"You have to target that" - Wilander points out Tsitsipas backhand as weakness

Eurosport tennis analyst Mats Wilander feels Stefanos Tsitsipas’ backhand is in danger of holding him back from winning major events.

The Greek is among the favourites for French Open glory, but he has spent seven hours and 40 minutes on court over the course of his opening two rounds. For the second match in a row, the No. 4 seed was given a severe test - as he took over four hours to beat Zdenek Kolar 6-3 7-6(8) 6-7(3) 7-6(7). Wilander was hugely impressed with Tsitsipas’ fighting spirit and desire, but feels his backhand is not developing enough:

“The gameplan against Tsitsipas is pretty clear. It’s simple against Tsitsipas, it’s hard to beat him, but you have to target that backhand of Tsitsipas. The backhand is not progressing. His fighting spirit is, but when the balls are heavy he is not getting much on it. Kolar was good at targeting it.”

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Wilander feels the overall package is good, but wants the 23-year-old to find a way of getting more punch into the backhand:

“I think he plays smart tennis. He is serving well, but I don’t think he’s playing well at night. The forehand does not have the impact, the serve the same and he cannot hit the backhand the way he wants it.”

Henman added:

“He is delighted he got through to the third round, but that is taking up a lot of energy. His opponents played well, but these are matches you think he should be getting through in a straightforward fashion. He has not done that and further down the road it could cost him.”

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