The Evolution of the One-Handed Backhand in Modern Tennis
For decades, the one-handed backhand was the gold standard of aesthetic beauty and technical precision in professional tennis. From the elegant strokes of Rod Laver and Stefan Edberg to the blistering precision of Roger Federer, the shot defined an era of grace on the court. Yet, if you look at the current ATP rankings, you will notice a stark shift. The one-hander is becoming a rarity, replaced by the mechanical stability of the two-handed backhand. Understanding the evolution of this stroke requires looking at how the game has changed in the last thirty years.
The shift in physical demands and court surfaces
The primary driver behind the decline of the one-handed backhand is the physical demand of the modern game. Tennis today is played at a much higher velocity than it was in the 1980s or 1990s. Players are hitting the ball with significantly more topspin and pace from the baseline.
Because the modern game is centered on heavy baseline rallies, players need a shot that can handle high-bouncing balls above the shoulder. The two-handed backhand provides a mechanical advantage in this regard. By using two hands, a player can generate more leverage and stability, making it easier to absorb the power of an opponent’s heavy groundstrokes.
The struggle against high-bouncing topspin
When a player hits a one-handed backhand, they rely on a single arm to resist the force of a ball coming at high speed. If that ball is bouncing high toward the shoulder, the one-handed player is at a biomechanical disadvantage. They often have to slice the ball or jump to meet it, which can leave them vulnerable to an aggressive follow-up shot.
Conversely, the two-handed backhand acts like a shield. It allows the player to lock their wrists and drive through the ball, even when it is well above the waist. In an era where players like Rafael Nadal have popularized extreme topspin, the one-handed backhand has become a target for opponents to exploit.
The rise of modern training and junior development
The transition away from the one-handed backhand is also a result of how young players are taught the game. Most tennis academies now prioritize the two-handed backhand for children. It is simply easier for a young player to control the racket and achieve a full follow-through with two hands.
This early training creates a foundation that is difficult to change later. By the time a junior player reaches the professional level, their muscle memory is deeply ingrained. Because the two-handed backhand offers more consistency, coaches are often hesitant to encourage a switch to the one-handed version, fearing it will hamper the player’s ability to compete in high-pressure matches.
The need for consistency in long rallies
Professional tennis is now defined by endurance and consistency. While the one-handed backhand is capable of hitting incredible winners, it is generally considered a higher-risk shot. It requires impeccable timing and perfect footwork to execute successfully on every point.
The two-handed backhand, however, is a much more forgiving stroke. Even when a player is caught out of position or off-balance, the second hand on the racket provides the necessary support to keep the ball in play. For a modern pro who must sustain 20-shot rallies, this reliability is far more valuable than the occasional spectacular winner.
Is there still a place for the one-handed backhand
Despite its decline, the one-handed backhand is not yet extinct. Players like Stefanos Tsitsipas and Lorenzo Musetti continue to represent the style at the highest levels of the sport. Their success proves that with enough talent and specific tactical adjustments, the shot can still be a weapon.
These players often use the one-hander to create angles that are difficult for two-handed players to replicate. They also utilize the slice backhand with much greater frequency to disrupt the rhythm of their opponents. By changing the pace and the height of the ball, they can neutralize the power of their rivals and force them into uncomfortable positions.
Adapting to the modern tour
To survive in the current climate, one-handed players must be exceptional athletes. They need faster footwork to get around the ball and more refined touch to change the pace of the game. It is a more demanding way to play, which explains why so few players choose this path.
The evolution of the sport has effectively narrowed the margin for error for those who refuse to use two hands. While the shot remains the most beautiful in tennis, it is increasingly viewed as a stylistic choice rather than a strategic advantage. It requires a specific type of player to master the complexities of a single-handed drive against the relentless baseline pressure of today.
Conclusion
The decline of the one-handed backhand is a natural consequence of how tennis has evolved. As the game became faster, more physical, and more baseline-oriented, the stability offered by the two-handed backhand became the standard for success. While we may see fewer one-handers on television in the coming years, the shot will likely survive as a niche for players who value variety and artistic expression.
Tennis is a sport that constantly balances tradition with efficiency. As long as there are players willing to put in the immense work required to master the one-handed stroke, it will remain a part of the professional tour. However, the days of it being the dominant technical choice are almost certainly behind us.