WTA Finals: Inside the Split-Second World of Elite Footwork
At the highest level of tennis, it’s not the serve or forehand that makes the difference—it’s the feet. Champions like Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka understand that power begins from the ground up.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — The ball is struck, and time is already slipping away. You have roughly one second to judge its path and reach it. It approaches with the speed of a car on the highway, only smaller, spinning, and curving through the air.
With feet moving and the mind calculating geometry, players maintain balance and position their bodies precisely, never taking their eyes off the ball. Then, at the perfect moment, they uncoil and strike the ball on the sweet spot—a matter of centimeters—adding pace and spin to target the opponent’s weakest area.
The searing serves, fierce forehands, and blazing backhand winners grab the headlines, but they wouldn’t exist without timely footwork.
Though often overlooked on social media, sound footwork is essential for elite WTA players, as confirmed by coaches and champions alike.
Pro Perspectives on Footwork
- Iga Swiatek: "Crucial."
- Coco Gauff’s coach, Jean-Christophe Faurel: "I talk way more about footwork than technique."
- Eighteen-time major champion Chris Evert: "Vital."
- Jessica Pegula’s co-coach Mark Merklein: "Huge."
- Former No. 1 Simona Halep: "For me, I think it was the most important."
- Aryna Sabalenka’s coach Anton Dubrov: "It’s like 90 percent of tennis."
Author’s summary: Elite tennis success depends heavily on rapid, precise footwork, which players and coaches agree is the foundation for powerful, effective shots.