'Synthetic strings' behind Stosur's 'manly power' at French Open?

Paris, June 5(ANI): Australian tennis ace Samantha Stosur's decision to emulate claycourt maestro Rafael Nadal's unorthodox stringing system is believed to be the reason behind the claims that 'she plays like a man'.

Stosur, who has stormed into the French Open final, has been using the same Babolat synthetic string as the four-time Roland Garros champion Nadal.

Several tennis legends, including Pat Rafter and Andre Agassi, have said that the synthetic string enables players to hit the ball higher and deeper with a faster ball rotation, meaning balls which often look to be sailing long land near the baseline.

Even Stosur, who is already a powerful striker of the ball with great physical endurance, confirmed that the synthetic string for her equates to even more power, control and success.

"As soon as I hit with it I liked it. For sure, I think it helps me playing with spin. I think anyone who plays with spin can get a lot out of these synthetic strings," The Daily Telegraph quoted Stosur, as saying.

Earlier, after a hammering from Stosur in the semi final, World No. 4 Jelena Jankovic had said: "To be honest, she [Stosur] almost has the game of a man. That's what it feels like. When I look at how the men play, she has kind of a similar strength." (ANI)