Technology has obviously changed the way the game of tennis is played. Power and precision have anchored the game at the baseline. Serve-and-volley specialists are a thing of the past. The net game is still important for applying pressure and closing out points, but now you approach at your own peril. In grinding his opponents down with punishing groundstrokes, Andre Agassi seems to have created the template for the contemporary game. But, in order to play that type of physical game, you have to be supremely fit. Gil Reyes made sure Agassi had the endurance to outslug and outlast the other guy. In turn, that stamina gave Andre the confidence in his body to stand toe-to-toe with whoever was across the net, knowing he the fitter player. Thus, he earned the nickame, "The Punisher." On the men's side, today's tennis is all about punishment. More groundstrokes means more running, and more running means greater risk of injury. This summer, fitness has come to the forefront. Repeatedly, we see examples of how dedication and training pay off on the court. Look no further than Mardy Fish.
, the 28-year-old American, lost 30 pounds while rehabing from knee surgery. In interviews, he said he took a hard look in the mirror and asked himself how badly he wanted it. His answer has become crystal clear. He changed his diet, he worked his ass off in training, and now he's getting the results. He lost to Sam Querrey in the final at Queen's Club, won Newport on grass, won Atlanta on hard courts, and yesterday lost in the final at Cincinnati to Roger Federer. Now ranked 21 in the world, Fish has trained and played his way into the conversation of contenders at the U.S. Open. The talent was always there, but the dedication wasn't. Though it's relatively late in his career, he's now in the best shape he's ever been in. It's allowed him to show the world he can play with the big boys. Mardy Fish is finally fulfilling his potential.
David Nalbandian is another player who has always carried a few extra pounds. Blessed with enormous skill and a shrewd tactical mind, the Argentine has reached the semifinals in all four Slams, but has never won one. Like Mardy Fish, David Nalbandian is 28-years-old and nearing the dreaded tennis age of 30. Nalbandian had hip surgery last year, returning earlier this summer with a couple of huge Davis Cup wins for Argentina. The U.S. Open Series showed David's renewed passion for the game. He's lost weight, he's hitting the ball crisp and clean, and once again looks like a force to be reckoned with. He even won the title in Washington D.C., taking out Marcos Baghdatis in the final.
Marcos Baghdatis, the charasmatic Cypriot, is back in form. Once the top junior in the world, he stormed onto the scene in January of 2006, reaching the final of the Australian Open. Always entertaining, the Bagh Man has certainly played his share of thrilling matches and won a few of them. But, generally, it feels as if he's underachieved. During this summer, it's become evident that Marcos has trained hard. He's leaner and moving around the court like a player who is not afraid of going the distance. Improved fitness has allowed him to play the Agassi-like grinding game he needs to play to compete at the highest level. His giant smile and pleasant court demeanor win him fans wherever he goes. Crowds usually end up rooting for him. It's good for the game to have him back in the mix.
Obviously, when you think of fitness in men's tennis, you have to look no further than the two headliners and living legends, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Federer defeated Fish yesterday in Cincinnati to claim another Masters shield and end a seven-month title drought. He is currently tied with Andy Murray for the most points in the U.S. Open Series, but a tiebreaker gives Murray the edge. Everyone talks about the beauty of Federer's game, how smooth he is and how easy he makes it look. No doubt, that's in large part to the work he does off the court. No one every questions his fitness. Then again, rarely does it get mentioned. One of the most remarkable things about Federer's career is his ability to remain healthy. Mono threw him off a couple of years ago. Some nagging injuries seem to have played a part in his subpar showings at the French Open and Wimbledon this year. Besides those blips, Roger has been the picture of health, and it's enabled him to set all kinds of records for longevity and consistency. Of course, Fed and Nadal do it in different ways. Nadal's bulging biceps are two of the most useful marketing tools in the game. You can see his fitness. He's a beast. And those muscles have been put to good use on the court. He bullies guys. Against him, players change their tactics for fear of going five sets with him. He runs and runs and runs, and never seems to show signs of getting tired. Nadal has taken Agassi's mentality and multiplied it. He exemplifies the modern game. A game in which you have absolutely no chance if you're not in perfect physical condition.
