The former top-10 Denis Shapovalov remains one of the few top-level players who uses a one-handed backhand. The stroke is increasingly rare, and the Canadian – currently world No. 40 – recently attempted to explain why this shot has become so uncommon on the Tour.

The Canadian continues his title defence at the ATP Dallas Open with renewed confidence, advancing to the quarterfinals after defeating Aleksandar Kovacevic 6-4, 6-4. The Canadian, who lifted the trophy here last year, is looking to stabilise a ranking that has fluctuated in recent seasons due to injuries and inconsistency.

After his latest win, Shapovalov stopped in the mixed zone to reflect not only on his match but also on a broader technical debate in men’s tennis: the decline of the one-handed backhand. At 26, he remains one of the few prominent players on tour to persist with the stroke, alongside names such as Lorenzo Musetti, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Grigor Dimitrov among the most notable.

In an era dominated by baseline exchanges played at high pace, the two-handed backhand has become the norm. The modern game prioritises stability, return efficiency, and physical balance, particularly against heavy topspin and high-bouncing balls. Shapovalov acknowledged that shift, noting how speed and power define the current landscape. Still, he offered a measured defence of his own technique, describing the one-hander as both an asset and a stylistic choice shaped by his formative years.

Shapovalov described the one-handed backhand as a technical advantage in certain situations, particularly when it comes to generating power and angles. He argued that the stroke allows for greater expression and shot-making variety, even if it demands more precise timing under pressure. In his view, it remains an offensive weapon when executed well. “In a way it’s a strength because you can definitely generate more power, can get sharper angles, and be more flashy/creative with a one-handed backhand," he said to Tennis One.

Yet he was equally clear about the realities of today’s game. With rallies played at increasing speed and returns struck aggressively from both wings, stability has become essential. The additional support provided by the non-dominant hand, he suggested, offers a structural benefit in defensive and neutral exchanges.

“But, in today’s game it’s very much heading towards the way of having a solid two-handed backhand and generating with the forehand. The game is so quick today, it helps to have that extra arm on the backhand. That’s why it’s so much more rare to see guys that have one-handed backhands….”

Shapovalov also traced his technical identity back to a specific influence: Roger Federer. Like many players of his generation, the Canadian grew up watching the 20-time Grand Slam champion, whose elegant one-handed backhand became one of the defining images of men’s tennis in the 2000s and 2010s.

The decision to adopt the stroke was not purely tactical but aspirational. Federer’s success, longevity, and aesthetic appeal left a lasting mark on junior players worldwide.

For Shapovalov, that admiration translated into imitation, even as the broader trend moved in another direction. “I blame Roger Federer, I grew up watching him and wanted to play like him so that’s def a big reason why I have a one-hander,” explained the former Wimbledon semifinalist.

Shapovalov continues in strong form in Dallas, remaining unbroken in sets. He beat young Spanish talent Rafa Jodar in his debut and overcame Kovacevic in the second round. In the quarterfinals, he will face another Spaniard: world No. 14 Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, with whom he holds a 1-1 head-to-head – noting that their last encounter ended in a win for the Spaniard in the 2025 Acapulco semifinals.