The modern game of tennis is evolving, and Wimbledon, with its historic grass courts, is no exception. The era of the "servebot"—players who rely heavily on powerful serves, sometimes at the expense of a well-rounded game—may be facing a turning point. While a dominant serve remains a valuable asset, it's becoming increasingly clear that it's no longer enough to guarantee success at the highest levels.

Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard's recent record-breaking 153 mph serve at Wimbledon serves as a perfect illustration. Despite the awe-inspiring speed, he lost the point, highlighting a crucial aspect of modern tennis: power alone doesn't secure victory; skill and strategy are equally vital. This single point encapsulates the broader trend in tennis, where relying solely on a powerful serve is becoming less effective.

Historically, Wimbledon's faster grass courts have been a haven for players with big serves. Goran Ivanisevic's 2001 Wimbledon triumph as a wildcard, heavily reliant on his lightning serve, is a prime example. Similarly, Pete Sampras dominated at the All England Club, rarely dropping service games. The John Isner-Nicolas Mahut 2010 marathon match, while iconic, also showcased the strengths and limitations of serve-dominated tennis.

However, the game has evolved. Players like Isner and Ivo Karlovic, known for their serving dominance, have achieved considerable success but have never won a Grand Slam title. Isner reached the top 10 and made a Wimbledon semi-final, but often fell short against more complete players. This suggests that while a big serve can be a major advantage, it needs to be complemented by other skills to win consistently against top-tier opponents.

Several factors contribute to this shift. Changes in racquet and string technology have made it easier for returners to handle powerful serves and generate spin. This allows them to get more balls back into play, neutralizing the server's advantage. Additionally, improved athleticism and court coverage mean players are better equipped to chase down shots and extend rallies. As a result, servebots are increasingly drawn into longer rallies, where their weaknesses in other areas of the game can be exposed.

So, what's the solution for the modern servebot? The key lies in developing a more diverse and adaptable game. Here are some strategies they could incorporate:

• Improving groundstrokes: Servebots need to develop solid groundstrokes to hold their own in rallies. This includes both offensive and defensive skills, such as hitting with depth, creating angles, and retrieving tough shots.
• Enhancing net play: Serve-and-volleying, while less common than in the past, can still be an effective tactic, especially on faster surfaces like grass. Improving volleying skills and court movement can allow servebots to finish points quickly at the net.
• Developing strategic serving: Instead of simply trying to blast every serve, varying the pace, spin, and placement can make it harder for opponents to anticipate and return. Developing a good second serve is also crucial to avoid double faults and maintain pressure.
• Increasing mental toughness: Matches can be long and grueling, especially when facing strong returners. Developing mental resilience and the ability to stay focused under pressure is essential for servebots to compete at the highest level.

The serve will always be a crucial component of tennis, but it can't be the only weapon in a player's arsenal. To succeed in today's game, even the most formidable servebots need to evolve and add new dimensions to their game.