New Doubles?

I am "old school". I am also old. I know it and do not apologize for it! Now last night I was watching a replay of the BNP Paribas Men's doubles final. The #1 team in the world, Nestor & Zimonjic against Marc Lopez(I think) and Rafa Nadal. Lopez/Nadal were a wildcard and I expected little from the pair against the world #1's.

Was I wrong!

Nadal slowly got into the match and then took over in the first set TB, and then dominated play in the 2nd set for a straight set victory.

Rafa did all this by NOT serving & volleying, the time-tested formula for consistent doubles success. He hit his massive topspin FH's and watched his opponents, especially Zimonjic, spray their attempted volleys. Plus when Nadal stays back on his serve, what doubles specialist wants to stay in a cross-court rally with the best clay court player of all time?

So the point of all this is, if you have an unique strength, play to it. Build tactics around your strength.