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  • Different practice methods for ATP players

    3/21/08 3:27 AM | James Munoz
    - One might expect the players eliminated from a tournament such as the Pacific Life Open to leave town as they prepare for next week’s big event in Miami. While this was the case for many players, there were some big names that stuck around to take advantage of the extra practice courts and hone their games.

    Among the players that stuck around to practice in Indian Wells are Robin Soderling, Juan Monaco, Olivier Rochus, Julien Benneteau and Igor Andreev. For the most part these journeymen are able to practice anonymously as the bigger name players like Novak Djokovic, Ana Ivanovic and Rafael Nadal commanded all of the attention of spectators.

    The lesser known stars also tend to have the most grueling practices as they push their bodies to try and reach the level of the games elite. Igor Andreev, always known for a big forehand, was focused on attacking and improving his transition game. Julien Benneteau, more of a counter puncher, also looked to improve his net and transition game.

    Some players pushed their bodies so far they may struggle a bit in Miami as is the case with Robin Söderling. Söderling, needed to ice his wrist from pushing his body a little too much this early in the year. Robin Söderling has started off the year as good as anyone by reaching two finals, but the extra matches may be wearing him down for the rest of the year.

    Finally, players such Olivier Rochus and Juan Monaco enjoyed the lighter side of practice regimens. With a lack of wind they were able to enjoy the practice courts and follow the matches of their ATP friends.

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