What forehand grip does Roger Federer use?
Rachel Ellis
Published Jan 21, 2026
Federer uses a slightly modified eastern grip, it lies somewhere between the traditional eastern forehand grip and the standard semi-western grip. This grip means Federer can hit through the ball and take the ball on the up; allowing him to step inside the court and dictate play against his opponents.
What grip does Federer use?
Like all pro players, Federer uses some version of a backhand grip. You could call it a continental, or a mild eastern backhand. If we look at the position of his hand on the racket bevels, most of the palm of his hand is on the top bevel, or bevel one. His index knuckle appears to be in the center of bevel two.
Does Federer use the same grip for forehand and backhand?
Yes he does.
What forehand grip does Rafael Nadal use?
Rafa's Forehand Grip
Like many of today's modern tennis pros, Nadal uses the semi-western grip to hit his forehand. Contrary to popular belief, he does not use a full western grip.
What grip does Djokovic use on his forehand?
When it comes to his forehand, Novak Djokovic's semi-western grip allows him to execute the four basic shots very well - the drives, the topspin shots, the angling shots, and the volleys. Not only is his racquet-swing very compact now, but it also packs a greater punch.
37 related questions foundWhat is an Eastern forehand grip?
Holding an Eastern Grip
Simply place the palm side of your index finger's knuckle against the third bevel of the tennis racquet if you're right-handed, or if you're left-handed, against the seventh bevel, and then firmly wrap your fingers around the handle.
What forehand grip does Serena Williams use?
Serena uses an Eastern forehand grip, rather than a Continental grip when she serves for power. This brings the strings into more direct, perpendicular contact with ball.
What grip Do most pro tennis players use?
Semi Western Grip
The semi-western is the most common tennis forehand grip you'll find in tennis today, and it is used by many of the top players. The benefit of this grip is that it allows for a great deal of wrist motion, whilst also allowing the player to hit through the ball.
Who uses semi Western grip?
The semi-western grip is probably the most popular on tour, and some of the very best are currently using it such as Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Ashleigh Barty.
Who uses Eastern forehand grip?
Professional Players Who Use the Eastern Forehand Grip
Take Roger Federer, for example; he is one of the world's most celebrated tennis players, not only due to his training but because he got a good hold of the Eastern Forehand Grip while training.
Does Federer change grip for backhand?
1.)
Roger uses the standard backhand grip which is basically an eastern backhand grip. He switches it slightly for when he slices the ball.
Why does Roger Federer use a one handed backhand?
It's still a nice shot. I prefer the one hand just because it's how the game has all started. But I think it's good to mix even though the double handers are taking the upper hand throughout the years. That's clear now', Federer said.
What grip did Pete Sampras use?
Sampras' grip was a conventional eastern/semi western depending on his choice of shot, he often changed his grip to hit his shots, unlike an Edberg who used the same grip for all shots (who does that now?).
How is Federer so smooth?
Federer makes it look easy because his timing and anticipation is seamless. Make no mistake the movements he does on the court are still violent and taxing on his joints and ligaments but he's seldom off timing which means he doesn't have to go from 0-60 all the time because he misread a shot.
What is Federer's best shot?
It is best known as the squash shot, in part because Federer played squash in his youth, and it is a lunging forehand slash, typically from an open stance.
Why does Federer spin his racquet?
I think for the most part, it's just a nervous habit. One time they showed that Gasquet even spins his racquet after shots during a rally. I do this sometimes too, but not for any reason.
What grip does Jack Sock use?
Tennis Reaches the Bottom
Khachanov is among only a few current players — Kyle Edmund and Jack Sock among them — who use the Western grip, placing their palm under the racket, creating even greater topspin shots hit with immense power.
How does Federer hold his racket?
Federer uses a slightly modified eastern grip, it lies somewhere between the traditional eastern forehand grip and the standard semi-western grip. This grip means Federer can hit through the ball and take the ball on the up; allowing him to step inside the court and dictate play against his opponents.
What is semi-Western forehand grip?
The semi-western forehand grip, will send the ball over the net at a higher trajectory, meaning the chances of the ball hitting the net and you losing the point are reduced. The top spin on the ball, brings it back down and ensures that it still lands inside the court, despite comfortably clearing the net.
What is the best forehand grip in tennis?
The semi-wester grip falls neatly between the eastern and western and has become the most common forehand tennis grip in modern tennis because it allows for excellent topspin and quick grip changes.
Do any pros use the Eastern grip?
Along with the great man himself, some other tour pros using the eastern forehand grip are: Serena Williams. Stefanos Tsitispas. Grigor Dimitrov.
What grip does Stan Wawrinka use?
Players like Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, and Stan Wawrinka all use either a Semi-Western grip or a slight variation of it. Ideal For: Heavy topspin shots. More topspin than Eastern but easier to hit low shots than Western.
What grip does Emma Raducanu use?
Like the majority of top pros on the WTA Tour, Emma Raducanu uses a Semi-Western Forehand Grip.
What grip did McEnroe use?
Mostly McEnroe uses an eastern grip, with his index knuckle on around bevel number 3, he swings inside-out and uses his body to generate power. But he does lose some acceleration by taking the racker back low rather than high.
What is western tennis grip?
The western grip is when you put the heel of your hand, and the palm side of your index finger knuckle, on the fifth bevel.