By Randy Walker
@TennisPubllsher
Lindsay Davenport told an anecdote about Billie Jean King’s comment to her years ago about left-handed tennis players that stirred a bit of a debate on social media.
Davenport relayed that when she as teenager, King threw out the question that perhaps left-handed players should have to start a service game from the ad side of the court, due to their added advantage serving from that side of the court with their ability to curve their serve off the court and giving them more of an advantage on the “bigger” points in a game being traditionally played from that side of the court.
Clearly, this is something that King has had in her mind for a while and has shared with other pupils she has had as it is also discussed in a new book “Tennis Smart & Simple” by another of her charges, Sophie Amiach of France.
The following is the discussion about this topic by Amiach, a former Australian Open quarterfinalist, in her book that is for sale and download here https://a.co/d/0eir4nTO
Why Do Left-Handed Players Have An Advantage?
Left-handers in tennis enjoy a real edge—and that’s no myth.
When tennis rules were created, wooden racquets, low-power games and limited amount of spin were the norm. But today’s game is a different beast: carbon fiber racquets, explosive strength, lightning-fast serves, wicked spin. And yet, the scoring system hasn’t evolved to match this modern era. So why do lefties still dominate key moments?
It comes down to the advantage (Ad) side of the court— where the most critical points in a game are played AKA the
GAME POINTS:
40–0 40–30 All Advantage points
Three of the four crucial game points are played from the ad side—and for left-handers, that’s their natural side to serve from with that signature slicing spin. On the biggest points of the game, they’re hitting their most dangerous serve—pulling players and especially right-handers far off the court and opening up the entire playing field.
It’s not just an advantage—it’s a literal one.
A well-placed lefty slice serve can yank an opponent deep into the doubles alley, leaving the rest of the court wide open for an easy put-away… if the return comes back at all. Only one game point truly favors right-handed players at 40-15 –when they can use their slice serve to an equal
advantage. Just one out of four! 1 out of 4 really!
Deuce Side vs. Advantage Side
How do we address the natural edge that left-handed players enjoy—an edge that didn’t fully surface until the game evolved, especially around the time of “Rocket” Rod Laver? Laver’s devastating slice serve became a serious weapon against players especially right-handers—and remember, he was doing it with a wooden racquet and on the fastest surface played on at the time: grass. Imagine the damage he could do with today’s technology!
Since then, legends like John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors, Martina Navratilova, Monica Seles, Petra Kvitová, Rafael Nadal (and many more) have benefited from the same edge. It’s remarkable, really—lefties make up a small percentage of players, yet a surprisingly large number have reached world No. 1 and won multiple major titles. Just look at this list of lefthanders who topped the rankings: Rod Laver, Jimmy Connors,John McEnroe, Thomas Muster, Marcelo Ríos, Rafael Nadal, Martina Navratilova, Monica Seles and Angelique Kerber. Coincidence? I think not.
So, How Could We Level The Playing Field?
Simple. When a right-hander plays a lefty, the righthanded player should serve first from the ad side (at 0–0). That way, they get to serve three of the four key points of a game from their stronger deuce side—mirroring the natural pattern that favors lefties. Or fl ip it: have the lefty start serving on the deuce side, where their slice serve won’t dominate the biggest points. Voilà—a more balanced match.
(And in case you’re wondering—I’m right-handed, and I had the privilege of playing Martina Navratilova at Wimbledon in 1990. Her lefty slice serve? Absolutely spectacular. She went on to win the title that year—her 18th and final major singles crown. Martina, I was happy to do my part! 😊
Left-handed Player’s Advantage
Right-handed players have 1 out of 4 game points at 40/15, where they can create more angles with their serve using slice. Left-handed players have 3 game points: 40/00, 40/30 and all the Ad. Points on the ad side where they can create more angles with their slice serve. 40/15 40/00
40/30 & Ad points
A first-of-its-kind resource for players and coaches at every level of the game, Tennis Smart & Simple is unique in its innovative integration of QR codes throughout the text, giving readers instant access to video and visual content that brings each concept to life. The result is a more immersive and comprehensive learning experience — one that bridges the gap between reading about tennis and truly understanding it. The book is available where ever books are sold and also for sale and download on Amazon.com here https://a.co/d/0eMyrfvO
Drawing on a career that spanned professional competition, being coached by Billie Jean King, academic study, coaching several WTA Tour players, and work as a radio and television commentator, Amiach brings a rare and multifaceted perspective that is reflected in the book.
