CAMELOT FANTASIES

you are 100% spot on. he does have looping strokes but he is able to flatten them out as well.


and one other thing to note: he does not camp 100 miles behind the baseline like Rafa.

he plays fairly close to the baseline and he can take it early when he has to or feels the need to.

that is how he is able to take time away even from Djokovic.

Yes although he really doesn't take off the rise that well.  Especially compared to guys like Federer.  He can go BH DTL off the rise incredibly well though.  Needs to get into a rhythm first.

Generally he likes to come inside the baseline on shorter balls or after a few crosscourt rallies to get his rhythm.

But you are right, he does not play 3 yards behind the baseline like a certain Paella.  Although even Paella doesn't do that as much these days, as his speed, court coverage, and forehand is not what it used to be.