Two-handed backhand tennis players are easy to spot, but they do not all hit the shot the same way. Novak Djokovic uses his backhand to absorb pace and redirect the ball, while Jannik Sinner often drives through it to take time away from an opponent. The grip is similar; the choices behind the shot can be very different.
Some of the best-known two-handed backhand players include Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Świątek and Coco Gauff. Their examples offer useful lessons for players at every level, from how to handle a high ball to when to change direction down the line.
Notable Two-Handed Backhand Players
The two-handed backhand is common on both the ATP and WTA Tours. It gives players support from both arms, which can help them manage fast shots and generate power without a large swing. Here are several prominent examples and what makes their backhands distinctive.
| Player | Backhand style | What to notice |
|---|---|---|
| Novak Djokovic | Compact and precise | Reads the ball early, stays balanced, and redirects pace with excellent control. |
| Rafael Nadal | Heavy and high-spinning | Uses his left-handed angle and topspin to push opponents deep or wide. |
| Andy Murray | Defensive and tactical | Can absorb pace, change direction, and keep difficult rallies alive. |
| Jannik Sinner | Flat and powerful | Hits early and drives through the court to put opponents under pressure. |
| Carlos Alcaraz | Athletic and varied | Combines firm groundstrokes with changes of height, spin, and direction. |
| Iga Świątek | Heavy and aggressive | Uses strong topspin and court position to take control of rallies. |
| Coco Gauff | Reliable and improving | Can defend under pressure and use the backhand to build points crosscourt. |
Those are broad descriptions, not fixed rules. A player may use a heavy crosscourt backhand to create space in one rally, then flatten out the next ball to finish the point. Conditions matter, too: a high-bouncing clay court invites a different response from a quick, low-bouncing hard court.
Why So Many Players Use Two Hands
A two-handed backhand gives the player support from both arms. That extra support can make it easier to return a fast serve, handle a ball that jumps up near shoulder height, or make contact while stretched. It can also help newer players find a repeatable swing before they have the strength or timing for a one-handed backhand.
For a right-handed player, the right hand is usually lower on the handle and the left hand sits above it. The upper, non-dominant hand helps drive and shape the shot, while the lower hand helps guide the racket. Left-handed players reverse that arrangement. Exact grips vary, so there is no single hand position shared by every touring pro.
The trade-off is reach. With both hands on the racket, a player may have less extension on a wide ball than someone using a one-handed backhand. Two-handed players often solve this with quick footwork, a crossover step, or a slice when they need extra reach or time.
How Top Players Use the Shot
Djokovic: control under pressure
Djokovic’s backhand is a model of balance and preparation. He often meets the ball in front of his body and keeps his head steady through contact. That allows him to block a fast shot back deep or redirect it sharply down the line. For club players, the key lesson is not to swing harder at every ball: a compact, well-timed stroke can be more effective than a rushed full swing.
Nadal: spin and angles
Nadal’s left-handed backhand is part of a broader pattern. His forehand often pulls a right-handed opponent wide, opening space for the backhand to target the other side. His backhand can also carry heavy topspin, making it harder for an opponent to attack from inside the baseline. The tactical lesson is to think about where the next ball will land, not just how hard to hit the current one.
Murray: defense that turns into attack
Murray has long been known for his ability to defend and then change the shape of a rally. He can use a backhand to keep a deep ball in play, then send the next one into open court. Recreational players can borrow that patience: when pulled wide, aim high and deep crosscourt rather than trying a low-percentage winner from a difficult position.
Sinner and Alcaraz: taking the ball early
Sinner’s backhand shows how a two-hander can be used as a direct attacking shot. He often takes the ball early and sends it back with pace, leaving an opponent less time to recover. Alcaraz adds more variation, using changes of spin and height as well as pace. Both styles underline the value of moving forward into the ball instead of waiting for it to drop too low.
Women’s examples: Świątek and Gauff
Świątek uses her backhand to create depth and spin, helping her push opponents behind the baseline and take charge of the next shot. Gauff’s backhand has been a useful foundation for defense and rally tolerance, particularly when opponents try to attack her movement. Their games show that a dependable backhand does not need to be a winner on every swing; it can set up the point.
Older Champions With Two-Handed Backhands
The shot has a long history at the top of the game. Björn Borg built his baseline game around a powerful two-handed backhand, while Jimmy Connors used his to take the ball early and apply pressure. On the women’s side, Chris Evert was famous for her consistency and accuracy, and Monica Seles became known for hitting forcefully from both wings.
Not every famous baseline player used two hands. Roger Federer and Steffi Graf, for example, played one-handed backhands. Comparing styles can help explain why the two-handed version is popular, but it does not make one style automatically better for every player.
Tips for Learning a Two-Handed Backhand
- Set your hands early. Turn your shoulders as soon as you recognize the ball is coming to your backhand.
- Use your legs. Bend comfortably and push up through the shot rather than relying only on your arms.
- Make contact in front. If the ball gets too close to your body, it is harder to swing freely and control direction.
- Start crosscourt. The net is lower in the middle, and the longer diagonal gives you more margin for error.
- Recover after contact. A good shot is only part of the job; return to a balanced position for the next ball.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has the best two-handed backhand in tennis?
There is no single answer, because players use the shot for different purposes. Djokovic is widely admired for precision and returning pace, while Sinner is known for driving the ball aggressively. The best example for you is the one whose timing and movement you can learn from.
Is a two-handed backhand easier to learn?
Many beginners find it easier to control because both hands support the racket. It still takes practice to coordinate the hands, turn the shoulders, and meet the ball in front. A coach can help adjust the grip to your hand size and playing style.
Can a two-handed backhand be powerful?
Yes. Sinner, Nadal, and many other top players hit their two-handed backhands with considerable pace. Power comes from good preparation, leg drive, rotation, and clean contact—not simply from pulling hard with the arms.
Which hand does most of the work?
Both hands contribute. For a right-handed player, the left hand above the right often helps drive the swing, while the right hand guides and stabilizes the racket. The balance differs from player to player, so focus on a smooth, connected motion rather than trying to isolate one arm.
Final Thoughts
Two-handed backhand tennis players show how versatile the shot can be. It can steady a rally, absorb a powerful attack, create heavy topspin, or send the ball down the line for a winner. Watch how players like Djokovic, Nadal, Sinner, Świątek, and Gauff prepare and choose their targets. Their footwork and decision-making are just as important as the swing itself.
