Right-handed tennis players make up the familiar majority on the courts, but a player’s dominant hand is only part of the story. Backhand style, footwork and shot patterns all shape how a right-hander builds points—and how opponents can challenge them.
From Roger Federer’s one-handed backhand to Novak Djokovic’s two-handed defense, top right-handed players have succeeded with very different games. Knowing the common patterns can help you understand professional matches and make smarter choices in your own singles or doubles play.
What Does “Right-Handed” Mean in Tennis?
A right-handed tennis player holds the racket in the right hand for forehands and serves. Their backhand may be hit with one hand or two. With a two-handed backhand, the left hand also grips the racket and helps drive the shot, but the player is still considered right-handed.
Dominant hand affects more than the swing. It influences which side feels natural for a forehand, how a player serves, and how they move into shots. It does not dictate a whole style: two right-handed players can have very different strengths, and a left-handed player may use familiar patterns from the opposite side.
Famous Right-Handed Tennis Players
Many of the sport’s best-known players are right-handed. The examples below show how much variety there is within that group.
| Player | Handedness | Backhand | Notable strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roger Federer | Right-handed | One-handed | All-court attacking and touch |
| Novak Djokovic | Right-handed | Two-handed | Return of serve and baseline defense |
| Carlos Alcaraz | Right-handed | Two-handed | Variety, speed and forward movement |
| Jannik Sinner | Right-handed | Two-handed | Clean, powerful groundstrokes |
| Serena Williams | Right-handed | Two-handed | Serve power and first-strike tennis |
| Pete Sampras | Right-handed | One-handed | Serve-and-volley play |
The mix is a useful reminder: handedness tells you which hand leads, not whether a player prefers defense, power or the net. Federer and Sampras used one-handed backhands, while Djokovic and Sinner rely on two hands for their backhands. Each approach has its own strengths and demands.
Common Tactical Patterns for Right-Handers
The forehand crosscourt pattern
When two right-handed players rally from the baseline, a right-hander’s forehand hit crosscourt often lands on the opponent’s backhand side. That can be a safe way to apply pressure: the ball travels over the lower part of the net and has more court to land in than a down-the-line shot.
A player may repeat that pattern to stretch the opponent, then change direction down the line when a shorter ball arrives. The change is more difficult and riskier, so it usually works best after the player has created space or drawn the opponent out of position.
Serving to different targets
Right-handed servers can use flat, slice and kick serves to change the returner’s timing and position. A slice serve curves away from the receiver, while a kick serve jumps higher after the bounce. The most useful target depends on the court side, the receiver’s handedness and the server’s strengths.
Rather than chasing speed on every serve, a right-hander can vary placement and follow the serve with a clear plan. For example, serving wide to pull the receiver off court may open space for the next shot. A serve aimed at the body can jam a returner who is leaning toward a corner.
Why Left-Handed Opponents Can Feel Different
Right-handers often see other right-handers in practice, so a left-handed opponent can disrupt familiar patterns. The ball comes off the racket from a different angle, and the lefty’s forehand and backhand sides are reversed compared with a right-hander’s. That changes where crosscourt shots land and which serves move away from the receiver.
Preparation helps. In warm-up, notice which side the opponent favors and how their serve moves. During the match, focus on the ball’s direction and bounce rather than assuming a pattern based on handedness. If a lefty’s forehand is the bigger weapon, a right-hander may try to build rallies toward the backhand—but should be ready for the opponent to run around it.
Tips for Right-Handed Players
- Build a dependable backhand. A steady backhand lets you stay in rallies instead of running around every ball and leaving the court open.
- Practice changing direction. Learn when to redirect a crosscourt rally down the line, and avoid trying it from a stretched or off-balance position.
- Use serve placement. Mix locations and spin so the returner cannot settle into one rhythm.
- Train against left-handers when possible. Even occasional practice can make their angles and serve patterns feel less unusual.
- Adjust your footwork, not just your grip. Early preparation and balanced recovery matter more than trying to force extra power from the dominant hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are most professional tennis players right-handed?
Right-handed players are the majority in tennis, as they are in the wider population. The exact share varies by tour, field and era, so it is better not to assume that every draw has the same proportion.
Can a right-handed player have a two-handed backhand?
Yes. Many right-handed players use both hands on their backhand. The left hand helps guide and drive the racket, while the player’s dominant hand remains the right.
Who are some famous right-handed tennis players?
Well-known examples include Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Serena Williams and Pete Sampras. Their different backhands and playing styles show that handedness does not determine how a player must compete.
How should a right-handed player prepare for a left-handed opponent?
Pay close attention during the warm-up to the opponent’s serve direction, preferred groundstroke and recovery habits. Then adjust your court position and shot choices to the actual patterns you see rather than relying on assumptions.
Final Thoughts
Being right-handed gives a tennis player a natural starting point for their forehand, serve and court patterns, but it does not define their game. One-handed and two-handed backhands, aggressive serving and patient baseline play can all succeed. For players and fans alike, the useful question is not only which hand leads, but how the player uses that advantage to control the point.
