For many years now, the majority of women’s doubles matches have been dominated by baseline exchanges rather than serve and volley points.  Most often now, the server hits a serve, stays on the baseline, and has a cross-court rally with the receiver who also remains on the baseline.  In fact, there are often three players on the baseline.  It has become a very complicated strategic challenge, both for the players on the baseline and the lonely one left up at net!  As a result, sometimes there are down the line rallies with  the lone net player seeking an opportunity to cross and poach.  In the future, one hopes that some serve and volleyers will return to the doubles scene.  The contrast in strategy would add excitement to doubles tournaments.  In the meantime, when you are at a tournament, check out the women’s doubles matches because you’ll find yourself thinking a lot about where and how you’d play the shots…