Tsitsipas in the Backhand Cage (vs Ruud)

Stefanos Tsitsipas played Casper Ruud in two back-to-back finals, Monte Carlo and Barcelona. In the Monte Carlo final, Ruud tried to trap Tsitsipas in something called "The Backhand Cage," but Tsitsipas would slide over and upgrade to a forehand...
So in the Barcelona final, Ruud kept Tsitsipas honest by taking his backhand down the line into the open court, and that was one of the reasons he won the tournament.

[@romsrequest]

In a backhand to backhand rally, aren't both players' 'cages' being targeted? Or does it only apply to Stefanos since he has a single-hander?

[@IEATPEACH]

only Nadal can really "cage" a 1hbh. see his early matches with Fed, it was glorious

[@legoatjagoat4691]

Yeah cuz nadal can hit forehands with left hand

[@VelveteenDreamer]

The reason the backhand trap doesn't work that much for Casper is his backhand has too much topspin on it and thus gives more time to Stef to turn around and go for the forehand.
The point you showed in Barcelona clearly shows Casper hitting the backgand flatter thus reducing Stef's reaction time.
Call me if you need more analysis.

[@t1mech1ldtc60]

Kudos bro … kudos. Will call you