Question about banana flick return of serve

After watching all the backhand over-the-table banana flick returns at the worlds, it sure looks like they have been further developed. Many returns for outright winners.

Not being anywhere near that level or even able to understand what goes on there, it looks like the incoming spin of the serve is almost irrelevant to this return. The racket speed is so fast, it sure looks like it could overpower most, if not all, of any incoming spin. The only concern would be how the spin affects the bounce and trajectory of the ball, as knowing precisely where the ball is in space would seem to be crucial to make this return work.

Is any of this true? I cannot tell from watching videos, even in slow motion. The stroke sure looks the same no matter what the incoming serve is, but I am probably not able to pick up on the subtleties.

TTHopeful said:

Yes, a lot of players are now using the banana flick. I think sometimes to often, and it becomes a disadvantage as the server reads this play.

I think the players are aware when there is great backspin on the ball, so they make more brush with the flick. When they spot side spin or topspin, they go more forward on the flick.

The pros read serves so well, so they are ready to play there receive quickly and effectively.

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I went back and watched some highlights, with good slow motion of the serve and return, and I think you are right on the money. Serves with mainly side or top seem to be really ripped, and serves with extensive underspin seem to be spun a bit more, but are still able to be hit really hard.

If this type of serve return continues to be developed by the top players, rallies will become less frequent as returns of serve will win many points. Maybe really short serves will make a comeback.