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Is the Final Piece of the American Tennis Puzzle Really This Simple?
In our 2024 season finale of Tennis Channel Podcast Network's KickServeRadio.com, Mats Wilander, Jonny Levine, and I were fortunate to be joined by Jimmy Arias. The former world #4, as most of you know, is one of the premier tennis analysts in the business, as well as the Director of Player Development at IMG Academy. Who better to answer a few questions regarding the state of American Pro tennis as we head into 2025?
A Star-Studded 2024 for American Tennis
Taylor Fritz finished at #4 in the world, so that's a massive step in the right direction. Tommy Paul, Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, and Sebi Korda joined Fritz in the top 20 before the US Open—the first time the US had five players in the top 20 since '97.
Coco Gauff won the WTA Tour Championships, Jessie Pegula was in the final at the US Open, and Emma Navarro was a bona fide force to be reckoned with. Danielle Collins had a nice run, too, come to think of it.
Learning from Legends—Jimmy Arias and Mats Wilander Weigh In
So, when discussing what the Americans need to improve on to a large extent, Arias was speedy to point to my Hall of Famer co-host Wilander, saying that "players need to be more like him!" Wilander made a face that was flattered and confused in equal parts. Mats pressed Jimmy.
"The game today is massive, and I was just a little guy running around, rolling moonballs all day, and putting guys to sleep. It was pretty boring. I think I won many matches because I put guys to sleep!"
Of course, Jimmy would have none of it, showing immense respect for the 7-time major winner. "No, Mats, you did a lot more than that. What you did, which is missing from today's game, is that you could diagnose your opponent's weaknesses at a level that very few players have ever done before or since. You tailored your game to match the situation of the moment. Today's players (and coaches) seem to only focus on themselves, their game, and ONLY their game. If players took a page from the book of Wilander and added some of your problem-solving skills to their repertoire, then our players would really take flight, and Americans winning majors will again become more of the norm."
The Wilander Effect—Brains Over Braun?
As I sat between the two now sexagenarian greats (and I mean this strictly as guys over age 60), I couldn't help but really clarify in my own mind as a coach how much emphasis we place on ball striking vs point structure. Weapons of mass destruction vs guile and savvy. Braun vs brains.
It's great to see Ben Shelton serve 150 mph, but does he serve as intelligently as, say, Pete Sampras once did? Tommy Paul moves like a gazelle and has a great pace of shot but seems to ebb and flow with his competitive focus. To Arias' point, Wilander would grind out a five-set win on a Monday and come out Tuesday ready to make another day of it, likely with a brand-new game plan in place, based on whether he was playing McEnroe, Becker, Lendl, or God forbid (Mats' words, not mine), Miloslav Mecir!
Power vs Precision—Balancing Strength with Strategy
Modern tennis players are built for speed, power, and endurance, but are they sacrificing strategy in the process? Wilander and Arias make a compelling argument for blending athleticism with intelligence on the court.
Today's American players clearly have the physical tools to compete at the highest level. Still, perhaps the final piece of the puzzle lies in their ability to adapt, problem-solve, and outthink their opponents.
Lessons from the Past—Reviving Tactical Tennis
The bottom line is this: it might serve our students well to think in a more well-rounded fashion about what constitutes a game that has variety and options. Having big weapons and athleticism is crucial, but so is mental resilience and adaptability. Players should not just focus on overpowering opponents but also learn how to outmaneuver them tactically.
The ability to read the opponent's weaknesses and adjust strategies mid-match separates great players from good ones. Look at the way Wilander dissected opponents with precision and patience—traits that remain just as relevant today. Teaching players to have a 'Plan B' and even a 'Plan C' during matches, instead of rigidly sticking to one style, can make a significant difference.
Have your weapons, be your best athletically, and tend to your mental health. Do all of that, AND be a student of tactics. Develop not only physical skills but also a strategic mindset. In the end, tennis is as much a chess match as it is a physical test.
The Takeaway—Channel Your Inner Wilander
Channel your inner Wilander. His greatest weapon was his tactical brain—an ability to read the game, adapt on the fly, and always stay one step ahead of his opponent. That weapon "between the ears" served him pretty well, helping him win seven Grand Slam titles and secure his legacy as one of the sport's most intelligent competitors.
Modern players can take inspiration from Wilander's approach. Incorporating tactical adjustments, mental discipline, and an analytical mindset can complement raw athleticism and firepower. Tennis is as much about thinking as it is about hitting. So, while developing your serve, forehand, and fitness, don't neglect the mental game. Learn to problem-solve, study opponents, and craft strategies that win matches.
In today's power-driven game, Wilander's style reminds us that brains and adaptability can still outshine brute force. The key to American tennis success might just be about embracing this balance—and playing smarter, not just harder.
