Kim Clijsters Defends More Instinct In Tennis: ‘My Big Baby Didn’t Come From Me’ | Tennis

In the world of the best tennis, data seems to be slowly but surely becoming indispensable. However, players and coaches are still consciously conservative when it comes to overusing them.

For example, Carlos Alcaraz’s team has currently decided not to focus too much on data. Their priority is to develop the Spaniard as a complete player.

It’s a reasonable decision, says Kim Clijsters. She knows from her own experience that overburdening players with analysis and statistics isn’t always the best approach:

“Some players ask themselves before the match: Is the clay court a little slower or faster? Or are the balls a little heavier or not?”

“I haven’t really thought about it in my career. I just adapted while playing and felt that intuitively when I got on the field.”

“Of course I understand that valuable data can be obtained,” Clijsters admits bluntly. For example, about your opponent’s habits.

“But I think the feeling of the game is really essential for the players.”

“I grew up with the idea of ​​caring about how that clean forehand or that perfect serve felt. And then I had to try to keep that feeling.”

“My biggest achievements on the track came from learning to feel certain situations during matches. I had to experiment and find out for myself, not because someone told me in advance what the stats said.”

Philip Deulf adds: “Both Kim and Carlos Alcaraz are intuitive players. His coach, Ferrero, was also trained that way.”

“I don’t think it’s wrong to let players feel naturally what to do. By doing that players can grow, and there’s always some data that can be added later in life.”