This archive report was first published on 3 July 2021.
Roger Federer's Gift to Tennis: The Squash Shot ¶
Published on July 3, 2021
Wimbledon, England - The squash shot, a lunging forehand slash, has become a staple in tennis, thanks in part to Roger Federer's popularization of the shot over the course of his 23-year professional career.
According to Mackenzie McDonald, a 26-year-old American player, the squash shot is a last-resort play, but one that has become increasingly effective in the sport. 'It's your only option,' McDonald said.
Brad Gilbert, an ESPN analyst and former top-five player, credits Federer with influencing the shot's widespread adoption across the sport. 'For me, that's a sign of the influence of Fed across the whole sport,' Gilbert said.
Players like Barbora Krejcikova and Ons Jabeur have frequently used the squash shot to great effect, with Krejcikova employing it in her surprise run to the French Open title and Jabeur using it on match point in her third-round victory over Garbiñe Muguruza on Centre Court.
As Mary Joe Fernandez, an ESPN analyst and two-time Grand Slam singles finalist, noted, the squash shot is a hard, good slice that stays low and is an added shot to a player's arsenal. 'It's a great-looking shot and effective most of the time,' Fernandez said.
While the squash shot has been around since the beginning of lawn tennis, it has become more viable in recent years due to advances in racket technology and string materials. 'Good luck hitting that shot at full stretch with gut string and a wood racket,' Gilbert said of the squash shot.
Players like Daniil Medvedev and Anastasija Sevastova have also used the squash shot to great effect, with Sevastova employing it in her victory over Elena Rybakina in the quarterfinals of the grass-court Eastbourne International.
As Gilbert noted, the squash shot has become a staple in tennis, and its popularity shows no signs of waning. 'I'm cured, it works,' Gilbert said with a laugh.
