Players Under the Microscope / Mandeep / 02 November 2007 / 1

Mandeep pays tribute to the the career of Fabrice Santoro, the man they call "The Magician"

This week I will be examining arguably the most unusual player on the tour - Fabrice Santoro aka "The Magician". At the age of 34, Santoro continues to amaze the crowds with his style of play, colourful clothing and enthusiasm for the game. He has had notable recent wins over Roddick and unbelievably Djokovic. So how has a player who plays an older style of play been successful in the era of power tennis?

Technique and Style of Play

Since he was very young, Fabrice Santoro has always played with the same weight of racket. He obviously found the oversized rackets he used heavy and as a result had to utilise a double handed grip on both sides. A semi western grip is the usual position for his forehand. When he changes that to a Continental grip, the sliced forehand became inevitable. It is so unusual, many players have difficulty adjusting when facing him. It also gives Santoro extra time to get into the optimum court position for the next shot. Fabrice also hits a a double handed volley.

This helps Santoro with his tried-and-trusted strategy of staying in the point. He will allow his opponent to try and dictate the point. The idea is to keep in the point long enough to allow the other player to hit an error. If Santoro gets a short ball, he will attempt to approach the net with a deep slice - which he is able to hit off both sides with heavy spin. In today's high octane game, slowing down each rally often infuriates the opponent, thereby mentally weakening them.

Lessons for Others to Learn

Anyone who plays tennis can learn a lot from The Magician. His career goes to show the sport is not just about driving the ball as hard as possible. The modern affliction with the power game often breeds players who lack the variety and nous of the Frenchman. If you are able to add other styles of play into your game, you will be able to change to plan b should plan a fail. Unfortunately too many players continue to simply drive the ball as hard as they can.

Interesting Facts

• Santoro won the longest singles match in the Open Era. At the2004 French Open, he beat fellow Frenchman Arnaud Clement in a 6h 33m first round match, winning 6-4 6-3 6-7 3-6 16-14.
• Santoro has a 7-2 career Win/Loss record against Marat Safin (a player who could be considered to be mentally weak).
• According to ATPTennis.com he has lost more singles matches (406) than any other pro (active or not), as of the end of 2007. Overall, however, he has won over half of his matches, with a career record of 437-406
• Andy Murray recently admitted Santoro was his favourite player.

Betting on Santoro Matches

Betting on a Santoro match is a difficult task to assess. It entirely depends on which Santoro turns up. He can one day beat Djokovic, and the next lose to Nicolas Lapentti. Whether you should lay his opponent (who is usually favourite) depends on a number of factors. Obviously the fitness and form of both players is a huge consideration. Also extremely important is the mental strength and patience of his opponent. Santoro is a fighter and will not give in at any point. A notable example of this was the epic 5 set match he was involved in at this year's US Open versus James Blake, which he won.

A Tribute ...

Having witnessed Santoro's latest magnificent victory against Novak Djokovic, the tennis community should come together and salute a player who has been fantastic for the sport. How Santoro has managed to compete with (never mind defeat) the top players of the modern era is a minor miracle. His infectious attitude and "joie de vivre" are refreshing to view. Fabrice should be lauded for his attitude and approach to the game.

To find out more about the ongoing Paris Masters go to:

https://www.fft.fr/bnpparibasmasters/2007/

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1. Bitte | 05 November 2007

   you know, how about if i say you are a writer who could be considered to be mentally weak.
   WHO ARE you TO WRITE SUCH SHIT ABOUT MARAT SAFIN?

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