Legends of the One-Handed Backhand in Tennis

While known for his topspin forehand, Borg utilized a deceptive one-handed backhand slice that was crucial to his 11 Grand Slam titles. His ability to change pace and move opponents around the court with this stroke defined his dominant era in the 1970s.

Possessing arguably the greatest all-court game in history, Laver's one-handed backhand was a potent offensive weapon alongside his slice. He won four Grand Slams on various surfaces, showcasing the stroke's versatility in both flat and varied formats.

The only player to achieve the Golden Slam, Graf used her one-handed backhand to generate heavy topspin and hit deep cross-court winners. Her stroke was a key component of her record-breaking 22 Grand Slam singles titles and 10-year World No. 1 stint.

Navratilova was a pioneer of the modern two-handed backhand but also maintained a lethal one-handed slice for passing shots and drop volleys. Her tactical mastery with this stroke contributed to her 18 Grand Slam singles titles and exceptional doubles record.

Connors held the World No. 1 ranking for a record 268 weeks, largely due to his relentless baseline game and one-handed backhand. He could hit this stroke flat and hard, often taking time away from opponents with aggressive, flat exchanges.

Sampras was the quintessential serve-and-volley player, and his one-handed backhand was essential for quick net approaches and passing shots. Though not his primary weapon, its consistency allowed him to win 14 Grand Slam titles during the 1990s.

Djokovic transitioned to a two-handed backhand early in his career but is often cited for his potential with the one-handed version. He occasionally uses a slice to disrupt rhythm, though his two-handed stroke remains one of the most consistent in modern tennis.

Agassi revolutionized the game by hitting his one-handed backhand with extreme topspin, turning defense into offense. This innovation allowed him to handle heavy topspin from opponents and contributed to his eight Grand Slam titles and 60-week at World No. 1.

Federer is widely regarded as the last great exponent of the one-handed backhand in the modern era. His stroke combined elegance with deadly power, allowing him to hit wide angles and flat winners, contributing to his 20 Grand Slam singles titles.

Becker's one-handed backhand was a powerful, flat-hitting weapon that complemented his explosive serve. It allowed him to hit winners from difficult positions and was instrumental in his six Grand Slam titles and dominance in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

McEnroe's one-handed backhand was a precision instrument, capable of hitting sharp angles and passing shots with incredible accuracy. His tactical brilliance and this stroke were key to his seven Grand Slam singles titles and unrivaled volleying skills.

Newcombe was a master of the serve-and-volley game, using his one-handed backhand slice to control rallies and approach the net. His versatility with this stroke helped him win seven Grand Slam singles titles and solidify his legacy as a great all-court player.

Rosewall's one-handed backhand was one of the most technically perfect strokes in history, characterized by a small backswing and heavy topspin. This efficiency allowed him to compete at the highest level for over two decades and win eight Grand Slam singles titles.

Evert's one-handed backhand was a defensive masterpiece, known for its consistency, depth, and ability to absorb pace. She won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, relying heavily on this stroke to control rallies and force errors from opponents.

Hingis utilized a one-handed backhand slice effectively to change the pace of matches and set up volleys. Her tactical intelligence and this stroke contributed to her five Grand Slam singles titles and long tenure at World No. 1 during the 1990s.

Tilden's one-handed backhand was a versatile tool that included both slice and topspin variations. He was a dominant force in the 1920s, winning seven Grand Slam singles titles, and is considered one of the first modern tennis tactics innovators.

As the namesake of the Davis Cup, Davis's one-handed backhand was part of his effective baseline game in the early 1900s. He won multiple U.S. National Championships and helped establish the premier team competition in tennis.

Shields was known for his powerful one-handed backhand drive that could intimidate opponents in the 1930s. He won two U.S. National Championships and was a key figure in American tennis dominance during that era.

Cramm's one-handed backhand was a crucial part of his aggressive baseline style, allowing him to hit winners from the back of the court. He won four Grand Slam singles titles and was a leading figure in tennis before World War II.

Kramer's one-handed backhand was a flat, powerful drive that helped him dominate the late 1940s and early 1950s. He won seven Grand Slam singles titles and later became a pivotal administrator for the professional tour.