How do players get to grips with grass season? Here are some tricks and tips from the pros

STUTTGART, Germany—Just a few days ago, countless tennis stars were competing on the famous red clay at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris. They slid from side to side and to the net to reach their opponents' balls. One long baseline duel followed another. But now the grass court season has already begun with the BOSS OPEN in Stuttgart. Long rallies become less frequent, but aces, drop shots and winners will become all the more common.

So, how do the players manage to adapt to the new surface in such a short time? And how do they need to adjust their training and their work on the court?

Jan-Lennard Struff has been on the tour for many years and has plenty of experience when it comes to the switch from clay to grass. So much so, that he now has an annual routine.

"I always arrive here very early to prepare for grass," he told Tennis Channel DE. He has been training on the courts at Stuttgart's Weissenhof since last Wednesday. In 2023, he reached the final here, narrowly losing in three sets to Frances Tiafoe.

Nevertheless, the change of surface presents some challenges for him. "A change of surface is never easy for a player. Some manage it quicker, some need a little more time," he explained.

Struff targets training and tactics

That's why the 35-year-old tried to get a feel for the fast surface early on and is adjusting his training accordingly. "I always find it very important – especially at the beginning—to do running exercises. On clay, we can slip, so when we switch surfaces, we need a lot of time to adjust to the slipping and the bounce of the ball."

He is referring in particular to sudden stops and changes of direction, which require some adjustment on the damp grass, especially at the beginning of the season.

But there is also a fundamental difference in the actual movement: "Running and movement are the be-all and end-all. You have to play deeper, the ball doesn't come as high and you also have to adapt tactically," says Struff:

"The points are a bit faster. The focus and concentration are a bit different. On other surfaces, you can make up for a break relatively quickly. On grass, that's a bit more difficult, so it's important to stay focused right from the start and play every point.

I've tried to train as much as possible. I've never played on grass before, so it's a big adjustment. 17-year-old Justin Engel

Monfils on switching to grass: ‘It never gets easier!’

Unlike Struff, tour veteran Gaël Monfils took his time switching surfaces before Paris. Speaking to Tennis Channel DE on Saturday, he said: "I'll be training on grass for the first time either today or tomorrow. I haven't hit a ball yet. The rest will fall into place on the court. Let's see how many hours I'll train before my first match."

Although Monfils has been on the tour for over 20 years, he also admitted that the change of surface never gets any easier. "No, never!"

"It's always a tough transition from clay to grass. It's not easy, but I'm happy that I'm fit now."

Although Monfils lost a hard-fought first round match against Alex Michelsen on Tuesday evening, the fan favorite still delighted the crowds with his customary flair. And one player to benefit from his decades of experience was none other than German youngster Justin Engel, who trained with Monfils before his first-ever match on grass in Stuttgart.

Engel makes his grass court debut with experienced support

The change in surface is completely new territory for the 17-year-old, which is why he wanted to prepare very carefully. "I've tried to train as much as possible. I've never played on grass before, so it's a big adjustment," he said.

Of course, the first thing he noticed was the different bounce of the balls: "The balls are flat and very fast. But I'm trying to play my best here."

He is supported by his coach Philipp Kohlschreiber, who himself was successful in Stuttgart in 2016. The 41-year-old also reached the final in Halle in 2008 and 2011, winning the title there in 2011. He's therefore well placed to provide his protégé with plenty of advice.

"I often train with Philipp Kohlschreiber on taking shorter swings, standing deeper and keeping up the pace," he said. "You can really feel your legs getting heavy because you have to stand so deep."

But the Nuremberg native also has a few weapons that give him confidence for the grass court season: "My serve and my flat backhand," he said. And that confidence was well placed as the Next Gen star won his opening match against Australian James Duckworth to set up a meeting with Michelsen.

Mpetshi Perricard with the ideal playing style on grass

French player Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard also has a powerful serve and, above all, a strong net game. "This surface is very fast. You don't get many rallies. It's difficult to get good movement on the baseline," he explained to Tennis Channel DE.

A playing style like Struff, Berrettini or mine is always a bit tricky for the opponent. That's why this surface is perfect for players like us.

Like Struff and Monfils, Mpetshi Perricard's last tournament was Roland Garros. His preparation was therefore short. "To be honest, the adjustment is a bit difficult," he admitted. "There aren't that many grass courts in France, just a few near Paris. That's why we have to try to play as much as possible. But most of the time we play on hard courts."

One thing is certain: regardless of age, experience or previous successes on grass, the starting point is almost the same for all players. Year after year, it is important to gain as much training and match practice as possible.

The cards are reshuffled, training methods and tactics are adapted—and the personal recipe for success for fast, powerful play on grass must be rediscovered every time.