The One-Handed Backhand Renaissance: Why the Dying Art Is Making a Comeback

For two decades, the tennis establishment preached a simple gospel: the two-handed backhand is superior. More stable. More reliable. Better for returning the heavy topspin that dominates modern tennis. The one-hander was a relic, beautiful but impractical.

That gospel is being rewritten.

The Numbers

In 2020, only 3 of the ATP Top 20 used a one-handed backhand. In 2026, that number has risen to 7. More tellingly, the average ranking of one-handed backhand players has improved from 45th to 28th over the same period.

Why Now?

The resurgence can be attributed to three factors:

1. The Slice Renaissance

The one-handed backhand produces a naturally more effective slice. As the game has evolved, the ability to change pace and use the slice as an offensive weapon — not just a defensive bail-out — has become increasingly valuable.

2. Reach Advantage

On stretched balls, the one-hander provides roughly 6 inches of additional reach. In an era where court coverage and defensive ability are paramount, this advantage is significant.

3. The Federer Effect

An entire generation grew up watching Federer's backhand and chose to emulate it. Those juniors are now reaching the top of the professional game.

The Technical Evolution

Modern one-handed backhands look different from their predecessors. The grip has shifted slightly more western, allowing for greater topspin production. The preparation is more compact, reducing the timing window issues that plagued earlier versions.

Musetti's backhand, in particular, represents the next evolution: a shot that combines the aesthetic beauty of the classic stroke with modern topspin rates that rival two-handed backhands.