A Look Back in Time

In the early days of tennis, when the sport was played with wooden rackets, all players used a one-handed backhand. As the game evolved—with improvements in training methods and racket technology—players became faster, stronger, and more agile. Eventually, using both hands for the backhand proved more adaptable to the modern demands of the sport.

Tennis legends like Bjorn Borg, Billie Jean King, and Chris Evert helped popularize the two-handed backhand in the 1970s, setting off a revolution that led many aspiring players to adopt this new standard.

The Rise of the Two-Handed Backhand

The benefits of the two-handed backhand became undeniable:

• Better returns

• Easier access to difficult balls

• Stronger counter-attacks

• Ability to handle high balls without stepping back

• Faster preparation and execution

This efficiency made the two-handed backhand the dominant style—leaving the one-hander in the shadows.

One-Handed Heroes Who Made History

Despite the trend, some players have reached the highest level using a one-handed backhand. Legends like Roger Federer, Guillermo Vilas, Gustavo Kuerten, Stanislas Wawrinka, Richard Gasquet, Justine Henin, and Amélie Mauresmo have shown the beauty and power of this shot.

While harder to execute, the one-hander offers advantages:

• Easier to slice

• Better for net play

• Potential to generate elegant and effective topspin

And of course, for many fans, it’s the most aesthetic shot in the game—a symbol of tennis artistry.

Fewer One-Handed Backhands Each Decade

Still, with every new generation, the number of one-handed backhands among top players continues to shrink. The reason? It's not just the success of the two-handed backhand—it's that fewer children are learning or being taught to play with one hand.

The trend reflects probabilities: fewer players with a one-handed backhand means fewer chances of seeing them at the top.

Will It Disappear Completely?

My take? The one-handed backhand won’t vanish entirely—at least not for a few more decades. Yes, the two-hander is more efficient for fast development, and if I were a parent or coach, I’d probably start there too.

But I hope kids who love the feel of the one-handed backhand won't give up on it. Enjoying your style of play and feeling confident with your shot should also be part of the learning journey.

Let’s give them the space to choose their path, and perhaps some of them will rise to the top—one-handed and proud.

Javier Marti (Exjugador Profesional ATP)