The reasons behind Roger Federer never used a two-handed backhand



by LORENZO CIOTTI

The reasons behind Roger Federer never used a two-handed backhand
The reasons behind Roger Federer never used a two-handed backhand © Ian Walton / Staff Getty Images Sport

Roger Federer is considered one of the best tennis players of all time, but there is one intriguing aspect to his game that stands out among the rest: his one-handed backhand. While many high-level players prefer the two-handed backhand, Federer has always chosen to use a distinctive and fluid one-handed backhand, which has contributed to his elegant and versatile playing style.

Federer's decision to use a one-handed backhand has deep roots in his tennis training. From a young age, Federer was trained to play a one-handed backhand under the guidance of his coach Peter Carter. The one-handed backhand was common among players in German-speaking Switzerland, where Federer grew up, and was considered a more elegant and traditional style than the two-handed backhand.

But why did Federer continue to use the one-handed backhand even when tennis was evolving and many players were adopting the two-handed backhand? There are several reasons for this choice. First, the one-handed backhand allows Federer to have more flexibility and power.

While a two-handed backhand can offer more stability from a ball control perspective, Federer's one-handed backhand gives him the ability to generate more power and penetration with his shot. This allows him to catch the ball earlier and hit more accurate and aggressive winning shots.

Because Roger Federer never used his two-handed backhand

Secondly, Federer's one-handed backhand is very effective in varying his game. His ability to execute a one-handed backhand with great precision and versatility allows him to create tight angles, changes of direction and allows various types of spin on the ball.

This makes it very difficult for opponents to predict his shots and adapt to his playing style. Furthermore, Federer's one-handed backhand has become one of his trademarks. Tennis fans around the world instantly recognize his elegant, flowing backhand.

This distinctive playing style helped build his image as a Maestro on the court, confirming his superior technical ability and elegance of movement. Finally, Federer proved that the one-handed backhand can be successful even at the highest levels of modern tennis.

Despite some criticism of his use of the one-handed backhand, Federer has continued to achieve extraordinary results with this technique. He has won 20 Grand Slam titles, proving that the one-handed backhand can be just as effective, if not more so, than the two-handed backhand.

In conclusion, Roger Federer's choice to use the one-handed backhand was to define his playing style and take advantage of his flexibility and power. This decision proved to be a success, contributing to his status as a tennis legend and providing audiences with a fascinating insight into one of the most spectacular and distinctive shots in tennis history.

Roger Federer