Have you noticed the trend in serving by the top players?  Andy Roddick was the first player in the current generation to really make his mark with a very strong serve via an abbreviated service motion.  In past generations, big servers such as Roscoe Tanner and Kevin Curren, did utilize an abbreviated motion throughout their careers while generating 100+ MPH serves.  What’s unusual these days is that several top players such as Amelie Mauresmo and Justine Henin-Hardenne have actually radically changed their service motion while they are at the top of the sport.  New World Number One, Justine Henin-Hardenne, actually switched after Wimbledon to a service motion in which she basically lifts her right arm upwards immediately rather than have a long flowing motion ala Pete Sampras.  Some players have indicated that they feel the abbreviated motion puts less stress on the shoulder.  This is ironic because many experts predicted Andy Roddick would have arm problems when he first joined the Tour because his serve was “all arm.”  Fortunately, Andy’s shoulder seems to have held up just fine so far…  It is impressive that the top players continue to try to improve their games and also amazing that they would, and could, make such a major alteration to their serve in the midst of the season.  One wonders whether future generations of players will imitate today’s top stars and their abbreviated service motion.  Will it dominate tennis in a decade as the two-handed backhand has become the norm over time?