve-and-volley game to put pressure on Borg. Borg, on the other hand, was content to stay back and wait for McEnroe to make a mistake. In the end, it was Borg who was able to capitalize on McEnroe’s error, hitting a winning shot to end the point.
The Legacy of the Point
Despite the fact that the point ended in Borg’s favor, it is remembered as a victory for both players. The 29-shot volley is seen as a testament to the skill and athleticism of both players, and it will likely remain one of the most memorable points in tennis history.
Other Long Volleys in Professional Tennis
The 29-shot volley between McEnroe and Borg is not the only long volley in professional tennis. There have been several other volleys that have gone down in history, including:
- Goran Ivanisevic vs. Greg Rusedski – 28 shots
- Pete Sampras vs. Andre Agassi – 25 shots
- Stefan Edberg vs. Boris Becker – 21 shots
- Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal – 20 shots
The Benefits of Volleys in Professional Tennis
Volleys are an important part of professional tennis. In addition to providing an opportunity to surprise the opponent and put pressure on them, volleys can be used to set up other shots and to end points quickly. Furthermore, volleys can help a player to stay in control of the point and to dictate the pace of the match.
The Importance of Volley Technique
In order to be successful in professional tennis, it is important to have a good volley technique. The most important aspects of a good volley technique include a quick, compact swing, good footwork, and the ability to read the opponent’s shots. With a good technique, a player can hit more accurate volleys and put pressure on their opponent.
Conclusion
The 29-shot volley between John McEnroe and Björn Borg at the 1980 Wimbledon final is widely considered to be the longest volley in professional tennis. It is a testament to the skill and athleticism of both players and will likely remain one of the most memorable points in tennis history. Volleys are an important part of professional tennis, as they can be used to put pressure on opponents and to set up other shots. In order to be successful in professional tennis, it is important to have a good volley technique.