#TBT: Ninja Wows ‘em in Miami

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It’s the most-watched video on the WTA’s YouTube page for a reason: This bit of surreal improvisation by Agnieszka Radwanska at Miami in 2013 struck a chord with fans world-wide. The shot itself was miraculously good—basically Radwanska took a leap of faith, swinging the racquet while pirouetting blindly after the ball clipped the net cord and changed direction. That she made clean enough contact with the ball to strike an elegant winner seemed to be such a remote possibility that few could hardly believe it when it happened.

But what added to the intrigue and entertainment value of the Ninja’s handiwork was Radwanska’s reaction, coupled with the comic gestures of her opponent, Kirsten Flipkens. And this post-match tweet, which only added to the allure of Radwanska’s wave of the magic wand:

@WTA amazing.. I felt like mcenroe "are you serieous?!"
— Kirsten Flipkens (@FlipperKF) March 27, 2013

Radwanska would be awarded the WTA’s “Shot of the Year” for the play, and in five years, we expect she’ll win “Shot of the Decade” as well:

Next year I try to hit a better one :)) @WTA "Aga wins 2013 #WTA Shot of the Year with this 360 spin backhand volley http://t.co/FGbobLKzoi"
— Aga Radwanska (@ARadwanska) November 27, 2013