Best shot makers?

Question

It appears to me that among all the outstanding professional players, a few stand out as exceptional shot makers. The one guy that I think is at the top is David Nalbandian. He is magnificent, but this year he has been inconsistent. The second guy is Rafael Nadal. He comes up with this bizarre, extreme angle (especially on his forehand) where he cuts off half the court. Another is Carlos Moya. My goodness he comes up with some nice shots, but again inconsistency (and age) have plagued him. Others?

Answer 1

Nalbandian and Nadal are definitely really amazing, but I think Nadal is a little better. Nalbandian hits amazing shots cross-court and he gets good angles off his backhand, but Nadal is more impressive because he hits just audacious shots on the run off both sides. He doesn't get enough credit for how good his hands and his touch are.
Still, I think the ultimate shotmakers are still Federer and Sampras. Federer because he'll hit ridiculous, entertaining shots and look like he knew he was going to make it all along (You saw the "squash shot" against Nalbandian at last year's French Open right?). And Sampras, well...how many times did we see him hit an amazing running forehand right when he absolutely needed to? How many times did hit a cruel, perfectly placed second -serve ace right when he needed it (talk about shotmaking - the 2nd serve ace is the hardest shot of all because you need precision, power AND guts)? I'd definitely put Federer and Sampras right at the top.
I'm also impressed by most of the clay-courters. They know that they have to hit really good shots at the right time because they don't get many looks.

Answer 2

Don't forget the two ultimate shotmakers ever. Fabrice Santoro (FRA) and Roger Federer (SUI). Santoro is known as the wizard, for his amazing on court two-handed shots (ON BOTH SIDES) creating spins, slice, lobs, and angles. Federer is also the best player ever!!! and can play all of the shots in the book and more. I agree Nalbandian is a very exciting shot maker. He does not hit a lot of winners, but can hit some pretty spectacular ones. He has been too error-ridden lately though. Mikhail Yozhny, Stanislas Wawrinka, and Fernando Gonzales are also great shot makers.

Answer 3

Obviously Federer has to be added to the list, he seems to be able to hit whatever shot he wants when he wants to or needs to , and is the only guy I see out there that can be offensive on high balls to his backhand, his volleys are the best in the game right now although he does not come in so much. Sharapova deserves a nod she is able to hit a winner from anywhere on the court. Blake and Gonzalez have forehands that are unreal and can just crush the ball on that side whenever they are able to set up. In doubles the Byran Brothers at the net are unreal with how they are able to react to the bullets that are hit at them and where they are able to place it. Rodicks serve is awesome. The guy is top 5 in the world because of that one stroke.(His forehand is pretty solid also). Santoro although not as highly ranked as the others is able to produce some unbelievable shots with a pretty unorthodox style of play.

Answer 4

I think you want the names of the guys whose initials aren't RF. I'd agree with you and say Nalbandian is the best, but have you forgot the big man Safin? Three Grand Slams title including the 2005 Australian where he beat Fed at his best. The match was so good that ESPN deemed it instant classic.

Answer 5

I would think Nadal for men. Many times he makes runs the ball & makes a winning shot out of it that amazes the whole spectators & the other players. That's why they fear him.
Kim, for women. She also runs down some tough balls, makes a 180 split & gets it. Amazing !

Answer 6

Andy Murray- he's so creative on court--his lobs, slices, angles, on the run winners. Also, Richard Gasquet and his drop shots and drop volleys- and of course his backhand.

Answer 7

Fabrice Santoro & Anna Chakvetadze. really good shot makers!!!!!!!!