Jack Draper doesn't see any issue with an underarm serve as the reigning Indian Wells Masters champion thinks it is "a great tactic," and hints that he will work on it and introduce it to his game.
Although an underarm serve is allowed and there isn't absolutely anything illegal about it, it is always surrounded by controversy. On one hand, a part of the tennis public finds serving underarm entertaining. But there is also the other side - tennis purists - who think the shot itself is disrespectful to the opponent.
When you think about an underarm serve, Nick Kyrgios and Alexander Bublik are probably the first players to come to mind. If you can recall, Kyrgios even hit an underarm serve against Rafael Nadal during their 2019 Wimbledon match.
Draper, ranked at No. 10 in the world, hasn't served underarm on the Tour so far. But that doesn't mean that he won't try it going forward.
Draper: Serving underarm is a great tactic... I need to start practicing it
Yes, definitely. Thats one where a lot of players get annoyed when someone underarm serves, or the crowd starts booing it. But its a great tactic because a lot of guys return back. I know myself I return back a lot and Im working on coming forward a little bit more, but the underarm serve is fair game. I never practice it, and thats why its shocking. But I need to start practicing. My coach always says I dont have any skill when it comes to that, so Ill have to work on it," the Indian Wells champion said on The Tennis Mentor when asked about some of the most unpopular tennis opinions.
Judging by Draper's words, he is well aware that serving underarm comes with criticism, but he seems to be ready for that.