“My hope is that players and coaches of all ages and stages — amateurs and professionals alike — will find this book a valuable resource for strengthening both their game and their understanding of it,” she said.
Amiach is a former top pro tennis player from France who competed on the WTA Tour from 1980 to 1995. She reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open in 1984 as a qualifier, losing to Chris Evert, four years after reaching the quarterfinals Down Under in doubles. She represented France in the Fed Cup (now Billie Jean King Cup) and reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 57. After retiring from the tour, Amiach continued to teach tennis and has built a long career as a bilingual television and radio commentator in English and French. Her broadcast credits include the WTA Tour world feed, Roland-Garros Radio and world feed TV and US Open Radio among others. Born in Paris and raised in Nice, she now lives in Fairfield, Conn.
Said nine-time Wimbledon champion Martina Navratilova of Amiach and Tennis Smart & Simple, “Clear, engaging and fun. Sophie’s professional playing and broadcasting experience shines through: she explains the game with clarity and compelling storytelling. The QR videos are outstanding teaching aids that beautifully complement the text and images.”
Billie Jean King, who once coach Amiach when she played on the WTA Tour, endorsed the book and said, “In Tennis Smart and Simple, my good friend Sophie Amiach captures the tennis experience in a refreshingly down-to-earth way, keeping things simple, real and easy to apply. This isn’t a book you read once and put away – it’s a road map you bring to the court and use every time you play.”
Said 1983 Roland Garros champion Yannick Noah, “I’m certain that anyone who reads Tennis Smart & Simple will feel inspired and elevate their game…The QR codes are a brilliant touch—I can’t wait to get back on court and test it all out!”
Said three-time U.S. Open champion Ivan Lendl, “Genius is in simplicity and Sophie’s book is exactly that.”
Said 2026 International Tennis Hall of Fame inductee Mary Carillo, “I’ve known Sophie for decades, first as a professional tennis player and now working beside her as we analyze Grand Slam events around the world. I have long been impressed with her clear-eyed, hard earned command of the sport. From fundamentals to advanced tactics, Sophie’s insider know how, will help you play smarter and improve quickly. Tennis Smart & Simple is a gem.”
Said former world No. 5 Jimmy Arias,“Whether you’re introducing beginners or refining a touring player, Tennis Smart & Simple is a toolbox you’ll reach for every day. The step-by-step videos links make instruction simple, repeatable and adaptable for all ages and skill levels — a huge asset for teaching professionals and coaches.”
Said former Olympian and top 10 star Chanda Rubin “As a former world No. 6 player who has been in the commentary booth for over a decade, I understand how important it is to break down complex shots into simple, explainable, and repeatable steps. This is where Sophie’s professional playing and broadcasting experience shines through: she explains the game with clarity and compelling storytelling. And the QR codes videos are innovative, well-executed teaching aids that beautifully complement the text and images. Tennis Smart & Simple is a must have in your tennis bag.”
Said Hall of Famer Pam Shriver, “Practical, visual and immediately usable — that’s Tennis Smart & Simple. Sophie breaks complex shots into simple, repeatable steps, and the linked videos through the QR codes make it easy for players, amateurs to professionals at every level to practice correctly and confidently. A must-have in your tennis bag for players and coaches.”
Said former USTA President Katrina Adams, “As a former tour professional, I vouch for this instructive guide and the many pathways it offers to play your best. Consistent performance is built on the right habits, and Tennis Smart & Simple gives you the tools to do it. The exercises are enjoyable and effective, and the QR codes demos feel like having Sophie on court with you — expect noticeable improvements fast.”
