By Chris Oddo | Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Not ready to let go of Indian Wells and Miami just yet? Then check out these 16 sweet hot shots from the month of March.
Photo Source: Christopher Levy
It was--as it always is--a glorious month of tennis in March, with Indian Wells and Miami whipping the tennis world into a frenzy on a daily basis. But it's over now, and it's onward and upward, as the clay-court season is ready to begin in full. But before we say good-bye, let's have one last look at some of the dazzling moments that made our March so special.
Without any further ado--on to the hot shots...
Photos: 10 Sparkling Pics from Indian Wells and Miami
1. Roger Federer Rips a Classic Down-the-Line One-Hander vs. Nishikori: Roger is a veritable hot shot machine. We've included two of his works of art, but seriously, he could get his own separate post...:
2. Serena Rips a Crosscourt Forehand Past Li Na in Miami: Serena has a way of making shots like this look easy. We assure you, they're not.
3. Stepanek Plays a Wicked Angle against Rafa: It's one thing to make this shot. But to make it against Rafa, that is truly noteworthy.
4. Roberto Bautista Agut Makes a Superhuman Get vs. Steve Johnson: Maybe our favorite shot of all 16, by the rising Spaniard.
5. Gulbis Finds the Impossible Angle against Isner at Indian Wells: Gulbis' racquet smashes always draw a lot of attention, but the Latvian's shotmaking is pretty top-notch also...
6. Radwanska Slips into Ninja Mode against Radwanska at Miami: Five words: What a joy to watch.
7. Dimitrov Schools Gulbis in the Art of Showmanship at Indian Wells: Four words: The human highlight film.
8. Dimitrov Displays Wheels, Shotmaking in Incredible Defensive Point against Haase: See exhibit 7... (and yes, Dimitrov gets two videos in this post--he's that awesome.
9. Vintage Federer Backhand Reply against deBakker Smash: Roger that! What a backhand.
10. Flipkens Lofts a Lob over Sharapova in Miami: The Belgian didn't beat Maria, but she got her pretty good on this point. Nice touch!
11. Murray Hits a No-Look Backhand at a Filthy Angle against Ebden in Miami: This is sheer brilliance from Murray. Quite sneaky, too.
12. Nadal Rips a Winner off a Djokovic Smash in the Miami Final: Rafa didn't win the title, but after he nailed this forehand, many though he was going to...
13. Halep Out-Ninja's the Ninja at Indian Wells: A perfect example of why Simona Halep is in the top 5. She mixes in some well-timed creativity with her agility and consistency to befuddle the ninja--no easy task.
14. Djokovic Plays a Monumental Match Point in the Miami Final to Defeat Nadal: One of the best match points in recent memory, and well deserved celebration after the fact...
15. Baghdatis Hits the Luckiest Winner of His Career in Miami: Oh man, just classic, and couldn't have happened to a sweeter guy.
16. Jelena Jankovic Hits a Dropper Where Caroline Wozniacki Ain't: It's not easy to get hit a drop shot winner against Caroline Wozniacki, but JJ makes it look easy here.