Playing Style and Equipment
Gulbis primarily employs an offensive baseline playing style. Gulbis' most consistent shot is his forehand, which is taken with rapid pace and relatively flat execution, a short swing and high levels of wrist action, which causes the shot to be volatile and difficult to read. His running forehand typically has a slice action. Ernests has a right handed double-handed backhand, which is also taken very flat and with an extremely short swing. Gulbis is also known for his finesse shots, including the offensive topspin lob and drop shot, both of which he can strike from any position, including from deep in the court. Gulbis employs the drop shot consistently and often, sometimes to the point of derision. Gulbis plays an extremely aggressive, winner-driven game, which often leads to a high unforced error count, making his consistency an issue in tough matches, often causing him to be likened to Marat Safin. His aggressive baseline game is coupled with an extremely powerful serve, often reaching the upper 130's and low 140's in mph; however, Gulbis has struggled with his second serve, and often has high double fault statistics across the ATP leader board. Despite playing a style more attuned to fast surfaces, his strong showing at the 2008 French Open and his win over Federer on clay are attributed to his powerful and flat strokes which can play through the surface. Gulbis' primary weaknesses are his second serve, his consistency and his nerves; despite a strong serve and return, Gulbis has poor break point conversion, break point save and tie-break statistics, having on numerous occasions made strings of uncharacteristic unforced errors when serving or returning for sets or matches, as well as hitting numerous "easy" slams well out in tough situations, something he has become known for and often jokes about in interviews.
As of January 2012, Gulbis uses a Wilson Steam 100 BLX paintjob racquet after switching from Head. His strings are Pacific Poly Force 17 strung at 62 lbs. Gulbis uses Tourna grip on a white Hydrocontrol grip. He is endorsed by adidas for his attire.
Read more about this topic: Ernests Gulbis
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