How has the strategy of playing tennis changed over time?

Tennis has evolved over the years, and so has the strategy of playing the game. The early days of tennis saw a serve-and-volley style of play, with players approaching the net after serving to put pressure on their opponents. This style of play continued for many years, with the advent of new equipment leading to an increase in the speed and power of shots. However, with the introduction of slower surfaces like clay and improvements in racket technology, baseline play has become more dominant.

Today, players often rely on a baseline game, hitting powerful groundstrokes and waiting for their opponent to make a mistake. The serve-and-volley style of play is still used by some players, but it is less common than in the past. Players also use a variety of other strategies, including hitting topspin shots, playing defensively, and attacking their opponent's weaker shots. In addition, players now use video analysis and data to analyze their opponent's strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to better tailor their game plan to the individual match.

Overall, the evolution of tennis strategy has been driven by changes in equipment, court surfaces, and player abilities. The modern game is faster and more powerful than ever before, but it also requires players to have a greater range of skills and a more strategic approach.