Gamestyles

As players become more skilled, they generally gravitate to one of several gamestyles. The common gamestyles we see in professional tennis today are:

This player prefers to win points at the net, and looks for any opportunity to move in. Examples: Patrick Rafter, Jana Novotna

This player prefers to win points from the backcourt. In today's game, baseliners generally fall into one of 3 subcategories:

Power specialists: Typically look for any opportunity to setup/win the point using a big forehand. Examples: Pete Sampras, Venus Williams
Placement specialists: Like to win points by moving the opponent around. Good at changing ball direction and willing to take more risk in hitting to the sidelines. Examples: Yevgeny Kafelnikof, Martina Hingis
Counter-punch specialists: Like to win points by outlasting the opponent. Fast. Good at running balls down and getting them back into play. Often hit more to the middle to minimise risk. Examples: Michael Chang, Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario

This player likes to mix it up, sometimes staying back, sometimes coming in. Variety is the spice of life. Examples: Pete Sampras