During the third set of the men’s doubles semifinals between the team of Fabio Fognini/Simone Bolelli and Horia Tecau/Jean-Julien Rojer, Italian Fognini scored a direct hit on Rojer with this forehand drive (GIF above and below).

Going directly at another player is fair game in doubles, which is why players need to have quick reflexes and fast hands. Drop shots, lobs and smashes are great, but sometimes players need to use their athleticism to protect their vital organs. It’s part of the excitement of doubles, and it was good strategy on this point for Fognini.

Eventually the Italians prevailed, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, to reach their first career Grand Slam doubles final.

In the other men’s doubles semifinal, Frenchmen Nicolas Mahut/Pierre-Hugues Herbert upset the fourth-seeded duo of Ivan Dodig/Marcelo Melo, 6-4, 5-7(5), 7-6(5).