Masterclass on the Return of Serve: Anisimova

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Masterclass on the Return of Serve: Anisimova

By the third game of the second set in Beijing, Coco Gauff looked unsettled. Amanda Anisimova had just hit another forehand return winner into the corner, earning two break points and continuing her control of the match.

Within minutes, Anisimova closed out a 6–1, 6–2 win — a result shaped largely by her command of the return.

It was a clear demonstration of how strategic precision in returning can determine the flow of a match.

1. The Return Begins Before Contact

Effective returning starts before the ball leaves the server’s hand.

Anisimova read Gauff’s patterns early — the toss direction, shoulder line, and rhythm — allowing her to move first. Gauff, by contrast, reacted to each serve rather than anticipating.

The best returners understand that reading intent is part of the skill. They commit early, trust their first move, and play from an informed position rather than a defensive one.

2. Positioning and Court Presence

Court position influences both time and pressure.

Gauff’s deeper stance gave Anisimova time to accelerate through her returns. Standing even slightly further forward compresses that time, forcing the server to take more risk.

Top returners adjust their depth based on surface and opponent. On a medium-fast court like Beijing’s, holding a neutral or forward position keeps the rally balanced. Staying deep, as Gauff did, can allow the opponent to dictate immediately.

3. Purposeful Targeting

A strong return is defined by intent, not speed.

Anisimova used deep, central returns to neutralize and angled ones to pressure. Her decisions were consistent with her broader match plan — controlling the first two shots and keeping Gauff off balance.

By contrast, Gauff’s returns lacked a clear target. Against a player striking freely, neutral depth and direction are vital to re-establish control of the rally.

4. Adapting Within the Match

When Gauff began using body serves to reduce Anisimova’s angles, Anisimova adapted quickly by stepping around and maintaining her aggression.
This adaptability often decides high-level matches.

Strong returners monitor patterns — toss height, spin, and frequency — and adjust positioning or shot selection before those patterns repeat. Staying proactive prevents the server from settling into rhythm.

5. Composure Under Pressure

The mental component of returning is understated but decisive.

Each missed return can erode confidence, but composure preserves the ability to see and react clearly. Anisimova maintained calm focus; Gauff’s visible frustration suggested her decision-making began to tighten.

A steady emotional state allows the body to respond naturally — especially on return, where reaction time is limited and clarity matters more than intensity.

6. Redefining the Role of the Return

The return is not simply the start of the rally; it is a tactical opportunity to establish control of the point.

Anisimova used it to dictate. Her depth and precision reduced Gauff’s options on the next ball. Gauff, normally comfortable defending, never found her equilibrium.

At the professional level, matches are often decided by how well players manage this first exchange — not by outright winners, but by the quality of the neutral ball that follows.

Key Principles

  • Read early: Use visual cues to anticipate serve direction.

  • Position with intent: Forward stance adds pressure; deep position absorbs pace.

  • Target purposefully: Deep middle returns reset; angled returns attack.

  • Adapt quickly: Small adjustments maintain initiative.

  • Stay composed: Clear thinking sustains consistent execution.

Wrap

Anisimova’s performance in Beijing was a masterclass in using the return of serve to shape points rather than simply absorb power.
Her advantage came from clear reading, intelligent positioning, and steady composure under pressure.
For competitive players, it’s a reminder that the return of serve — often overlooked — can quietly determine the outcome of an entire match.