Exactly, she sets up well for shots, she gets ready, she prepares, and if you notice in the article which I hope you read and enjoyed, the writer notes of Maria that she has a special "radar" that allows her to know where shots are going to go as the opponent is hitting. That is so very important in order to avoid injuries. There are no surprises to Maria.
By the way, it's funny that your friend loves tennis, played professional baseball for some time, and did service in the military. That is an exact description of me - local tourney tennis (and golf), a little professional baseball, and the Army Security Agency (Morse Code).
But back to Maria, I try to stay even minded about young greats, and I know I judge talent very well, this girl is the best I've ever seen. The combination of her great long, tough, athletic body and her incredible mind - great resolve, great strategic thinking, and NO FEAR makes her a near shoe-in as the best ever, IMO. Of couse the injury thing is always there for everybody.
I pray she avoids them. I think the world needs Maria right about now. Her story is one of a kind. The world needs Maria.
I know that radar well. It means she can read the opponents choices early and can therefore go to the spot without as much effort as you would if you couldn't read shots.
She doesn't have to wait until after the fact, but can almost pre-plan her path ahead of time.
I do that and it is a good thing to possess in sports. You still can't read or predict the miss-hits though! LOL
Thanks for the chat, enough of her until she does something wonderful again.
Take care.