Roger Federer’s Tennis Gift: A Shot That Players Love

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I was cured, it worked,” Gilbert said with a laugh. “You see people controlling a point who suddenly ask, ‘What just happened? “

Gilbert said he remained unconvinced by the other popular new shot, the “tweener” between the legs and back into the net that players often use after tracking balls.

“It looks great, but I still don’t think it’s as effective as throwing a lob or running around,” he said. “But the squash strike is more viable. I think it is here to stay.”

MacDonald, a former UCLA star in the midst of a renewed season, has practiced training a lot with Federer, even traveling to Dubai to train.

“It’s practically funny because he’s always playing and working on those shots that wow people,” MacDonald said. “He’s always practicing hand skills that fascinate you. When you see him hit a squash ball or drop a winner for the comeback, he’s actually practicing these things, sometimes just for fun. But that’s why he’s come up with those picks over the years, because he always He tests things. He’s different in that sense from a guy who hits a combination of forehand and backhand strokes in practice. He’s always honing his hand skills.”

But while the rise of the squash shot will be part of Federer’s legacy, MacDonald said his inspiration to make it part of his arsenal wasn’t actually Federer. Steve Johnson, the 31-year-old American player, was currently ranked 74th in the world.

“Maybe I use it in college, but while on tour you try to find a one percent difference, and maybe get a one percent squash potion,” MacDonald said. “Stevie Johnson was one of the guys who did really well. I saw him hit the winners like darts. When you see that, you want to do it too.”

This is how it happens in tennis as times and tactics change.

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