Why does Roger Federer use a one handed backhand?
Emily Ross
Published Jan 22, 2026
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.
Why does Roger Federer have a one-handed backhand?
This grip allows Federer to hit his backhand with both power and top spin. As you can see in the top knuckle (the index finger) is practically in line with the frame of the racket. If anyone is just starting out in tennis and uses a one handed back hand this is the simplest and most effective grip for it.
Does Federer use two hand backhand?
In modern tennis, most professionals use a two-handed backhand. Federer has practically never tried this shot which, in fact, would not match with his style of play, now unique in the ATP Tour.
Does Roger Federer have a one-handed backhand?
From his tour debut in 1998 to playing at the 2020 Australian Open, Roger Federer's single-handed backhand has evolved. It is a shot that has varied with his mental state and physical capabilities. It also impacted how he played the game as a whole.
What are the advantages of a one-handed backhand?
One-handed Backhand: The main benefit of a one-handed backhand is reach. Many people find that once they master the stroke they have more reach and can hit through the tennis ball more easily.
24 related questions foundWho uses a one-handed backhand?
Many tennis greats use the one-handed backhand. Such players include Roger Federer, Stefan Edberg, Pete Sampras, Justine Henin, Steffi Graf, Gustavo Kuerten, Amélie Mauresmo, Martina Navratilova, Stan Wawrinka, Don Budge, Ken Rosewall and Rod Laver.
Is the one-handed backhand more powerful?
Generally speaking, it is commonly taught that the 2 handed backhand has superior power to the 1 hander because of the added support of the other arm. But when we look at the highest level, players with some of the most shot-making capability use the 1 hander (I.E. Wawrinka, Federer, Thiem).
Does Federer have the best backhand?
Roger Federer may not have the best flat backhand on tour, but he ranks at the very top or near it in all the other categories listed above. Not only that, but Federer is the only player right now, and perhaps in history, who has maximized all the possible shots off the backhand side.
Who has best backhand in tennis?
1. Richard Gasquet. Richard Gasquet possesses the most technically sound one-handed backhanded on the ATP World Tour. Combining grace and precision, Gasquet's backhand is absolutely lethal.
Who has the best one-handed backhand?
1. Roger Federer. The ground strokes of Swiss legend Roger Federer have put him up there with the greatest players of all time, and his one-handed backhand is no exception.
Does Federer have a weak backhand?
It's not that Federer has a weak backhand, either. He's got one of the best one-handed backhands in the history of the sport. The problem is, the one-hander is becoming a dinosaur in the modern game. And Nadal is the prototypical modern player, primed to feed on this dinosaur.
Who invented two-handed backhand?
(ANSA) - Rome, July 17 - Italian tennis player Beppe Merlo, the inventor of the two-handed backhand, died in his Rome home on Wednesday aged 91. Twice a semifinalist in Paris, twice a finalist in Rome and four times Italian champion in the 1950s, he boosted Italian tennis along with Gardini, Sirola and Pietrangeli.
Who has the best 2 handed backhand in tennis?
With the two-handed backhand, a player will use both arms to swing at the ball.
...
In my opinion, the following five players have possessed the best backhands of all time:
- Kei Nishikori. ...
- David Nalbandian. ...
- Stanislas Wawrinka. ...
- Richard Gasquet. ...
- Novak Djokovic.
What is the backhand grip in tennis?
The continental grip is often used for a single handed backhand grip. The more the racket is turned away from the body (" 1 o'clock" position above) the more the thumb is placed at the back of the racket as a back-bone to the backhand shot. This grip is often referred to as the Eastern backhand grip.
Does Federer use the same grip for forehand and backhand?
Yes he does.
What is the one handed backhand grip?
The grip for the one-handed backhand is eastern backhand grip, which is very similar to how we would grip the handlebar of a bicycle. Basically, we have to place the index finger's knuckle on the first bevel of the grip, which is the top side if we put the racket perpendicular to the ground.
Is Federer the greatest?
Although the numbers are almost all on his side, Novak Djokovic still lags behind Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in terms of popularity.
Who has the most aces in tennis?
Ivo Karlović has the most career aces with 13,728.
Who has the best slice in tennis?
Top 5 Slice Backhands in ATP Open Era
- John McEnroe.
- Stefan Edberg. ...
- Pat Rafter. ...
- Boris Becker. Here's another player that had an amazing slice. ...
- Roger Federer. Roger has routinely used his slice backhand to work himself into a point and set up that massive forehand. ...
Do you change grip for backhand?
Also, combined with a two-handed backhand, it is almost impossible for the opponent to see which side (backhand or forehand) is hitting the ball. The sides often are equally accurate, and no grip change is required.
What grip Federer uses?
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.
How do you hit a one handed backhand?
FORWARD SWING AND CONTACT POINT
To hit topspin on your one handed backhand, the racquet has to swing upward from from low to high. The contact point is in front of the front foot but with the shoulders still sideways. The racquet head at contact should be parallel to the net when making contact with the ball.
Is single or double backhand better?
The two-handed backhand may be a less destructive shot than the one-hander, but it is also more reliable: the extra hand on the racket means it is easier to handle incoming pace and spin, and to swing the racket along a predictable path.
How long does it take to learn one-handed backhand?
In another thread one of my solutions for you was to shift to 1-handed BH. With a good coach, you will learn to hit with single handed backhand in about an hour. Yes, in an hour. You may need few weeks to get comfortable with.
Is the two handed backhand easier?
They've both got their strengths and weaknesses, and it really depends on what you feel comfortable with. Certainly when you're learning tennis though, the two handed backhand is a little bit easier to learn, and this is probably the main reason why so many people go for the double hander these days.