SUMMARY
- The ATP tour has seen a decline among players with one-handed backhands.
- The one-handed backhand has a rich history of players and continues to exist in the game today.
The ATP tour has seen countless players marking their name on the sport with their unique styles. The one-handed backhand has been a part of the game since the start. Even though the count has been decreasing, its existence is still magical on the court. While the rankings were updated a few days ago (after February 12, 2024), there was no presence of a One-handed backhand player in the top ten rankings.
The ATP rankings were introduced in 1973, and for the first time since then, the top ten rankings only consist of players with double-handed backhands. There are two one-handed backhand players in the top 20 of the rankings. There have been many players who have shaped the game with their one-handed backhand.
Denis Shapovalov, Canada
Some players are known for their jumping forehands or “Slam dunk” smashes at the net. Denis Shapovalov is known to use a jumping backhand stroke on the court. He developed the shot in his junior days as he got fed up with going behind the court and tried jumping while hitting it, which worked out. Shapovalov’s jumping backhand is an explosive groundstroke that guarantees a winner most of the time.
One handed Denis Shapovalov’s backhand is a delight! (Kyrgios winner) #hotshot (vidéo @TennisTV) pic.twitter.com/O4okQ1Jbz9
— We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) July 26, 2016
The former world No.10 focuses on hitting the backhand shot just above the net, and his slices are also effective in breaking the opponent’s rhythm. Shapovalov mostly chooses to hit the ball rather than slice it with his one-handed backhand.
Grigor Dimitrov, Bulgaria
Athleticism and trick shots have been consistently delivered to the sport by Grigor Dimitrov since 2008. In his earlier days, Dimitrov’s playing style was compared to Federer’s. He informed his fans not to compare him with the Swiss legend as he had his own style. Dimitrov is known to use backhand slices frequently on the court but whips out an occasional fiery backhand winner.
The Bulgarian has an incredible one-handed backhand defense mechanism. Whether it is a flick of the wrist or defending powerful shots, Dimitrov’s backhand is flexible. The former world No.3 finds more success on the tour when he uses his backhand as an attacking stroke.
Stefanos Tsitsipas, Greece
Stefanos Tsitsipas has been the latest addition to the one-handed backhand players on the ATP tour lately. Tsitsipas exited the top ten this week (February 2024, 3rd week), which resulted in the absence of one-handed players in the top tier of the ATP rankings at the time. Federer’s backhand inspired him.
Tsitsipas credited his success in clay in the 2023 season by focusing more on accuracy than speed. His backhands were targeted to reach the baseline, and instead of going for the winners, he pushed his opponents far behind the baseline. The Greek player was ranked No. 3 in 2021 and was consistently ranked in the top until this month (February 2024).
Richard Gasquet, France
One of the most graceful backhands in tennis history belongs to Richard Gasquet. His backhand style has been magnificent since his junior days. Gasquet’s backhand strokes have only gotten stronger since then. His backhand is feared more than his forehand. Gasquet can hit aesthetically pleasing backhand strokes and record-breaking backhand winners down the court.
Richard Gasquet’s backhand, what a beauty 🤤 pic.twitter.com/xmvALrRDMr
— Gaspar Ribeiro Lança (@gasparlanca) April 25, 2022
The Frenchman has played 995 matches so far on the ATP tour. Gasquet was ranked as high as No.7 in 2007. He turned professional in 2002 and continues to produce mind-blowing backhand shots. Gasquet’s backhand versatility has yet to be matched by any player.
Dominic Thiem, Austria
Dominic Thiem used a double-handed backhand till the age of 11. He was advised to change to a one-handed backhand by his former coach, Gunter Bresnik. Since then, Thiem has been sharpening his one-handed backhand skills on the court. He is known for his heavy groundstrokes and adjusts his backhand style according to the opponent.
The former world No.3 has incredible control on his backhand and consistently hits it deep inside the court. Thiem hits his backhand at varying speeds, which brings his opponent closer to the net, and he can shift speeds rapidly to win more points.
Stan Wawrinka, Switzerland
One of the most brutal and strongest owners of the one-handed backhand is Stan Wawrinka. The 38-year-old is one of the oldest players on the ATP tour. Wawrinka’s backhand is not an example of elegance but sheer power. His down-the-line backhand is considered his prized possession. Wawrinka does not depend on slicing the ball but tries to hit across the court as hard as he can.
Stan Wawrinka crushes a backhand down the line like only Stan can.
It’s been one of the most powerful, beautiful shots to watch for so many years.
It never gets old. 🇨🇭
pic.twitter.com/gBSYP4rxTl— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 15, 2024
The former world No.3 showed his backhand masterclass while winning the three grand slams from 2014-2016. Wawrinka’s backhand became more consistent once he turned 30. He still manages to impress the fans with his backhand winners during the matches.
Ivan Lendl, United States of America
Ivan Lendl was known for his strong serve and his calm attitude on the court. The “Iceman” began his career by mainly using his forehand during the rallies. Lendl would slice the ball with his one-handed backhand, but later in his career, he changed his style. He worked with Wojtek Fibak to strengthen his backhand with topspin strokes.
Ivan Lendl cracking a low, sweeping backhand winner against the constant net attack from Boris Becker…
At the time, this was the longest match at the U.S. Open since the advent of the tiebreak in 1970…
🎥: 1992 #USOpen pic.twitter.com/iiQHCI6X5I
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) April 25, 2018
Lendl’s dominance on the court was seen after he started using a topspin one-handed backhand. It changed the way he approached the game. Lendl began rallying by combining slice and topspin with his backhand. He had won 94 titles in his career and won 10 or more titles in four seasons.
Pete Sampras, United States of America
Pete Sampras has been one of the greatest players from the US on the ATP tour. He held the record of 14 grand slam titles until 2009 Wimbledon, where Federer beat his record. Sampras was known for his rocket serves, pinpoint serves, and volleys. Along with his “Slam dunk” smash at the net, Sampras played with a One-handed backhand, which served him well.
The former American player used his backhand flip to end rallies on the hardcourts. Sampras used a double-handed backhand when he was a teenager, but his coach, Pete Fischer, felt that the one-handed backhand put him on the front foot while attacking the opponent. The change did work positively for Sampras.
Roger Federer, Switzerland
Roger Federer is undoubtedly the most famous player to use the one-handed backhand. With 20 grand slam titles under his belt, Federer’s backhand had seen different styles in his career. His slices during the return of serve and in defensive rallies made it tough for the opponent to pick a stroke. Federer’s backhand was a mixture of power and technique.
The Swiss maestro could find endless angles when wielding his powerful backhand. Federer’s backhand style was aggressive when he won his last three grand slams. He could take the ball on the rise, and the accuracy helped him win points. Federer’s backhand strokes were most lethal in hardcourts and grass courts. His backhand has inspired many players to choose the One-handed backhand.
Rod Laver, Australia
Rod Laver was among the early stars of the game. His records and legacy still stand firm today. Laver possessed a one-handed solid backhand, which contributed to his 11 grand slam wins. The amount of spin and control he managed with a wooden racket was astonishing. He was initially using a slice backhand but then became an expert with a topspin backhand.
Rod Laver stretches for a backhand volley pic.twitter.com/qGFGnm4GsY
— Rod Laver Book (@RodLaverMemoir) September 17, 2022
Laver used a “Dunlop Maxply” racket and credited his topspin backhand as a weapon at Wimbledon. During his prime, he was one of the first players to use topspin strokes on the court. The former world No.1 used to dictate the speed of the rallies with his backhand.
