Most Powerful Forehands in Tennis

The forehand, probably the shot which brings about maximum winners, may not be as delightful as a single-handed backhand, but it's definitely very effective. This article portrays the strongest forehands in the ATP tour. This list is only my opinion on the current players, and, as always, comments (positive or negative) are welcome.

The picture that I have put up depicts what I have done in this article, which is give Federer and Nadal a break. Cheers.

5. Fernando Verdasco / Andy Murray

Fernando Verdasco, the recent semifinalist at the Aussie Open, is a strong man with a strong serve. I had not seen much of him prior to this tournament and he impressed me a lot. He has a booming forehand that left Nadal (you heard that right), unable to reach some of the shots. This bloke has been in the top 20 for sometime, but has the Aussie Open provided the breakthrough for him? We should know in Indian Wells!

Andy Murray, the world number 4, does not look fit most of the days. He manages to cover the court pretty well though. His recent win over Nadal in Rotterdam proves once again that he is a tough player but will he be able to give such performances in the big stage?

4. Marat Safin

Marat Safin, a former world No. 1, and one of the strongest men to have hit the tennis ball, has a style of his own. The giant Russian's forehand has been as lethal as anyone's in the men's circuit. It, along with his fast serves, led him to win the 2000 US Open (I will say this time and again, he blew Sampras off the court) and 2005 Aussie Open. It's a pity he won only two grand-slams. Unfortunately, this year could very well be his last in tennis.

3. Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic could one of the most loved and hated tennis players in the world. His forehand is as good as his on court imitation of fellow players! This guy is definitely one of the strongest right now. His fitness levels aren't great though! His ripping forehand enabled him win Aussie Open 2008 (he beat Federer in straight sets in the semifinals!) and also reach the US Open finals in 2007 when he lost to RF. He is young and one to watch out for. Is he one of those one or two slams wonders, or a true champion?

2. Fernando Gonzalez

The 2008 Olympic Silver Medalist and 2007 Aussie Open runner up has a forehand that can help him beat anyone! (Remember his journey to that final in Melbourne) Fernando Gonzalez has been in and out of the top-ten rankings, but one thing that has not changed is his forehand! This strong Chilean can make even the best run for their lives with that shot.
He is not a big success story, but I love his game, even more so because he is single handed. He might not be one of the best in business, but his forehand is!

1. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, a chap who came into prominence with a stunning display of tennis in the 2008 Aussie Open (he unfortunately lost in the finals), has risen to the top in such a short span of time.
This selection is purely based on his clinical display against Nadal in the semifinals of the 2008 Aussie Open . I watched that match in awe and could actually see the humiliation on Nadal's face. He is also quite young. In fact, he has the most number of wins (19) in this calendar year so far with titles in Johannesburg and Marseille. Hopefully he should make it big but again his fitness has to let him!