In the world of professional tennis, the spotlight overwhelmingly shines on the singles game. We celebrate the solo gladiators, the individual rivalries, and the Grand Slam champions who battle alone on the world’s biggest stages. Yet, happening on the same courts is another form of the sport, one filled with lightning-fast reflexes, intricate strategy, and a level of teamwork that is truly an art form: doubles tennis. Often overlooked, doubles is a captivating and dynamic discipline that is steadily gaining recognition for its unique thrills and unsung heroes.
This post will pull back the curtain on the exciting world of professional doubles. We will explore the unique dynamics of the game, break down the specialized strategies that make it so different from singles, and celebrate the legendary players who have mastered this collaborative craft. It’s time to appreciate why doubles is not just a sideshow but a spectacular sport in its own right.
More Than Just Singles with Four Players
A common misconception is that doubles is simply singles played with a partner. In reality, it is a fundamentally different game that requires a completely different mindset and skill set. The presence of four players on a slightly wider court transforms the geometry and strategy of every single point.
The Dynamics of Teamwork
Unlike the solitary struggle of singles, doubles is a partnership. Success depends entirely on communication, chemistry, and an almost telepathic understanding between two players. They must move in sync, anticipate each other’s actions, and trust their partner implicitly. A great doubles team is one where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. They cover each other’s weaknesses, set each other up for winning shots, and provide constant support and encouragement. This element of teamwork adds a fascinating psychological layer to the game that is absent in singles.
A Game of Speed and Reflexes
Doubles is played at a blistering pace. With two opponents at the net, the time to react is cut in half. Points are often won or lost in a split second through quick-fire volley exchanges. This puts a premium on sharp reflexes, soft hands, and the ability to react instinctively. While powerful groundstrokes are the foundation of singles, the volley and the return of serve are the most crucial shots in doubles. It’s a game of chess at 100 miles per hour, where net play and quick thinking reign supreme.
The Art of Doubles Strategy
Winning in doubles is less about overpowering your opponents and more about outmaneuvering them. It involves a set of specific strategies and formations designed to create openings and exploit the geometry of the court.
The I-Formation
One of the most common and effective doubles formations is the “I-Formation.” In this setup, the server’s partner crouches at the center of the net instead of on one side. The server stands near the center line to serve. This formation is designed to confuse the returner, who doesn’t know which way the net player will move after the serve. Will they move left? Will they move right? This split-second of indecision can force a weak return, allowing the serving team to immediately take control of the point.
Poaching and Moving at the Net
The net player in doubles is not a passive observer; they are an offensive weapon. A key strategy is “poaching,” where the net player moves laterally across the court to intercept a ball that is headed towards their partner. A successful poach can result in a clean volley winner and can psychologically disrupt the returning team, making them hesitant to hit their preferred crosscourt return. Constant, coordinated movement by both partners is essential to keep opponents off balance and create attacking opportunities.
The Importance of the Lobs and Angles
While power is a factor, doubles is often a game of finesse. With two players guarding the net, hitting a clean winner down the line is difficult. Instead, players use a variety of shots to create openings. The lob is a crucial tool, used to push the opposing net players back and reset the point. Hitting sharp angles is another key tactic, pulling one player wide to create a gap in the middle of the court for the next shot.
The Unsung Heroes of the Doubles Circuit
While singles stars often get the headlines, the doubles circuit has its own dedicated specialists and legendary figures. These are players who have built incredible careers by mastering the unique art of the doubles game.
The Bryan Brothers: The Greatest of All Time
No discussion of doubles is complete without mentioning Bob and Mike Bryan. The American identical twins are, without question, the most successful men’s doubles team in history. Over their incredible career, they won 16 Grand Slam titles together and held the world No. 1 ranking for a staggering 438 weeks.
Their success was built on an almost supernatural level of chemistry. As twins, they had an innate understanding of each other’s movements and intentions on the court. Mike’s powerful right-handed game and Bob’s booming left-handed serve created a perfect combination of styles. Their on-court communication, often just a subtle nod or a quick hand signal, was legendary. The Bryan Brothers didn’t just win; they elevated the profile of doubles tennis around the world.
The “Woodies” and the Rise of Australian Doubles
In the 1990s, the Australian duo of Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde, affectionately known as “The Woodies,” dominated the men’s doubles circuit. They won 11 Grand Slam titles together and were renowned for their tactical brilliance and flawless teamwork. Their success helped to solidify the idea of the doubles specialist and inspired a new generation of players to focus on the team game.
Modern Doubles Specialists
Today, the doubles tour is filled with incredible athletes who have chosen to dedicate their careers to the discipline. Players like Joe Salisbury, Rajeev Ram, Mate Pavić, and Nikola Mektić on the men’s side, and Barbora Krejčíková, Kateřina Siniaková, Hsieh Su-wei, and Elise Mertens on the women’s side, showcase the highest level of doubles play week in and week out. These players are masters of the volley, tactical geniuses, and incredible team players who deserve far more recognition for their skill and dedication.
Why Doubles Deserves More Recognition
Despite its excitement and complexity, doubles often struggles for attention in a tennis world obsessed with singles. Matches are often scheduled on outer courts, and television coverage can be sparse. However, there are compelling reasons why doubles deserves a bigger share of the spotlight.
- It’s Incredibly Entertaining: The fast-paced, action-packed nature of doubles makes for thrilling viewing. The quick-fire volley exchanges and strategic net play are some of the most exciting moments in tennis.
- It Showcases a Different Skill Set: Doubles highlights the importance of touch, reflexes, and teamwork—skills that are not always the primary focus in the baseline-dominated singles game.
- It’s More Relatable for Recreational Players: For the vast majority of people who play tennis for fun, doubles is the most common form of the game. Watching the pros play doubles can provide relatable strategies and tips that club players can actually use in their own matches.
Actionable Next Steps: How to Appreciate Doubles
The rise of doubles tennis is a positive trend for the sport, bringing new energy and a different flavor of excitement to fans.
- For Fans: The next time you’re at a tournament or watching on TV, make a point to watch a doubles match. Look for the strategic formations, the hand signals between partners, and the incredible reflexes at the net. You will discover a whole new level of appreciation for the sport.
- For Recreational Players: Watch the pros and learn from them. Pay attention to their positioning, their shot selection, and how they communicate. Incorporating just a few professional doubles strategies into your game can make a huge difference. Better yet, grab a friend and get out on the court to experience the fun and camaraderie of doubles for yourself.
In a sport often defined by individual brilliance, doubles tennis is a beautiful celebration of collaboration. It is a testament to the idea that with the right partner, you can achieve more together than you ever could alone. It’s time we gave these unsung heroes the applause they deserve.
