When it comes to tennis greatness, everyone loves to talk about the serve or forehand, but the backhand? That’s where true artistry meets power. A strong backhand can flip a rally, frustrate opponents, and become the secret weapon behind some of the biggest wins in the sport.
From one-handers that glide like poetry to two-handers that hit like a hammer, these legends made their mark with a stroke that can’t be ignored. Here are 14 players whose backhands were as iconic as their trophies.
14. Amélie Mauresmo
Her one-handed backhand was elegant but also packed a serious punch. Mauresmo could redirect pace with ease and loved using it to change the rhythm of a match.
13. Tomas Berdych
Berdych’s two-hander was flat, fierce, and fearless. He wasn’t the flashiest player, but his backhand was a reliable rocket from the baseline.
12. Justine Henin
That one-handed backhand was pure tennis poetry. Henin made it look effortless while still generating surprising depth and spin.
11. Richard Gasquet
If beauty points counted, Gasquet’s backhand would be undefeated. It’s the kind of shot that fans and fellow pros alike never stop admiring.
10. Maria Sharapova
Her backhand was loud, aggressive, and totally uncompromising. Sharapova used it as a weapon to break down her opponents and dictate rallies.
9. David Nalbandian
Smooth as silk but powerful as a freight train, Nalbandian’s backhand was lethal. He could hit winners from anywhere with that stroke and made it look like a breeze.
8. Coco Gauff
Gauff’s backhand is already one of the most dangerous shots in the game. It’s fast, fearless, and has become a go-to weapon in clutch moments.
7. Stan Wawrinka
One of the most explosive one-handers ever, Wawrinka’s backhand could end rallies in a blink. When it landed, the crowd usually gasped—and for good reason.
6. Martina Hingis
Hingis didn’t rely on brute force, but her backhand had everything—angles, accuracy, and perfect timing. It was the quiet assassin in her arsenal, and it helped her outsmart even the biggest hitters.
5. Novak Djokovic
Djokovic’s backhand is the gold standard for consistency and control. Whether on the run or planted in the middle of the court, he rarely misses and often dominates with it.
4. Monica Seles
Her two-handed backhand—and her two-handed everything—redefined baseline aggression. Seles hit with such ferocity that her opponents barely had time to react.
3. Serena Williams
Serena’s backhand had all the traits of her game: powerful, clutch, and totally intimidating. It helped her close out points and punish short balls like no one else.
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2. Roger Federer
Effortless and artistic, Federer’s backhand evolved into a serious threat. Especially in his later years, it became one of the most dangerous shots on the court.
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1. Andre Agassi
Agassi’s return game was legendary, and his backhand played a massive role in that. He hit it early, clean, and with laser-like precision, changing the way the game was played.
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