Singles playing Doubles

There has been a definite rise in the top 100 ATP singles players partnering up in doubles competition.

Why the increase? Why the interest?

As the professional game of tennis becomes faster, stronger and more aggressive, the pro player is looking to improve their game on every level. To make these improvements, there is a cost.

The professional doubles circuit seems to offer solutions to a lot of the demands to improve the singles player’s game.

Novak Djokovic (SRB)

There are many positive upsides for a single’s player when entering in a few doubles draws throughout their season.

Rafael Nadal (SPA)

Rafa Nadal is one of these players that sees great benefits of competing in doubles play. Not only because he enjoys the thrill and challenge of team competition (representing his country winning Gold at the Olympics and the Davis Cup, to name a few) but also because he sees huge benefits for his skills in singles play.  Saying “even one early round in doubles match is incredibly helpful to my singles game”.

Many top players play doubles to allow them more court time, adding time to adjust to the conditions and the courts.

When asked why Rafa was not playing doubles in this years Rogers Cup in Toronto, he responded with a grin and simply stated “age”!  Explaining that he needs to prioritize his hours on court and preserve his body for his singles matches. That in the past, the extra court time gave him more confidence, allowing him time to adjust to the conditions and the courts. But now he does not feel the need, as much, at this point in his career.

As we witnessed last night, the worlds #1, sailed through a comfortable win over Benoit Paire (6-2; 6-3) with confidence.  This being Rafa’s first hard-court tournament since the Australia Open, back in January.

Benoit Pare (FRA)

Many top ranked players are choosing to participate in the doubles draws of competition for the same reasons.  To improve their game through more match experience, while taking less toll physical toll on their bodies.  Add the bonus of earning some extra prize money and this move to include doubles play, all makes sense.

Novak Djokovic (SRB)

Novak Djokovic shared earlier this week, how he enjoyed his time on court, with partner, world #6, Kevin Anderson. Saying he finds it “refreshing and interesting” to play alongside someone who is usually his opponent and not his partner.

Singles players exposing themselves to the doubles platform of tactics and strategies, gives them the opportunity to practice effective, tactical shot selection and placement, with reflex pressure.

Canadian tennis legend, Daniel Nestor, has had a lot of exposure playing with and against many top 100 singles players. Nestor has paired up with a familiar face – Vasik Pospishil (94^th in the world).  Nestor and Pospishil’s first round match against Grand Slam winning duo, Lopez and Lopez was hard fought.  Unfortunately, Nestor’s last appearance on the ATP stage ended with a loss (7-6, 2-6, 6-10).

Laurel Neal

Photo credit: Neena Channan