The greatest tennis backhands are not all built the same way. Some players use a one-handed swing to create sharp angles and heavy topspin; others rely on a two-handed backhand for stability, pace, and control under pressure.
Looking across different eras, the standout names include Novak Djokovic, Stan Wawrinka, Justine Henin, Andre Agassi, and Steffi Graf. Their strokes excelled for different reasons, from returning serve to taking the ball early or changing direction down the line. Here’s what made each backhand special—and what players can learn from it.
What Makes a Tennis Backhand Great?
A great backhand is more than a powerful shot. It needs to hold up against pace, work from different positions, and give a player options when a rally gets difficult. The best backhands can defend with depth, attack a short ball, and change direction without giving an opponent much warning.
Technique matters, but so does fit. A two-handed backhand often offers extra stability, while a one-handed backhand can create reach, slice, and fluid topspin. Neither style is automatically better. The right comparison is how effectively a player used the shot in the tennis of their era.
Some of the Greatest Tennis Backhands
Novak Djokovic: The Most Complete Two-Hander
Djokovic’s backhand is often praised for its balance of control and defense. He can absorb a fast shot and send it back deep, then switch to a firm, low-risk drive when the opening appears. His down-the-line backhand is especially dangerous because he can change direction without a large, obvious change in preparation.
The stroke is also central to his return game. Against big servers, Djokovic uses compact preparation to block or redirect the ball, often turning a serve into a neutral rally. For club players, his example is a reminder that a backhand does not need a huge swing to produce a useful, deep shot.
Stan Wawrinka: The One-Handed Powerhouse
Wawrinka’s backhand is one of the most explosive one-handed strokes of the modern era. From a strong position, he can drive through the ball with pace and hit a sharp crosscourt angle or a powerful line change. The shot helped him take time away from elite opponents, particularly when he could step in and meet the ball early.
That level of attack takes precise timing and strong footwork. Wawrinka’s backhand is a useful model for players who want to hit a one-hander with authority, but copying the size of his swing without his balance can lead to errors. Start with a stable base and clean contact.
Justine Henin: A One-Hander Built for Every Situation
Henin’s backhand combined topspin, slice, and touch. She could defend with a high, heavy ball, drive a winner down the line, or use a slice to keep the ball low. That variety made her one-handed backhand effective on different surfaces and against different styles.
Her shot shows why variety can matter as much as raw pace. A change in height or spin can disrupt an opponent’s rhythm and create a shorter reply. Henin was also a strong example of how a smaller player can use timing and balance to produce a penetrating backhand.
Andre Agassi: The Early-Ball Standard
Agassi’s two-handed backhand was a weapon for taking the ball early. He often met the ball on the rise, cutting down an opponent’s recovery time and keeping rallies on his terms. His compact swing helped him redirect pace rather than simply rally back to the middle of the court.
That approach remains valuable for players who want to play closer to the baseline. It requires good reading and quick footwork: arrive late, and an early contact point can turn into a rushed shot. Agassi’s backhand worked because his preparation was ready before the ball reached him.
Steffi Graf: A Famous Backhand Slice
Graf is best known for her forehand, but her backhand slice was a major tactical tool. She used it to keep the ball low, change the pace, and draw opponents forward or out of position. On grass and fast courts, a skidding slice could make an attack difficult to control.
Her example broadens the idea of a “great” backhand. A shot does not have to be a topspin winner to shape a match. A well-placed slice can buy time, break rhythm, and set up a player’s strongest next shot.
Rafael Nadal: Heavy Spin and Relentless Defense
Nadal’s left-handed, two-handed backhand could produce deep, heavy topspin from well behind the baseline. It helped him handle high balls and defend wide positions, while his ability to run around the backhand made the shot part of a larger pattern: use the backhand to stay in the rally, then attack with the forehand when possible.
His backhand was not always about hitting a winner. Depth and spin gave him time to recover and pushed opponents away from the court. That is a practical lesson for players who feel they must attack every ball: a heavy, deep reply can be an excellent choice.
Andy Murray: A Reliable Two-Handed Defender
Murray’s backhand was a steady answer to pace and a key part of his defensive game. He could stretch wide, return the ball with depth, and keep a rally alive until an opening appeared. He was also capable of taking the ball early and redirecting it, especially when he had time to set his feet.
The strength of the shot was its reliability in demanding situations. Murray’s backhand is a good example of how consistency can become an attacking skill: when a player can return one more difficult ball, the opponent may be forced to take a bigger risk.
Richard Gasquet: A Classic One-Handed Topspin Stroke
Gasquet’s backhand stands out for its high, elegant finish and ability to produce heavy topspin. He could use it to defend from deep, create sharp crosscourt angles, and strike winners down the line. The height and spin gave the stroke a different look from flatter one-handed drives.
His backhand highlights the value of racket-head speed and a full, relaxed swing. Players should still adapt the technique to their own strength and timing; a comfortable contact point is more important than copying a professional’s follow-through.
Backhand Styles at a Glance
| Player | Style | Signature strength |
|---|---|---|
| Novak Djokovic | Two-handed | Control, defense, and return of serve |
| Stan Wawrinka | One-handed | Power and direction changes |
| Justine Henin | One-handed | Topspin, slice, and variety |
| Andre Agassi | Two-handed | Taking the ball early |
| Steffi Graf | One-handed slice | Low bounce and tactical disruption |
| Rafael Nadal | Two-handed | Heavy spin and defense |
| Andy Murray | Two-handed | Consistency and counterpunching |
| Richard Gasquet | One-handed | Topspin and sharp angles |
Which Backhand Is Best for Your Game?
There is no single best backhand style for every player. A two-hander may feel more secure when handling fast or high-bouncing balls. A one-hander can offer reach and a natural slice, but it asks for good timing and a strong contact point in front of the body.
When studying the greats, focus on decisions as much as mechanics. Notice when they defend crosscourt, when they change direction, and how they use slice or depth to earn a better ball. Those choices are often easier to adapt to your own game than a professional’s exact swing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has the greatest backhand in tennis history?
There is no universal answer. Djokovic is a leading choice for the most complete two-handed backhand, while Wawrinka and Henin are often admired for their one-handed attacking and all-court strokes.
Is a one-handed or two-handed backhand better?
Neither is best for everyone. Two hands can make it easier to control pace and high balls. One hand can provide reach, slice, and a fluid attacking swing. Comfort, strength, and practice should guide the choice.
Which backhand is easiest for a beginner to learn?
Many beginners find a two-handed backhand easier to control because the second hand helps support the racket. The best option is still the one that feels balanced and allows you to make clean contact consistently.
How can I improve my backhand quickly?
Prepare early, move into position, and aim for a deep crosscourt target before trying for winners. Practicing steady rallies with good footwork builds a stronger foundation than swinging harder at every ball.
Final Thoughts
The greatest tennis backhands reflect different ways to solve the same problem: how to control a rally from the backhand side. Djokovic and Agassi show the value of timing and compact control; Wawrinka and Henin show the attacking range of a one-hander; Graf shows how a slice can shape a point. Study the choices behind the strokes, then borrow the ideas that suit your own game.
