Dolgopolov Slice Tactical Patterns:
Learning from a Modern Magician

Chris Lewit


Just changing pace with slice like Dolgopolov can draw errors—especially at lower levels.

Alexander Dolgopolov is the modern day Fabrice Santoro, who was affectionately known as "the magician" for his creative shot selection, particularly his use of slice. Dolgopolov probably hits more slice backhands and a greater variety of slice than any player in the game, including Roger Federer.

He has the same unpredictability and creative flair that Santoro had in his prime, along with the power and aggression required in the modern game--he's also extremely fun to watch.

Often times simply hitting change of pace slice backhands mixed with power drives is enough to induce errors from Dolgopolov's opponents. While watching Dolgopolov play, I've also observed three clear tactical patterns he favors.

These patterns apply across all ages and abilities and are something that club players in particular can implement. Many times recreational players don't have the power to blow their opponents off the court. Learning to play craftily with the slice can be an excellent addition to a club player's game, especially as they get older.

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Chris Lewit is a leading high-performance coach, author, and educator. He is the author of the best-selling book, The Secrets of Spanish Tennis, and a new technique book, Winning Pretty, which will be published by New Chapter Press in paperback in 2025. Secrets of Spanish Tennis, Second Edition will be published in September 2024, also by New Chapter Press. He is also a contributing editor for Tennisplayer.net magazine and a long-time member of the USPTA and PTR. As an educator, he has presented at several large conferences including the PTR International Tennis Symposium. Chris is currently studying kinesiology and biomechanics and headed for graduate school in that field.

As a player, Chris Lewit played No. 1 for Cornell University and competed on the USTA and ITF pro circuits. As a coach, he has recently worked with several No. 1 junior players in the US and has trained hundreds of nationally ranked juniors. He directs a full-time academy for homeschool/online players and a high performance summer camp program, as well as high performance training for all ages and levels, all at his club in the beautiful green mountains of Manchester, Vermont. Contact Chris directly by phone/WhatsApp 914-462-2912 or chris@chrislewit.com.


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