Barty's Versatility Shines in Wimbledon Win Against Plíšková

Variety may be the slice of life. It is also, forgive the pun, the slice of tennis. As much as we accord importance to power and strength and foot-speed, the key to tennis is often gears. Players who can offer offense… and defense; players who can serve…. and return; players who can derive…and slice that can adjust the circumstance; players with a variety of options. It not only helps them respond to the styles and strengths (and weakness) of the opponent; it imbues the complete player with confidence knowing the battery of resources they have at their disposal.

That was thrown into sharp relief on Centre Court of Wimbledon today as top-seeded Ashleigh Barty of Australia won her first…