Federer analyzes the recent evolution of tennis: "It will be sad to see the one-handed backhand less and less"

Some say that the one-handed backhand in tennis is facing its final days. We must not forget that some of the best players we have had (and still have) excelled by using both hands. Roger Federer is a living example of this because there could be no better role model for players who started using both hands. However, the rules of modern tennis are changing, and we can hardly see this unique shot on the courts. Therefore, Federer himself commented on the new direction of tennis and how coaches play a key role in introducing the one-handed backhand to younger players.

"It's not so much about the technique anymore"

"Boys and girls will start hitting stronger forehand and backhand shots and will be less fearful because they will realize that the reward is there. The best movers are the best players, and that shows. The mentally sharper, physically stronger, and faster ones are the best players. It's not so much about technique anymore. In the last 10, 15, or 20 years, I have been deceived enough to think: 'I'm not sure about this technique,' but with racket and string technology, you can solve those problems, and as long as you hit the ball hard and well, anything is possible in tennis”," Federer stated at the Laver Cup 2024.

What is tennis like today?

"The game is where it was but just one step higher. I always feel it keeps improving. Maybe it's just a lack of variation, but that's because nowadays we have all players with two-handed backhands (on the backhand side) and don't use slice as much. Naturally, we don't see as many drop shots either. Alcaraz and Medvedev are trying to add it to their game, which I think is a great play, but you need to train a lot on transition play. Overall, I still enjoy watching tennis today, and it will always have its secure place because tennis is a wonderful sport”.

Fewer and fewer one-handed backhand players

"I guess much of this stems from training. It would be great to have the world number one and number two playing with one hand, something we don't have now. So, that's not going to inspire the generation to play with a one-handed backhand. Young players tend to look up to the best players in the world, and if they see a two-handed backhand, then they think that's the way to go, even if it may not be”.

Solution?

"I think it's the coaches worldwide who can realize that some players play better with one hand than two. Have you ever tried removing one hand? That's the question. The coach must know, and the player must have the urge to try it as I did. I believe the one-handed backhand still has a place in modern tennis. Of course, with the two-handed backhand, you can fight much more on the return and on defense, while with the one-handed backhand, it can be much more challenging. What I also see today is that players with two-handed backhands have a much better slice, something I don't think was always the case 20 years ago when I entered the circuit. It will be interesting to see. It will be sad to see fewer and fewer one-handed backhand players”.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Federer analiza la evolución reciente del tenis: "Será triste ver cada vez menos el revés a una mano”