Best Backhands

The backhand is one of the most important shots in tennis, and some players have become famous for their incredible backhands. Here's a list of some of the best backhands in tennis history, known for their versatility, power, and precision:

1. Roger Federer

• Style: One-handed backhand
• Why it's the best:
  • Federer's backhand is one of the most aesthetically pleasing and effective in tennis. His smooth, one-handed backhand is capable of generating both power and finesse, often hitting incredible cross-court angles and deep shots.
  • He's able to disguise his shots well, often hitting crisp, clean returns from both defensive and offensive positions.
  • Federer's backhand is known for its fluid motion, making it a hallmark of his game, particularly when he performs his backhand down-the-line winners.

2. Novak Djokovic

• Style: Two-handed backhand
• Why it's the best:
  • Djokovic's two-handed backhand is widely regarded as the most consistent and solid on the ATP Tour. It's a weapon from both the baseline and during rallies, capable of generating extreme spin, depth, and speed.
  • His backhand slice is also extremely effective, allowing him to change the pace of the rally and open up the court for opportunities.
  • Djokovic's backhand allows him to redirect shots down the line and cross-court, and his ability to return serves with this shot is exceptional.

3. Rafael Nadal

• Style: Two-handed backhand
• Why it's the best:
  • Nadal's backhand may not be as visually stunning as some of the others, but its effectiveness, particularly on clay, is unmatched. His two-handed backhand is heavy on spin and can whip around with incredible speed and power.
  • Nadal's backhand has become much more versatile over the years, particularly with his improvements in down-the-line shots. His aggressive backhand allows him to hit winners even from defensive positions, making him a force on any surface.

4. Björn Borg

• Style: Two-handed backhand
• Why it's the best:
  • Borg's backhand was instrumental to his success, especially on the grass and clay courts. Known for its heavy spin, consistency, and ability to generate pace, Borg's backhand was one of the most effective in tennis history.
  • Borg's backhand helped him dominate the French Open, where he won six times. It was perfect for dictating rallies and his ability to go cross-court or down the line was particularly deadly.

5. Andy Murray

• Style: Two-handed backhand
• Why it's the best:
  • Murray's two-handed backhand is one of the most well-rounded shots in modern tennis. His backhand return is often regarded as one of the best in the world, particularly when returning serves.
  • Murray uses his backhand to absorb pace, redirect balls, and create sharp angles. His defensive backhand is one of the best in tennis, allowing him to neutralize his opponent's aggressive shots.

6. Pete Sampras

• Style: One-handed backhand
• Why it's the best:
  • Sampras's backhand was an underrated weapon in his game, but when executed, it was smooth and powerful. His one-handed backhand allowed him to take the ball early and attack, particularly on grass courts.
  • While not known for heavy spin, Sampras's ability to hit sharp angles and take the backhand on the rise made him a dangerous opponent, particularly during his many Wimbledon victories.

7. Steffi Graf

• Style: One-handed backhand
• Why it's the best:
  • Steffi Graf's one-handed backhand is one of the most iconic shots in women's tennis history. It was both graceful and lethal, allowing her to hit winners from all areas of the court.
  • Graf's ability to hit cross-court and down-the-line backhands with ease helped her win 22 Grand Slam singles titles. Her backhand, paired with her athleticism, made her a dominant force on all surfaces.

8. Martina Hingis

• Style: One-handed backhand
• Why it's the best:
  • Hingis's backhand was one of the most consistent and technically sound in women's tennis. She used it to control the pace of rallies, often executing a crisp and precise backhand slice to set up attacks.
  • Known for her tactical intelligence, Hingis used her backhand to dominate opponents and quickly transition from defense to offense.

9. Justine Henin

• Style: One-handed backhand
• Why it's the best:
  • Henin's one-handed backhand was known for its precision and variety. She could hit powerful, flat backhands or spin-heavy ones with ease, making her a formidable opponent on clay courts.
  • Henin's backhand down the line was one of her most effective shots, enabling her to break open rallies and outmaneuver her opponents.

10. Li Na

• Style: Two-handed backhand
• Why it's the best:
  • Li Na's backhand was one of the most explosive in women's tennis. With a solid two-handed grip, she used her backhand to generate tremendous pace and power, especially on hard courts.
  • Her backhand was capable of producing both flat shots and topspin, giving her a versatile edge in controlling rallies.

Honorable Mentions

• John McEnroe: Known for his slice backhand, which was incredibly effective in breaking up rallies and setting up offensive shots.
• Vera Zvonareva: Zvonareva's backhand was known for its reliability and versatility, enabling her to stay consistent in long rallies.

Backhands in tennis are as varied as the players who use them. Whether it's a fluid one-handed backhand like Federer's or a heavy-hitting two-hander like Djokovic's, these players have demonstrated how crucial this shot is to success at the highest levels.