NEW YORK—This US Open marks just the fourth tournament together for the team of Nikola Mektic and Rajeev Ram. Yet the former world No. 1 doubles players and multi-time Grand Slam champions found some immediate chemistry. They came into their first major together having just won the Cincinnati Open, busting up Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool’s 22-match winning streak along the way.
The 11th-seeded duo’s good form continued with three more wins in Flushing. Their opponents in the quarterfinals were 14th-seeded Yuki Bhambri and Michael Venus. Less heralded, as well as a relatively new partnership, Bhambri and Venus came into the match having not dropped a set in their three previous wins. Something had to give on Stadium 17.
Both teams brought the doubles craft, mixing power and touch during spirited exchanges. It took three tight sets and more than two-and-a-half hours of court time, but Bhambri and Venus prevailed, 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3. Here are some lessons to take away from their victory:
Don’t Be a Statue
The movement of this foursome during points was nearly constant. It was rare to see them engage in stationary crosscourt rallies for more than a few strokes. Whether with a set play or trying to intercept a shot at net, their feet were always on the go.
“The best doubles players not only win points by their good play, but by drawing opponents into errors,” says Mark Kovacs, a high-performance coach who won the 2002 NCAA doubles championship playing for Auburn University. “This is achieved by moving at the net, faking, poaching and legally distracting the opponent. This creates indecision in the mind of the opponent, and draws more errors.”
It’s a particularly important lesson for players who are comfortable moving up and back, but are hesitant to cross. Staying still or always playing it safe won’t get you far against better teams.
