Great tennis backhands - Hall of Fame
Here is an ever growing list of some of the great tennis backhands from over the years. These players have all been selected for one reason, there's something about their backhand that I love!
If you feel that I am missing a great backhand player then drop me an email and let me know who. I'm sure I'll find room for them.
Name - Rod Laver
Born - 9/8/38
Nationality - Australian
The Rod Laver Backhand
- A single left-handed shotComments - Rod Laver was rolling his backhand years ago and what a backhand it was. He was one of the first to incorporate topspin into his backhand technique. His slice was also a brilliant weapon. Laver won the Grand Slam in 1962 and 1969.
Name - Justine Henin
Born - 1/6/82
Nationality - Belgian
The Justine Henin Backhand
- A single right-handed shotComments - Justine Henin's single handed topspin backhand is absolute poetry. From the knee bend to the ball positioning and the whipped follow-through, it is fabulous technique. She constantly uses this shot to break down her opponents with power hitting and acute angles.
Name - Guillermo Vilas
Born - 17/8/52
Nationality - Argentinian
The Guillermo Vilas Backhand
- A single left-handed shotComments - What a backhand! Guillermo Vilas took what Rod Laver was doing with his backhand and added loads more topsin. He was an innovator. His shot may not have had the power of Federer's but it was more flamboyant and just plain great!
(see also 'The Vilas and Federer backhands!')
Name - Rafael Nadal
Born - 3/6/86
Nationality - Spanish
The Rafael Nadal Backhand
- A double left-handed shotComments - Amazing footwork and a simple uncomplicated backswing. Rafael Nadal generates fantastic racket head speed and has a strong right hand on his left-handed shot. His passing shots are second to none!
(see also 'The great Rafael Nadal backhand!')
Name - Jimmy Connors
Born - 2/9/52
Nationality - American
The Jimmy Connors Backhand
- A double left-handed shotComments - When Jimmy Connors was at his peak his two fisted backhand was scary. In 1974 when he demolished Ken Rosewall in both the Wimbledon and US Open finals, he was striking the shot earlier than anyone around at that time. He hit so flat that his margin for error was zero but he made it work.
(see also 'Jimmy Connors - The two-fisted master!')
Name - Roger Federer
Born - 8/8/81
Nationality - Swiss
The Roger Federer Backhand
- A single right-handed shotComments - Roger Federer has taken the single handed backhand to astonishing new levels. His drive, slice, service return and passing shots are all classics. Roger's backhand has set new standards.
(see also 'The Vilas and Federer backhands!')
Name - Gabriella Sabatini
Born - 16/5/70
Nationality - Argentinian
The Gabriella Sabatini Backhand
- A single right-handed shotComments - Gabriella Sabatini possessed a fabulous single handed topspin shot in the mould of Vilas, with great passing shots and angles. Gabriella posessed the ability to mix the pace and compliment her topspin with an excellent sliced shot.
Name - Richard Gasquet
Born - 18/6/86
Nationality - French
The Richard Gasquet Backhand
- A single right-handed shotComments - The Richard Gasquet backhand has to be the most flambouyant shot in the present game. He has a high racket take-back and drops the racket head superbly to generate is trademark topspin. At times he can hit winners from anywhere at will. Amazing!
(see also 'The amazing Richard Gasquet backhand!')
Name - Bjorn Borg
Born - 6/6/56
Nationality - Swedish
The Bjorn Borg Backhand
- A double right-handed shotComments - You do not win 11 Grand Slam events without a tremendous backhand, and Bjorn Borg certainly had that. His unique topspin backhand technique evolved from his days as a young ice-hockey player to become one of the most effective backhands of all time.
(see also 'The legendary Bjorn Borg backhand - analysed!')
Name - Novak Djokovic
Born - 22/5/87
Nationality - Serbian
The Novak Djokovic Backhand
- A double right-handed shotComments - This wonderful backhand has to be the most deceptive shot in the current game. His effortless and straight forward technique enables him to hit early, attack, play angles, hit great returns, play delicate drop shots and so on... A pleasure to watch!
(see also 'The deadly Novak Djokovic backhand analysed!')
Name - Lleyton Hewitt
Born - 24/2/81
Nationality - Australian
The Lleyton Hewitt Backhand
- A double right-handed shotComments - Lleyton Hewitt possesses great movement, a great return, a simple uncomplicated backswing and great passing shots. All in all, a fantastic backhand!
Name - Gastón Gaudio
Born - 9/12/78
Nationality - Argentinian
The Gastón Gaudio Backhand
- A single right-handed shotComments - This fantastic backhand helped Gastón win his only Grand Slam title at the 2004 French Open. Simple technique, great topspin, lovely passing shots and more. This really is a lovely example of a single-handed backhand.
Name - Venus Williams
Born - 17/6/80
Nationality - American
The Venus Williams Backhand
- A double right-handed shotComments - The way Venus moves for her backhand is awesome! She prepares earlier for her shot than many and generates more pace than most. Her fearless hitting means that she has the ability to hit a winner from anywhere on the court at any stage of the rally. You don't win $20 million in prize money without an amazing backhand.
