Tsitsipas Changed Serve

[jimlosaltos]

Unless my eyes deceive me, Stef Tsitsipas has joined Jannik Sinner is switching from platform to pinpoint service.

Doing some research it started in Australia, with Stef actually switching back and forth mid match during the first round at the AO. Stef, who was defending finalist points, lost that match and with it a whole bunch of points, falling out of the top 10. Very odd time and way to introduce a new motion.

Speculation had it that had to do with protecting his ailing back. But he's now doing it full time.

At last night's win in Acapulco, his serve was effective but he only got 51% of first serves in, which is quite low for Stef.

Here's a screen grab via Gill Gross.

filedata/fetch?id=103520&d=1709229374&type=thumb

Gross from Jan 5
https://youtu.be/dmzJb9k8fd4

[jimlosaltos]

And, checking, here Stef is from last night

filedata/fetch?id=103522&d=1709229819&type=thumb

[stroke]

Good call, no doubt he has gone to a narrow stance.

[jimlosaltos]

Good call, no doubt he has gone to a narrow stance.

Watched Stef lose for the first time to de Minaur last night after ten (10) straight wins.
Coming in, Stef had won 8 straight sets vs de Minaur.

He switched back and forth. Was in pinpoint most of the match, then switched when he tried to serve bigger.
Whether that was a conscious decision or simply muscle memory taking over is anyone's guess.

My observation: Stef had significant problems hitting a kick second serve, which tells me it could be continuing back problems.

Stef won the first set 6-1 -- while winning only 50% of his own first serves (6/12). Demon is a good returner but he's not that good.

The back has bothered him since some time in the fall last year and forced him to retire in the Tour Finals. I haven't seen any indication what the injury is.

You can see on his face what emotional anguish he's experiencing.