Arthur Fils lost on Monday in the third round of the Shanghai Masters 1000 to Botic Van De Zandschulp, after a quarter-final defeat in Tokyo against Valentin Vacherot. He talks about nerves. Benoît Maylin talks tactics: “There is no variation, no down-the-line shots, no net approaches.”
I read it three times. No down-the-line shots. Mine, I work on on Tuesday evenings, when court 4 is free, meaning never. But I work on it. That shot, I make it. Not every time, but I make it.
So if I follow Maylin all the way, on the down-the-line axis I have a pattern that Fils doesn’t. I’m not saying I’m above him. I’m saying there is a zone of the court where my intentions are clearer. The rest, explosive, powerful, I’ll leave to him. My forehand is more the patient type.
Net approaches, same thing. In doubles on Sunday at ten, I go up. Often because my partner shouts at me to, fine, but I go. And nerves, I know about those: my phone buzzes in my bag during the rallies too, it takes you right out of the match.
Céline, your down-the-line ends up in the bubble next door one time in two. And I’m being kind.
One time in two is still one time in two inside the lines. And Maylin also says “His game isn’t evolving.” Mine is: I changed strings in September. Two practice sessions away, mind you.
It’s true, we checked: We Love Tennis.
