Former WTA Top Tenner Lori McNeil on the Chip-and-Charge Return

Editor’s note: Few tactics in tennis are more disruptive than when a receiver opts to hit a service return and come to net. Though it’s possible to do this with a drive, over the years it’s more commonly been referred to as the “chip-and-charge,” a played honed to perfection in the Open era by such Hall of Famers as John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova, Patrick Rafter, Billie Jean King, Stefan Edberg, and Jana Novotna.  And let’s not forget incoming Hall of Famer Roger Federer’s flirtation with what he dubbed the “SABR” – Sneak Attack by Roger.  Leave it to Federer to take a 100-year-old tactic and bring new spark to it.    

Other notable chip-chargers of recent times include British great Tim Henman, prominent coach Paul Annacone – and the expert we’ve interviewed for this story, Lori McNeil.  A 20-year WTA veteran, Lori cracked the top ten in 1988 and won 43 titles – 33 in doubles, 10 in singles. Alongside Jorge Lozano, she also won the ’88 mixed doubles title at Roland-Garros.  

Lori’s chip-and-charge return was an exquisitely pruned shot – compact, balanced, and fueled by superb footwork.  Among her many great moments, Lori beat Chrissie Evert in the quarterfinals…