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What are the greatest shots in tennis history? We pick out the game’s most fearsome weapons stroke by stroke, concentrating on the Open Era (since 1968).

By Joel Drucker

Part IX: The Dropshot

But the drop shot endures. Pity those who dare call this shot “junk,” for it is yet another tool in the arsenal – albeit one that should be used judiciously. And perhaps more than any shot in tennis, it’s one to savour and deploy with joy.

Prosaic American instructors may not devote as much time to it as they should, but around the world – particularly on clay – it is given much greater regard. In recent years, Argentine Guillermo Coria and Fabrice Santoro have used it as a primary tactic. And no discussion of this shot would be complete without mention of an early Santoro mentor, Gene Mayer.  Like Santoro, Mayer’s double-double-handed game added an element of torturous deception.

Chris Evert used it quite often in her time too. After all, she was the best groundstroker of her era, her forehands and backhands pinning opponents into corners. So naturally it was wise for her to throw this shot in – and follow it up with her deadly lob.

John McEnroe was masterful at using the drop when on offense – the surprise drop approach shot and, of course, his delicate drop volley.

But all pale behind a pair of Spanish Manolos. Manolo Orantes frequently used the drop shot on his way to 33 singles titles in the Open era, including the 1975 U.S. Open and the 1976 season-ending Masters. One of Orantes’ favorite plays was to hit a drop shot and move forward. As his opponent charged forward, invariably pushing the ball down the line, Orantes would take the approach in the air and hit a lob volley winner.

Orantes’ role model was a man touch to rival anyone in tennis history. Manuel "Manolo" Santana, winner of four Grand Slam titles in the ‘60s, could consistently hit drop shots that would bounce back on his side of the court. Fellow players Rod Laver and Roy Emerson admit they often felt embarrassed tracking down Santana’s drop shots – rare admissions indeed from such great legends.

Joel Drucker is a contributing editor at TENNIS magazine. The author is grateful for the assistance of many experts and former pros, including Brent Abel, John Barrett, Steve Flink, Mary Carillo, Trey Waltke, Chris Lewis, John Newcombe, Owen Davidson, Fred Stolle and Brian Gottfried. >> Return to The Greatest Shots