Is height a disadvantage on Clay?

Question

Maria, Venus, Ana, (Lindsay) are pretty tall for the clay surface. Is this why they never won?

Answer 1

No. If you notice they are all American (well Maria might as well be) players and like Roddick and Blake they do as well. This is another part of the American tennis problem. They don't have a variety in courts, especially clay (grass can be an equivalent to a fast hard court). Like in the past few years I dont think Roddick have passed the 2nd or round of 16 at Rolland Garros yet.

Answer 2

i don't think so. i mean,petrova has done well on clay....dominated the clay season in 06.....and mary pierce,who stands at 5'10,has won RG and been in two finals plus won the doubles. and ana has done well on clay...i mean,she did win berlin last year against a slightly shorter svetlana and was a runner-up at RG. i just think she facing justine who's just been so immaculate and confident on the surface plus the fact she was just so overwhelmed with the occasion that's why she didn't do as well. i think the main attribute to playing on clay short or tall is footwork....that's why maria,venus and lindsay have never done that well....that's why mary pierce was able to succeed.

Answer 3

it could be somewhat of a disadvantage. the only thing height could hinder is foot work.... because on clay its more demanding.... the ball also bounces higher.. which should not be a problem considering they are taller and it does not say come up to there neck and they are still able to pound the ball..

Answer 4

Generally, the top clay stars haven't been the tallest of players, but there have been several exceptions. 2003 runner-up Martin Verkerk is a towering 6'6". Former French Open Champs Yannick Noah and Andres Gomez are both 6'4". Sergi Bruguera, Carlos Moya, and Gustavo Kuerten are all 6'3". Even Rafa Nadal stands 6'1". On the women's side, Ana Ivanovic (6'0") was the runner-up last year and when Serena Williams won, she beat none other than her 6'1"  sister in the final. It isn't really a case of height being a disadvantage but, rather that it's less of an advantage than it is on faster surfaces.

Answer 5

it could be... sometimes yes sometimes no..