Australian Open 2012: Rafael Nadal and the Most Athletic Players in Grand Slam
If you enjoying watching tennis players flash impressive athleticism, then you will enjoy these next players.
They have the quickness to get to almost any shot and the reaction time to return almost any serve. Their explosiveness is apparent in each step, and that makes it hard to take your eyes off of them.
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Nadal has crafted his remarkable career on the strength of his athleticism. He has never been the type of player to blow away the competition with power, but he is the type of player who will rip opponents' hearts out by tracking down every shot.
When Nadal is at his best, it is virtually impossible to get a ball by him. He has extraordinary quickness, and his reaction time is off the charts.
When he is not struggling with injuries, this kind of full-court play can last all match. Nadal has a supreme conditioning and stamina level. He can run down point after point and still be ready for more. Take a look at the athleticism on display in these highlights.
Janko Tipsarevic
Janko can flat move. He can cover the width of the court in the blink of an eye. This quickness often serves to frustrate opponents, and it almost always leaves him in an ideal position for a return.
He also has some powerful quick-twitch muscles, which allows him to get an amazing amount of mustard on shots where has no chance to take a back swing. Like his winner on this point.
At 200-plus pounds, Tsonga is remarkably agile on the court. He has remarkable quickness and a deadly amount of power.
Tsonga can not only run down almost any shot, but he can usually crush them back with a deadly forehand.
He is one of the few players left to utilize a serve-and-volley game, and he can pull this off due to his scintillating blend of athleticism.
And, of course, Tsonga also has pure power. Here are some impressive serves.
Monfils' impressive athleticism shows in unique ways. There is no one who plays the game quite like Monfils. And there really is no one who is athletically gifted enough to play it like he does. Check out this leaping forehand smash.
Gael has amazing power in that crushing forehand. He also has great quickness and hops that would do a basketball player justice.
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