Watch and enjoy: There may be no wider range of playing styles than Rome's WTA quarterfinalists
Between Swiatek, Andreescu, Sabalenka, Anisimova, Jabeur, Sakkari, Teichmann and Kasatkina, there's something—and, more likely, many things—for everyone to enjoy.
MATCH: Thursday's late match saw Daria Kasatkina oust No. 2 seed Paula Badosa
Be it strictly as a spectator, or even as a player, there is much to enjoy and learn from by watching the eclectic range of women competing in Friday’s quarterfinals at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome. Here’s a look at each of the eight and their wide range of playing styles:
Iga Swiatek: The Future is Now
Welcome to contemporary tennis, where everything from strings to racquet to fitness has helped Swiatek create an exceptionally forceful arsenal. In some ways Swiatek conjures up Stefanie Graf, her game a smothering mix, propelled by dynamic movement, a lively topspin forehand and a powerful serve. But while Graf usually relied on her one-handed slice backhand to set up her forehand, Swiatek’s two-handed backhand is often terminal, be it a down-the-line laser or a dynamic crosscourt drive that jumps off the court. The tennis court is technically a rectangle, but when Swiatek’s dictating play, it’s more like a circle.
Quarterfinal result: 7-6 (2), 6-0 win over Bianca Andreescu
Bianca Andreescu: Welcome Back
Following two very challenging years, Andreescu appears to have regained the enthusiasm for competition that made her such a refreshing contender in 2019. Though not quite as hard a hitter as Swiatek, Andreescu’s compact strokes give her tremendous disguise and range. Add to that keen court sense and this is one highly versatile tactician. Andreescu reminds me of an NFL quarterback: you can see the gears moving in the Canadian’s head as she calibrates down, distance and where she should aim her next shot—height, speed, direction. One hopes she continues to stay healthy and engaged.
Quarterfinal result: 7-6 (2), 6-0 loss to Iga Swiatek
Aryna Sabalenka: Swing for the Fences
Baseball has its home run hitters. Tennis has Sabalenka. When things are clicking, her shots are untouchable, a salvo of drives hit anywhere she pleases. For anyone raised with such notions as percentage tennis, margin, playing to the score or being aware of the opponent, this is a mind-blowing sight. But it works, quite often—particularly so when Sabalenka is serving reasonably well. If her fans must constantly hold their breath though Sabalenka’s matches, their exhales might surely be the most well-deserved in tennis.
Quarterfinal result: 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 win over Amanda Anisimova
Amanda Anisimova: Best Backhand in Tennis?
It’s a bit paradoxical: As far back as 2019, Anisimova went all the way to the semifinals at Roland Garros. And yet, at least from my vantage point, her overall playing style has yet to fully reveal itself. Or maybe I’m wrong and what we see is what we’ll get. Her biggest weapon is a laser-sharp backhand that’s long been one of the best in the game. Like Sabalenka, an in-form Anisimova is not easy to derail.
Quarterfinal result: 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 loss to Aryna Sabalenka
Ons Jabeur: What Next?
For a while, Jabeur was a cult player, a colorful act largely popular at small nightclubs and early rounds, complete with drop shots galore, flurries of power and the widest tactical array in tennis. But over the last six months, better results have vaulted her into the spotlight. While last week’s title run in Madrid was certainly a highlight, it’s even more impressive to see Jabeur head right to Rome and be in the thick of things once again. Having now cracked the Top 10, she figures to be a significant contender at Roland Garros.
Quarterfinal result: 1-6, 7-5, 6-1 win over Maria Sakkari
Maria Sakkari: Got There the Old-Fashioned Way
Some players rocket up the ranks. For others, progress is incremental. Sakkari fits the latter category. Year by year, with hard work, supreme fitness and an increasingly effective set of tools, Sakkari has willed herself into the elite. I’m particularly impressed by her serve, a delivery she can kick superbly into the court that creates openings for her powerful groundstrokes. But other Sakkari shots are also sound, including efficient volleys and the wise use of the drop shot.
Quarterfinal result: 1-6, 7-5, 6-1 loss to Ons Jabeur
Jill Teichmann: Smooth Southpaw
Full disclosure: I’m also lefthanded, and so I personally enjoy watching my fellow southpaw Teichmann befuddle opponents with her blend of accuracy and doubt-planting. To a degree, she’s reminiscent of Angelique Kerber—the versatile forehand, as well as the consistent two-handed backhand she proficiently drives crosscourt. But while obviously lacking Kerber’s three-Slam resume, Teichmann’s slick southpaw serve and front court skills are far more developed.
Quarterfinal result: 6-4, 3-2 (ret.) loss to Daria Kasatkina
Daria Kasatkina: Making Her Way Back
It’s been a long, up-and-down journey for this engaging tactician who just turned 25 last Saturday. Five years ago, Kasatkina came to Charleston, won her first WTA title, and a year later had cracked the Top 10. But she’s had her share of stumbles since, struggling with both injuries and motivation. Hopefully, that’s all behind her. When it comes to variety, Kasatkina can rival Jabeur—a wide palette of touch, power, and guile.
Quarterfinal result: 6-4, 3-2 (ret.) win over Jil Teichmann