Ran this on Tennis Warehouse forum and it has been well received so will ask the same question here. As a player or spectator, which shot gives you the most satisfaction? There are many difficult shots in the game and some find it harder to hit some shots than others and vice versa. Which shot really does it for you? Backhand overhead smash? backhand down the line return winner? stop volley? Offensive topspin lob? I'll put some categories in a poll but feel free to add a shot by a player you saw (male or female) or did yourself in a match.
Oh and mine? Over the years I would say I love hitting the backhand overhead, when I pull it off I always scream in delight. Hitting a return winner also gives me great pleasure always.
Yeah I should add that I only had 10 options for the poll and didn't want to just have an "Other" category. But as mentioned by some of you guys, the overhead smash and inside out forehand winners are also very satisfying.
Return winner, although only the GOAT ones, it depends on the serve.
The lob is fucking sublime also, and the running FH at the end of long rallies too.
It's not an option but Maria's slice BH winners DTL>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Angles are very satisfying for me too - to watch and to play.
Nothing like hitting a Seles-like loopy two-handed forehand crosscourt angle and backed with a angled two-handed backhand crosscourt to the other side. That's what I call satisfaction.
This poll makes me realize I don't like the same shots as most people at all. I mean, all my favorite shots got the least votes (so far)!
I just don't care much of great returns, aces, down the line backhands or forehands on the run, these are common winners to me, not so entertaining to watch.
Nothing like a stop volley, a backhand overhead or a drop shot. Different aesthetics I guess.
That said, it all depends on the style of the player as well.
I remember that thread, and I'll give the same answer that I'm pretty sure I gave there: the most satisfying shot in tennis is the one that sends you to the net to shake hands with your vanquished opponent.
Unlisted: the Approach shot, a pre-thought shot initiated by a player in a rally to either the corner or deep to the baseline, where the return shot by the opponent can only be made by one or two angles, which is then cut-off by the player coming to the net to put away the volley for the winner. Nav' was specifically known for this shot with Roger and Venus and to some extent Petra K. using such on occasions. This shot breaks up the monotony of interminable rallies and is also an option when one's baseline game is faltering. Rarely is this shot implemented in the games of today's players, for all they do for the most part is baseline bash with no instincts for placing a return, following to the net to cut off angles for the return and putting away the volley.
Of the list.....the bdtl shot is the most satisfying shot for me, clearly demonstrated in the match between Venus and Vika for the title in the '10 Dubai tourney, where Venus killed to laser bdtl returns, back-to-back, for jaw-dropping winners. Those two shots by Venus still gives me chills....
Anyways, BH DTL for me, also good FHDTLs too. I always think it takes a great DTL shot to beat an opponent as you don't get the angles available CC (obviously).