Former World No. 2 Tommy Haas vows to return to tennis
The 32-year-old tennis player Tommy Haas has told reporters that his return to tennis this year is doubtful, and that he will not be playing at the 2011 Australian Open. The American player, who is originally from Germany, said that he is still recovering
from his right arm surgery that he underwent earlier this year, and as a consequence he is unable to play. However, he does not seem to be considering retirement as a viable option.
Tommy Haas, a former World Number 2, is engaged to actress Sara Foster and recently announced that the couple is expecting their first baby daughter next year. This is a major factor in Haas’ motivation for his return. The player stated, “It is too early
for me to come back, but I assure you my daughter will see her dad play tennis.”
The right hander is an all-court player with a flexible style. It is unique because rather than overpowering an opponent, he chooses to strategize his play in a manner which mentally defeats the opponent. Haas, who stands tall at six feet and two inches,
has legendary ground strokes and volleys steadily, with easy transitions to the net. Another feature which differentiates him from other players on the ATP tour is the fact that he does not have his own distinct playing style, but rather adapts his game in
order to challenge his opponent on court in the best possible manner.
However, his most deadly weapon is his strong single-handed backhand, which has created problems for almost all of Haas’ opponents. His forehand is also a strong asset, although his serve is considered average. Haas’ worst weakness on court is not because
of playing style; rather, it is relevant to his short temper and lack of regularity. Technically, he has the ability to be one of the best, but he gives himself a mental handicap by being inconsistent and instable. Often his biggest failure in a match is his
inability to control his temper.
Haas, who turned pro in 2000 and has spent 11 years on tour, has been through many ups and downs during the course of his career on the ATP. The last title that he was able to win was at the Halle event in 2009. He managed to take apart Novak Djokovic and
his game in three sets, to win the final of the tournament. This victory was the first time in nine years that a German player had been able to win a singles title in Halle. In addition to this major achievement, he played magnificent tennis with such overwhelming
mastery of his strokes that current World Number 3 Djokovic admitted that he was lucky to be able to win the second set of the match.
His potential return to the court is a subject of interest for both critics and players, who are curious to see how well he may be able to do on his third comeback to the world of tennis.
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