The inside-out forehand is not the only high-risk, high-reward shot in vogue on the ATP Tour. The drop shot has also become a weapon of choice.
Roger Federer disdained it early in his career but changed his mind after it helped him finally win the French Open in 2009 when opponents were playing deep to negate his forehand. Once he started using it, the shot seemed to become more popular up and down the tour.
“It’s a byproduct of how well players are moving,” said Justin Gimelstob, a former pro who is now coaching John Isner.