Roger Federer is the "master" of the SABR, Gael Monfils has the best helicopter overhead: Serena Williams' ex-coach Patrick Mouratoglou
Former coach of tennis legend Serena Williams, Patrick Mouratoglou, recently declared that Roger Federer is the "master" of the SABR, while Gael Monfils has the best helicopter overhead in the game.
Mouratoglou frequently posts analytical videos on social media platforms. The tennis coach has previously examined particular games and players' playing styles. On Thursday, the Frenchman published a reel on his Instagram account that is essentially a continuation of a reel he previously posted analyzing the best trick shots by tennis players.
When discussing the SABR (Sneak Attack by Roger), Mouratoglou stated that while Nick Kyrgios is the best at it among the current players, Roger Federer is the all-time "master" of this shot.
The SABR shot is a trick shot on the return, where the returner tries to advance down the court as quietly as possible to catch the server by surprise. It is a little flashy but is incredibly disruptive to the opponent. At the same time, it takes skill, timing, and a touch of finesse -- all traits that the 20-time Grand Slam champion had in copious amounts.
"Now is Nick Kyrgios, but he is following the master, Roger Federer," Mouratoglou said.
Patrick Mouratoglou then stated that Corentin Moutet has the best fake overhead, Nick Kyrgios has the best jumping forehand, and Denis Shapovalov has the best jumping backhand. He also claimed that Alexander Bublik has the best overhead with a tennis racquet grip.
Last but not least, the Frenchman named Gael Monfils the holder of the best helicopter overhead.
"Such a special shot, only Gael Monfils knows how to do that," he said.
Patrick Mouratoglou believes Roger Federer has the best slice backhand of all time
Patrick Mouratoglou posted a video previously analyzing the top three best slice backhands in men’s tennis history. He ranked Roger Federer first on his list, saying that the Swiss had "mastered" the short cross-court slice.
"No. 1 Roger Federer. He had the best slice backhand because his slice was low, it was fast and he mastered the short cross court slice," Mouratoglou said.
Mouratoglou chose six-time Grand Slam winner Stefan Edberg as the number two on his list.
"No. 2 Stefan Edberg. At his best, he was the master of slice and he was using it a lot to approach the net," he said.
Last but not least, former World No. 1 Pat Rafter was ranked third on the Frenchman's list.
"No. 3 Pat Rafter, Pat had a slow slice without much consistency but it was always deep and thanks to it he was able to create a lot of short balls from the opponent that he could use to charge the net," Mouratoglou said.