I keep trying to hit a topspin two hand forehand and keep finding I do better if I slice it instead. In doubles I feel like I have to hit it flat or with topspin but in singles it really seems like slice does better. I hit far fewer errors and opponents have to generate the own pace. But I keep messing around with it. I'd like to hit hard. The young guys generally hit extreme topspin and probably dismiss me when they see me just slicing it. Of course even top pros just slice it (Stevie Johnson, Fabrice Santoro) but... I'd still like to be able to hit hard. Which if the opponent rushes the net, then yes, I can hit flat or with topspin and pass just fine. But if they stay back I hit more unforced errors than winners.

So I'll keep practicing. Maybe it will continue to improve.

But the slice is really getting good. The precision is increasing. It has to be a pain in the butt to play against. Got a new racquet (Prince Precision Equipe Longbody). It's actually lighter and so in getting the weight up to 14.75 ounces, I've ended up making it more head heavy. Which is seems to be a good thing. Elbow feels good and I've got more power.

But, don't know what it's strung with. Surely NXT 18 will be just as soft and as powerful. But don't know for sure yet.

Finally went back to putting topspin on my serve, as I probably already mentioned. Wish I had done so against Cooke. Did so against Chi and had maybe one or two double faults. And he had a lot of trouble with my serve.