The Terminator downs the Leopard

Some data-driven takes on Nouran Gohar’s victory over Hania El Hammamy in the final of the World Tour Finals yesterday.

Gohar seemed to make a concerted effort to take the ball earlier in Games 2,3,4, not letting the ball hit the back wall

This plan to take the ball early was echoed in Gohar’s domination of the mid-court.

Once the ball was in the front left, El Hammamy was keen to keep play in the front corners, counter dropping on 6 of her 10 shots.

In fact, El Hammamy only lifted from the front corners on two occasions throughout the match. (Here, shots designated ‘Slow’)

From the back corners, Gohar looked to reset the ball to the back left. El Hammamy was happier to target other areas of the court.

This was especially true from mid-court forehands: Gohar reset to the backhand graveyard on three quarters of shots, while Hammamy hit frequently to all areas.

Gohar massively restricted El Hammamy’s volleying  -  allowing her just 1 volley every 11 shots.

The Terminator hit 9 winners with backhand groundstrokes down the line. Power…

But this hard-hitting game plan is not without risks - Gohar hit 6 of her 10 Unforced Errors from deep on the forehand.

Throughout the match, Gohar consistently switched play more regularly than El Hammamy.

And Gohar won the longer rallies…