Whether the ball goes in or not, she still has the best off-hand in the biz.
There are many wonders of the tennis world. Shots or moves that are just so unique to that particular player that they need to be seen, heard, and experienced before you can call yourself a tennis fan. Roger's inside-out forehand, Kim's sliding splits, Rafa's running forehand pass, etc. But one of the wonders that I almost completely forgot about was Sania's forehand. That thing is an absolute marvel. Every fucking thing about it is absolute poetry. When she hits it flush and clean it's absolutely mind-blowing.
For about an hour and a half last night that's exactly what she was doing. Let's not be idiots here. There are no "tactics" with Sania. Her game ain't pretty. She has one shot and one shot alone, but that one shot is an absolutely blazing extreme-gripped forehand that is the result of the perfect blend of power and timing. When she's able to get herself into position it looks effortless.
Justine got to see it first hand last night after Sania shocked everyone by taking the first set 7-5. But Justine, as is her annoying little habit, was able to steady herself in the second set to finally get enough balls back and force Sania into misses. But it was nice to be reminded that the Sania hype is/was justified. But then you see her serve a ball and you start questioning it all over again.
But Jesus holy hell it was fun to watch for a while. I would pay money to just watch her hit that forehand all day.
(Pic: Getty)
