Classic Backhands

The backhand shot in tennis is one of the most fundamental strokes, and several classic styles have been mastered by some of the game's greatest players. Here are some of the most iconic and effective classic backhands in tennis history:

1. One-Handed BackhandRoger Federer

• Style: Federer's one-handed backhand is known for its elegance, fluidity, and versatility. He can hit it with topspin, slice, or flat, making it a highly adaptable shot.
• Strengths: Excellent for hitting winners down the line or cross-court, and effective for creating sharp angles and drop shots.

Richard Gasquet

• Style: Gasquet's one-handed backhand is notable for its extreme topspin and power, generated by a pronounced follow-through and wrist action.
• Strengths: Exceptional topspin allows for high-margin shots that still penetrate deep into the court. Gasquet often uses it to dictate play from the baseline.

Stan Wawrinka

• Style: Wawrinka's one-handed backhand is one of the most powerful in the game, characterized by a heavy and aggressive swing.
• Strengths: Able to hit winners from anywhere on the court, especially effective on high balls, and generates immense power and topspin.

Stefan Edberg

• Style: Edberg's one-handed backhand was predominantly a slice, complemented by a solid topspin shot.
• Strengths: His backhand slice was effective for approaching the net and setting up volleys, making it a key part of his serve-and-volley game.

2. Two-Handed BackhandNovak Djokovic

• Style: Djokovic's two-handed backhand is known for its consistency, precision, and ability to generate power and topspin.
• Strengths: Excellent for both defense and offense, capable of hitting winners down the line or cross-court, and effective for counter-punching against aggressive opponents.

Andre Agassi

• Style: Agassi's two-handed backhand was aggressive and flat, allowing him to take the ball early and redirect it with precision.
• Strengths: Exceptional for taking the ball on the rise and controlling baseline rallies, his backhand was a key weapon in his return of serve.

Andy Murray

• Style: Murray's two-handed backhand is versatile, allowing him to mix up his shots with slices, drops, and powerful drives.
• Strengths: Known for its consistency, depth, and ability to change direction, his backhand is a reliable tool for both defense and offense.

Martina Hingis

• Style: Hingis' two-handed backhand was characterized by its variety and precision.
• Strengths: Known for her exceptional placement, Hingis could hit with angles, depth, and consistency, often using her backhand to construct points intelligently.

3. Notable Classic Backhands from Past LegendsBjorn Borg

• Style: Borg's two-handed backhand was revolutionary for its heavy topspin and consistency from the baseline.
• Strengths: His backhand allowed him to dictate long baseline rallies and was crucial for his dominance on clay courts.

Rod Laver

• Style: Laver's one-handed backhand was extremely versatile, with the ability to hit topspin, flat, and slice shots effectively.
• Strengths: His powerful topspin backhand was a weapon for passing shots and setting up points from the baseline.

Chris Evert

• Style: Evert's two-handed backhand was a model of consistency and accuracy.
• Strengths: Her backhand was a reliable stroke that rarely broke down, allowing her to outlast opponents in baseline rallies.

These classic tennis backhands showcase a variety of styles and techniques, each contributing to the players' success on the court. Whether it's the elegant one-handed backhand of Roger Federer or the powerful two-handed stroke of Novak Djokovic, these backhands have left a lasting impact on the game and continue to inspire players around the world.