Top 10 One-Hand Backhand Tennis Players of All Time
The one-handed backhand is one of the most beautiful and skillful shots in tennis. Here’s a list of the top 10 players who have mastered this stroke and left an indelible mark on the sport:
1. Roger Federer
• Key Achievements: 20 Grand Slam titles, 310 weeks as World No. 1
• Known for his smooth and versatile one-handed backhand, Federer’s ability to hit winners from any position on the court has made him a fan favorite.
2. Rod Laver
• Key Achievements: 11 Grand Slam titles, 2 Calendar-Year Grand Slams
• Laver’s one-handed backhand was a weapon of precision and power, allowing him to dominate both the amateur and professional circuits.
3. Stan Wawrinka
• Key Achievements: 3 Grand Slam titles, 2014 Davis Cup Champion
• Wawrinka’s explosive one-handed backhand, often struck with immense topspin and pace, is one of the most powerful in history.
4. Gustavo Kuerten
• Key Achievements: 3-time French Open Champion, World No. 1 in 2000
• Guga’s elegant one-handed backhand helped him rule the clay courts, and his charisma made him a beloved figure in tennis.
5. Ken Rosewall
• Key Achievements: 8 Grand Slam titles, 15 Pro Slam titles
• Renowned for his impeccable technique, Rosewall’s one-handed backhand was a model of consistency and finesse.
6. Stefan Edberg
• Key Achievements: 6 Grand Slam titles, 2-time Year-End World No. 1
• Edberg’s classic backhand was the backbone of his serve-and-volley game, earning him great success on grass and hard courts.
7. Dominic Thiem
• Key Achievements: 2020 US Open Champion, 2-time French Open finalist
• Thiem’s heavy topspin and aggressive one-handed backhand have made him a force on all surfaces in modern tennis.
8. Yannick Noah
• Key Achievements: 1983 French Open Champion
• Noah’s athleticism and powerful backhand were key to his success on clay, making him a standout player in his era.
9. Richard Gasquet
• Key Achievements: 15 ATP titles, 3-time Grand Slam semifinalist
• Known for his artistic and fluid one-handed backhand, Gasquet’s stroke is regarded as one of the most aesthetically pleasing in the game.
10. Henri Leconte
• Key Achievements: French Open finalist, Davis Cup Champion
• Leconte’s stylish and aggressive one-handed backhand was a hallmark of his flamboyant playing style.
These players have elevated the one-handed backhand to an art form, blending power, precision, and grace to create moments of magic on the court.