For the first time in history: There will be no one-handed backhand at the upcoming ATP Finals
ATPSunday, 10 November 2024 at 16:30
What had already been observed as a trend for some years will manifest itself in a practical way at the ATP Finals 2024 that will start tomorrow in the beautiful city of Turin. For the first time in history, the prestigious tournament that brings together the top 8 players will not have any tennis player hitting his backhand one-handed, signaling the decline of a shot that has been emblematic for the sport.
Why has the one-handed backhand fallen into decline?
The one-handed backhand has been historically admired for its aesthetics and elegance, giving an image of ease and fluidity at the moment of impacting the ball. Used by legends such as Roger Federer, Pete Sampras and Martina Navratilova, the stroke that at one time could put rivals in check soon found a new reality.
Its use has drastically decreased in the professional circuit. Currently, only 4% of players in the top 25 use this stroke, which contrasts with past decades where it predominated. Several factors contribute to this decline:
- Power and speed of play: Contemporary tennis is characterized by an increase in the speed and power of strokes. Today's players are stronger and therefore hit the ball harder, which makes the two-handed backhand more effective in controlling those impacts.
- Ease of execution: The two-handed backhand offers greater stability and control, especially in tricky situations such as high serves or fast balls. This allows players to respond more confidently in such moments. In addition, it is of particular importance when hitting very high balls, such as on surfaces where the ball bounces upwards, like on clay.
- Adaptation to the modern game: The evolution of tennis towards a more physical and faster style has led many players to opt for the two-handed backhand, which allows them to play closer to the baseline and keep the initiative in the points.
This change not only affects current players, but also raises questions about the future of the sport. With the retirement of iconic figures who used this stroke, such as Richard Gasquet, Dominic Thiem or Federer himself, the outlook becomes uncertain for defenders of the one-handed backhand.
With Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov out of Turin, none of the 8 qualifiers to the Finals have this shot in their arsenal, and all indications are that it's a postcard of what we'll start to see from here on out.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- When is this Williams shitshow going to be stopped??? STEALING WILDCARDS from young, promising talents is disgusting, I don't care how big an Ego someone has. Dignity & Integrity are obviously out the window. Williams Family needs the spotlight so bad -- install a little theater at home, with professioal studio lighting, an applause track, and enjoy your needy selves.
- Sad? I'm laughing at what a loser you are.
- Somebody please help this child!!! I really think Emma needs to take a few months off from tennis (rankings ne damned!), find a coach she can work with permanently and focus on the weak areas of her game; take a mental reset and come back strong. This see saw situation needs to STOP!
- Nice article: to the point, covers the situation without additional commentary, and flows nicely. This is a breath of fresh air! Thank you -
- Don't be sad. It's just that no one really looks at this site
- What would you know about having a life? 🤣
- Enough of pathetic trolls like you. Putting legend in quotation marks when you spend all day commenting on every post like a complete loser.😂
- If the argument centers on tennis fans, the decision is straightforward. Paula Badosa should not receive wildcards. The risk of paying for a match ticket only to see her retire midway is simply too high. 😁
- Boo-Hoo for BJK and Poland. Sometimes "Life" takes priority over everything else.
- Seems her Groomer is calling the shots again.
Loading