A one-handed backhand can look effortless when it is timed well: the player turns, lets the racket head drop, and sends the ball away with a long, clean swing. But the shot is demanding, especially against heavy topspin. The players who made it famous did more than hit a pretty ball; they used it to take time away, change direction, and build points on their own terms.
Some of the best-known examples belong to Roger Federer, Stan Wawrinka, Steffi Graf, and Justine Henin. Their backhands were not carbon copies. Some relied on slice and placement; others could drive the ball with enough pace to finish a rally. Looking at the differences is a useful way to understand what makes the stroke work.
Famous one-handed backhand players
| Player | What made the backhand distinctive | Career landmark |
|---|---|---|
| Roger Federer | Fluid, versatile stroke with a graceful slice and an attacking topspin drive | Won 20 major singles titles |
| Stan Wawrinka | Heavy, powerful drive, especially down the line | Won three major singles titles |
| Steffi Graf | Fast, penetrating slice that helped her control rallies | Won 22 major singles titles |
| Justine Henin | Compact preparation and a sharp, accurate topspin backhand | Won seven major singles titles |
| Pete Sampras | Reliable slice and a strong passing shot, often used to support his serve-and-volley game | Won 14 major singles titles |
| Richard Gasquet | High racket speed and a famously elegant, topspin-heavy swing | Reached the Wimbledon and US Open semifinals |
The great all-court backhands
Roger Federer: variety and disguise
Federer’s backhand is a good example of how one grip and swing can produce several different shots. He could roll a topspin drive crosscourt, redirect the ball down the line, or use a low slice to make an opponent hit up. The slice was especially useful because it changed the height and pace of a rally without giving away the point.
For much of his career, heavy topspin from Rafael Nadal tested Federer’s one-hander, particularly on clay. Federer’s later adjustment was telling: he took some balls earlier and attacked with a more assertive topspin drive rather than retreating and relying on defense. The lesson is not that every player should copy his exact swing, but that a one-handed backhand needs more than a beautiful finish. Positioning and early preparation matter just as much.
Stan Wawrinka: power through the ball
Wawrinka showed how forceful a one-handed backhand can be. His backswing and contact point let him drive through the ball with exceptional pace, and his down-the-line backhand was a regular weapon on big points. He won major titles on hard court and clay, demonstrating that the shot could hold up across different surfaces.
His style depended on a strong base and precise timing. When he had room to set up, he could attack from deep. When rushed or pulled wide, the same large swing was harder to manage. That contrast is a useful reminder: the biggest-looking backhand is not automatically the most reliable one. Footwork creates the time that lets power work.
Players who made control and slice count
Steffi Graf and Pete Sampras
Graf’s backhand was often associated with her slice. Rather than trying to overpower every ball, she could keep it low, change the rally’s rhythm, and create an opening for her powerful forehand. Against an opponent who preferred comfortable waist-high exchanges, a skidding slice could be awkward to attack.
Sampras also made the slice an important part of his game. His one-handed backhand helped him absorb pace, pass opponents at the net, and approach behind a low ball. It fit his serve-and-volley tactics: he did not need to hit a winner from the backhand corner if a controlled shot could set up the next move.
Justine Henin: an attacking model
Henin is one of the clearest examples of a woman using a one-handed backhand as an offensive shot. She could take the ball early, drive it sharply crosscourt, or change direction down the line. Her compact preparation helped her stay balanced and find the ball even when rallies moved quickly.
Her backhand also paired naturally with her movement. She could use it to open the court, then move forward to finish. For recreational players, the practical takeaway is that a one-hander does not have to be a retreating or defensive stroke. With sound spacing and a stable hitting arm, it can be used to take control.
Other notable one-handed backhands
The list of famous players reaches across generations. John McEnroe and Stefan Edberg used their backhands as part of attacking, net-focused games; Ivan Lendl built a powerful baseline game around his; and Gustavo Kuerten was known for his heavy clay-court groundstrokes. Among more recent players, Dominic Thiem developed a forceful one-hander and won the 2020 US Open. Richard Gasquet, Grigor Dimitrov, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Lorenzo Musetti, and Denis Shapovalov have also made the shot familiar to modern fans.
These players differ in grip, swing shape, and preferred tactics. Gasquet and Wawrinka are often admired for the pace and topspin they can generate. Dimitrov’s movement and fluid stroke invite comparisons with Federer, though their games are their own. Musetti is known for mixing topspin with touch and variation. One-handed backhands are not a single style; they are a family of strokes built around using one arm to swing the racket through contact.
What makes a one-handed backhand effective?
The stroke can offer a long reach, a natural slice, and a clear way to disguise changes in pace. It can also make it easier to transition from a groundstroke to a volley grip. But the player has less help from the second arm than on a two-hander, so balance, timing, and shoulder rotation are crucial. High, heavy balls can be particularly difficult if the player is late or contacts the ball too close to the body.
Watching the greats, notice what happens before contact. They turn their shoulders early, move into position, and meet the ball in front rather than reaching beside themselves. Their non-hitting arm often helps with balance during the preparation and follow-through. A one-hander may look like an arm-only shot, but good footwork and body rotation provide much of its control and power.
For a club player learning the stroke, start with a comfortable contact point and a reliable rally ball before trying to hit Wawrinka-like winners. Practise a crosscourt topspin shot and a controlled slice separately. The topspin drive helps you defend and attack; the slice gives you a lower, slower option when you need time or want to disrupt an opponent’s rhythm. If a two-hander suits your strength and timing better, there is no need to switch simply because a one-hander looks elegant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is considered to have the best one-handed backhand?
There is no single objective answer. Federer is often praised for variety and feel, Wawrinka for power, and Henin for precision and early timing. The choice depends on whether you value versatility, pace, or control most.
Which famous women used a one-handed backhand?
Steffi Graf and Justine Henin are two of the best-known examples. Graf used her slice to control points and set up her forehand, while Henin was especially effective driving the ball with topspin.
Is a one-handed backhand harder to learn?
It can be less forgiving when you are late or facing a high-bouncing ball, because the hitting arm has less support. Early preparation, good spacing, and balance make a major difference. Some players find the one-hander more comfortable than a two-hander, so the best choice depends on the individual.
Can a one-handed backhand be used against heavy topspin?
Yes, but the player needs to get into position early and choose the right contact point. Taking the ball earlier can prevent it from climbing too high. A slice can also be useful when a full topspin drive would be difficult to control.
Final Thoughts
The famous one-handed backhand players succeeded with different versions of the same basic idea. Federer used variety, Wawrinka brought exceptional force, Graf and Sampras made the slice a tactical tool, and Henin showed how quickly the stroke could change direction. Their games offer more than a picture-perfect swing: they show that preparation, balance, and a clear tactical purpose are what turn a stylish shot into a dependable weapon.
