An Unconventional Ace at indian Wells
In a stunning display of unorthodox tennis, Franco-american player Maxime Cressy pulled off an improbable ace during the first round of the Masters 1000 tournament in Indian Wells. Ranked 72nd in the world, Cressy found himself in a unique situation, fully off-centering his stroke and connecting with the ball using the frame of his racquet.
The result was a peculiar shot that defied conventional tennis norms. It resembled a sliced lob, yet possessed the delicate touch of a spin-kind drop shot. Clocked at a mere 41 km/h, this unexpected ace showcased Cressy’s ability to improvise and generate surprising results on the court.
Despite this remarkable feat, cressy ultimately fell to American Christopher Eubanks, ranked 157th in the ATP, in a tightly contested match.The final score stood at 5-7, 7-6 (8), 6-4, highlighting the competitive nature of the encounter.
The Art of the Unexpected Ace: A Conversation with Brad Gilbert
Welcome back, tennis fans, to another episode of “On the Baseline”! Today, we’re diving deep into the world of unconventional tennis shots with a true legend of the game, four-time Grand Slam doubles champion and former top-ranked singles player, Brad Gilbert. Brad, thanks for joining me today.
Brad: Thanks for having me! Always a pleasure to talk tennis.
Moderator: Let’s dive right in. We recently witnessed a truly remarkable shot at the Indian Wells Masters 1000 tournament. Maxime Cressy [1], known for his serve-and-volley style, pulled off an improbable ace. He completely off-centered the ball, hitting it with the frame of his racquet. It was almost a sliced lob,yet had the delicate touch of a drop shot.A 41 km/h ace – unheard of! What are your thoughts on this play, Brad?
Brad: (chuckles) Well, that’s definitely a shot you don’t see every day! It’s a testament to Cressy’s creativity and ability to improvise.Most players would have panicked in that situation, but he saw an opportunity and went for it.
Moderator: You mentioned improvisation. Do you think this kind of unorthodox playstyle could be [a] valuable tool in a player’s arsenal?
Brad: Absolutely! Tennis is all about finding your own game, your own style.When you throw in unexpected elements like Cressy’s off-frame ace, you keep your opponents guessing.It adds a level of unpredictability that can be truly unnerving. Think back to the days of [players like] John McEnroe – he used a variety of unorthodox shots to his advantage.
Moderator: Engaging point. It’s almost like psychological warfare.
Brad: Exactly! Mental toughness is crucial in tennis. When an opponent sees you pulling off shots thay’ve never seen before, it can throw them off their game.
Moderator: Even with this remarkable shot, Cressy ultimately lost the match to Christopher Eubanks. Does this highlight the fact that while flair is crucial, consistency is king in professional tennis?
Brad: I’d say so. One amazing shot doesn’t win you a match. You need to consistently execute your game plan, stay strong mentally, and grind out those points.
Moderator: Great insights, Brad. Let’s open this up to our readers. What are your thoughts on unconventional shots in tennis? Have you ever pulled off (or been on the receiving end of) a similarly unexpected play? Let us know in the comments below!
Brad: Keep practicing, folks, and remember, tennis is a game of surprises!
