Pioneers of the Modern Backhand in Tennis

The Swedish maestro popularized the two-handed backhand during the 1970s, combining immense power with precision on fast clay and grass courts. His technique allowed for greater stability and topspin, influencing a generation of players to adopt the double-handed style for consistency and control.

A pioneer of the two-handed backhand, Evert combined elegance with relentless consistency to dominate the women's tour. Her ability to hit heavy topspin and flat drives from the backhand side set a new standard for reliability and tactical versatility in professional tennis.

Graf’s heavy forehand was complemented by a versatile two-handed backhand that could both absorb pace and generate offensive depth. Her technique was crucial in her achievement of the Golden Slam, showcasing how a reliable backhand supports an all-court attacking strategy.

Seles utilized a violent, low-to-high two-handed backhand that generated extraordinary topspin and speed, often catching opponents off guard. Her unique grip and wrist action allowed her to hit winners from defensive positions, revolutionizing aggressive baseline play in the early 1990s.

Agassi redefined the modern baseline game with a powerful two-handed backhand that could be hit on the rise, neutralizing serve-and-volley tactics. His technique provided the foundation for his return-of-serve dominance and contributed to his success across all surface types during the 1990s.

Federer maintained a classic one-handed backhand that relied on slice for defense and unexpected aggression for offense. His ability to hit a backhand pass with flat speed while moving sideways demonstrated unparalleled footwork and racket head speed, making it one of the most effective one-handers in history.

Nadal’s two-handed backhand is the most dominant groundstroke in tennis history, characterized by extreme topspin and heavy kick. His technique allows him to hit deep, high-bouncing shots that push opponents behind the baseline, forming the core of his defensive and counter-attacking style.

Djokovic possesses arguably the best return game in history, driven by a two-handed backhand that is virtually immune to pace. His technique emphasizes extreme wrist flexibility and low center of gravity, allowing him to absorb heavy power and redirect it with pinpoint accuracy.

As a dominant one-handed backhand player in the 1970s and 80s, Navratilova used her racket head speed and slice to disrupt opponents' timing. Her ability to change levels and pace with the one-hander made her a formidable opponent on fast surfaces and a key figure in the rise of power tennis.

McEnroe’s one-handed backhand was known for its delicate touch, precise placement, and deceptive slice. Along with his volleys, his backhand allowed him to construct points with finesse, challenging the power-based era and proving that tactical precision could defeat raw strength.

Williams’ two-handed backhand is a weapon of mass destruction, capable of generating immense power and flat speed. Her technique has evolved to include greater topspin, allowing her to hit deep, heavy shots from anywhere on the court, reinforcing her status as a baseline powerhouse.

Venus uses a versatile two-handed backhand that complements her powerful serve, allowing her to dictate play from the baseline. Her technique emphasizes clean contact and directional hitting, enabling her to transition effectively from defense to offense during long rallies.

Roddick’s one-handed backhand was a rare offensive tool among power servers, often hit flat and fast to finish points. His ability to generate velocity from a single-handed stance added a dimension to his game that kept opponents guessing despite his primarily serve-and-volley approach.

Sharapova’s two-handed backhand is one of the most powerful in women's tennis, often hit flat and hard to overpower opponents. Her technique relies on strong wrist action and full body rotation, making it a primary scoring shot in both singles and doubles play.

Henin’s one-handed backhand is widely considered the finest in women's tennis history, combining power, grace, and variety. Her ability to hit flat drives, heavy topspin, and delicate slices with the same stroke made her backhand an unpredictable and devastating weapon.

Edberg’s one-handed backhand slice was a cornerstone of his serve-and-volley game, used to buy time and keep opponents off balance. His exceptional touch and placement with the slice allowed him to approach the net with confidence, defining a classic style of play.

Sampras relied on a reliable one-handed backhand that, while not his primary weapon, was effective for holding serve and constructing points. His technique emphasized consistency and placement, allowing him to maintain rallies until he could close the net or hit a decisive forehand.

Courier’s two-handed backhand was a model of efficiency and power, helping him dominate the early 1990s. His technique allowed him to hit heavy topspin from the baseline, providing the consistency needed to win multiple Grand Slam titles on hard and clay courts.

Chang’s two-handed backhand generated immense topspin and speed, compensating for his lack of height with incredible speed and endurance. His ability to retrieve difficult balls and counter-attack with a heavy backhand made him a unique and successful player on all surfaces.

Swiatek represents the new wave of backhand dominance, using a two-handed grip that allows for massive topspin and lateral movement. Her technique is built on absorbing heavy pace and redirecting it with depth and angle, making her one of the most tactically advanced players of the current era.