Said former Olympic bronze medalist Alicia Molik, “I have been fortunate to work alongside Sophie in the commentary booth over many years at WTA events. Her passion mixed with tennis IQ and EQ is a real asset to this wonderful sport of ours. Sophie’s insights help players at every single level and importantly, the viewers at home understand and digest a match at the highest level. Sophie has always remained at the cusp in evolving at the same rapid rate of the evolution of this sport. She was a wonderful player, coach and now an incredible teacher of the game. Read… Watch… Learn… And improve! I continue to learn more about tennis every minute I sit beside her in the commentary box.”
Said former Olympic gold medalist Zina Garrison, “From one pro to another, I can truly say Sophie has poured her whole tennis life onto these pages. She’s lived the tour, coached at the WTA level, taught countless players, and seen the game from every angle. That rare mix shines through in a way that makes Tennis Smart & Simple fun read. With her eye for detail, the clear photos, and the QR code videos, every drill and tactic comes alive. What makes this even more special is the sisterhood — one woman giving back to the game so others can grow. This is Sophie at her best, and it’s a gift for every player, coach, and fan.”
Said former top 10 star Andrea Petkovic, “One of the most brilliant minds in tennis has chosen to share her experience with us-and we are all the better for it. Even the very best players must return to fundamentals when things aren’t going their way. This book complete with QR code videos that provide instant visual guidance, is an invaluable resource that will elevate your game and make you a better tennis player.”
Founded in 1987, New Chapter Press (www.NewChapterMedia.com) is also the publisher of “Pete Sampras: Greatness Revisited” and “The Greatest Tennis Matches of All-Time” by Steve Flink, “The Education of a Tennis Player” by Rod Laver with Bud Collins, “The Secrets of Spanish Tennis” by Chris Lewit, “The Bud Collins History of Tennis” by Bud Collins, “The Pros: The Forgotten Era Of Tennis” by Peter Underwood, “Juan Martin del Potro: The Gentle Giant” by Sebastian Torok, “The Wimbledon Final That Never Was” by Sidney Wood, “Titanic: The Tennis Story” by Lindsay Gibbs, “Macci Magic: Extracting Greatness From Yourself And Others” by Rick Macci with Jim Martz, “Andy Murray, Wimbledon Champion: The Full Extraordinary Story” by Mark Hodgkinson, “Cattle To Courts: A History of Tennis In Texas” by Ken McAllister, “Sport of a Lifetime: Enduring Personal Stories From Tennis” by Judy Aydelott, “Trojan Tennis: A History of the Storied Men’s Tennis Program at the University of Southern California” by S. Mark Young, “Absolute Tennis: The Best And Next Way To Play The Game” by Marty Smith, “How To Permanently Erase Negative Self Talk So You Can Be Extraordinary” by Emily Filloramo, “Acing Depression: A Tennis Champion’s Toughest Match” by Cliff Richey and Hilaire Richey Kallendorf, “Your Playbook For Beating Depression: Essential Strategies For Managing and Living with Depression” by Cliff Richey and Mary Garrison, “Roger Federer: Quest for Perfection” by Rene Stauffer, “On This Day In Roger Federer History” by Randy Walker, “Jan Kodes: A Journey To Glory From Behind The Iron Curtain” by Jan Kodes with Peter Kolar, “Tennis Made Easy” by Kelly Gunterman, “On This Day In Tennis History” by Randy Walker, “A Player’s Guide To USTA League Tennis” by Tony Serksnis, “Court Confidential: Inside The World Of Tennis” by Neil Harman, “A Backhanded Gift” by Marshall Jon Fisher, “Boycott: Stolen Dreams of the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games” by Tom Caraccioli and Jerry Caraccioli, “Internet Dating 101: It’s Complicated, But It Doesn’t Have To Be” by Laura Schreffler, “How To Sell Your Screenplay” by Carl Sautter, “Bone Appetit: Gourmet Cooking For Your Dog” by Suzan Anson, “The Rules of Neighborhood Poker According to Hoyle” by Stewart Wolpin among others.
