The one-handed backhand is one of the most elegant and visually striking shots in tennis. Though it has become less common in the modern game, the players who have mastered it have left an indelible mark on the sport.
From pinpoint accuracy to devastating topspin, these players wielded their single-handed backhands as both an art form and a weapon. Here’s a ranking of the 15 greatest one-handed backhands in tennis history:
15. Stan Smith
A two-time Grand Slam champion in the 1970s, Stan Smith’s one-hander was classic, compact, and effective, particularly on grass. While not as flashy as some on this list, his backhand helped him dominate in an era of serve-and-volley tennis.
14. Grigor Dimitrov
Often compared to Roger Federer for his fluid style, Dimitrov’s one-hander is a thing of beauty. While his career results haven’t always matched his talent, his backhand remains one of the most aesthetically pleasing in the modern game.
13. Tommy Robredo
A clay-court specialist, Robredo’s one-hander was reliable and consistent. He used it to great effect throughout his career, particularly in grinding baseline rallies where precision mattered more than power.
12. Nicolas Almagro
Almagro’s one-handed backhand was one of the most explosive on clay courts. With immense racket speed and effortless power, he used it to push opponents deep behind the baseline. Though he never won a Grand Slam, his backhand was world-class.
11. Gustavo Kuerten
The charismatic Brazilian and three-time French Open champion had a devastating topspin-heavy one-handed backhand, perfectly suited for Roland Garros. Kuerten’s ability to rip winners off that side, even against defensive players, made him one of the best clay-courters of his generation.
10. Ken Rosewall
One of the greatest players of the pre-Open Era, Rosewall’s backhand was remarkably consistent. Though he lacked power compared to modern players, his slice and precision made it a formidable tool on all surfaces.
9. Stefan Edberg
Edberg’s one-hander was a key part of his serve-and-volley game. His ability to chip and charge effectively made him a nightmare for opponents trying to engage him in baseline rallies.
8. Yannick Noah
Noah, the 1983 French Open champion, had a stylish and powerful one-handed backhand that complemented his athletic, attacking style. He could hit it with depth and variety, making him a threat from all parts of the court.
7. Richard Gasquet
Gasquet’s backhand might be the most beautiful shot in modern tennis. His extreme grip allows him to generate incredible topspin, making it both a defensive and offensive weapon. While he never quite reached Grand Slam glory, his backhand remains one of the best of all time.
6. Rod Laver
One of the sport’s all-time greats, Laver used his one-hander to win two calendar Grand Slams. His backhand had excellent variety, capable of producing heavy spin or a penetrating flat shot, making it one of the most effective weapons in his era.
5. Dominic Thiem
Thiem’s one-hander is a rare modern example of power meeting precision. With heavy topspin and effortless depth, he uses it to dictate points from the baseline. His backhand helped him win the 2020 US Open and make multiple deep runs at the French Open.
4. Pete Sampras
Though known for his dominant serve, Sampras’ one-handed backhand was an underrated weapon. His ability to mix a powerful topspin drive with a biting slice allowed him to control points against some of the greatest baseliners of all time.
3. Stan Wawrinka
Wawrinka’s backhand is an absolute cannon. Capable of producing winners from anywhere on the court, it was instrumental in his three Grand Slam titles. His ability to flatten it out or generate massive topspin makes it one of the most lethal shots in tennis history.
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2. Don Budge
Budge’s backhand was revolutionary in the 1930s. It was one of the first true offensive backhands in the game, allowing him to dominate with a level of power and consistency rarely seen in his era. His technique became a model for future generations.
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1. Roger Federer
Federer’s one-handed backhand is the gold standard. Its combination of elegance, versatility, and effectiveness makes it the greatest of all time. He could slice it to neutralize opponents, roll it with topspin, or rip it down the line for a winner. Even in an era dominated by two-handers, Federer’s backhand remained an iconic and decisive weapon.
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