As Gustavo Kuerten bids farewell at Roland Garros it seems the time is right to pay homage to the gorgeous Kuerten backhand drive. (see also: Gustavo Kuerten bids farewell!)

Gustavo or “Guga” as he is known, possesses one of the most effective single-handed topspin backhands the game has seen. His high backswing backhand is certainly not conventional - let’s take a look.

The Backhand

In general, “Guga’s” shot is a loose, relaxed and elegant looking backhand. He has a high backswing (view: High backswing film), his grip is a full western and his footwork is superb.

Stage 1

His initial movement is to turn his shoulders and almost lay his racquet head on his left shoulder. This position is aided by his full western grip. (The image shows “Guga” with his chin on his right shoulder as he looks at the ball with his racquet head laid over his left shoulder.) His take-back is high and exaggerated and I don’t know of any other top pro, male or female, who ends up in a position quite like “Guga” at the top of his backswing.

As a coach, you would not go out to teach a player to prepare quite like this, but if you see your young player with an individual quirk that works, you have to nurture it. Full marks to “Guga’s” coach for not trying to suppress his individuality and flare. Interestingly, Borg, McEnroe and Connors all had unconventional technique and were also allowed to flourish.

Knee Bend

For a big guy “Guga” bends really well for his shot and with his legs down low, he then extends the racquet back further and with a looping action, completes the drop of his racquet head from the top of his very high backswing position to beneath the ball. This high to low loop enables “Guga” to generate extra power and the topspin lift. He connects with the ball beautifully in-front of him and zaps the racquet head through and over his right shoulder.

The Finish

His finish position is incredibly elegant due to the graceful way his two arms separate at the end of the shot. This separating of the arms helps his balance and the generation of pace as the shoulder blades snap open. He also uses his legs to great effect during the follow-through.

Like so many other players over the years, “Guga’s” individual technique meant that he could do things that others found more challenging. His power, placement, passing shots, lobs and returns were all executed superbly.

“Guga” the Champion!

We’ll never forget seeing him lay inside the heart he’d drawn in the clay on Court Philippe Chatrier at Roland Garros after winning the title. Tennis will miss this great player and great sportsman.

Enjoy the master in action below!

John Key

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