By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Wednesday July 5, 2023
Stefanos Tsitsipas knows a thing or two about the one-handed backhand. As the only player in the ATP's Top 15 that currently wields the stroke, he is in a position to offer up insight on the stroke like few other elite players.
After his dramatic five-set win over Dominic Thiem on Day 3, the fifth-ranked Greek did just that.
When asked who, in his mind, possesses the most beautiful backhand, Tsitsipas was not at a loss for words.
“I personally believe that the nicest single-handed backhand - of course, I don't want to include myself in there because that would be very selfish - but I really like Stan Wawrinka's backhand,” he said. I find it very harmonic. Has a very nice flow to it."
Tsitsipas recalls moments watching Wawrinka in Australia, and being inspired by what the Swiss could do to the ball.
“I remember watching him for the first time at the Australian Open when he had this very long match with Novak Djokovic. He was crushing those backhands,” he said. “I think at the time he was not even as developed as he was when he won three Grand Slams in Australia, Paris, and New York. It was his earlier years on the tour.
“I remember how pleasant it was to watch him compete and play against one of the best players in the world at the time, how productive his one-handed backhand was switching it from cross to down the line.”
Tsitsipas is fond of the backhand of the man they call the Stanimal, but he’s also a fan of the elegance of Richard Gasquet’s one-handed weapon. And then there is the Swiss maestro and his regal single-handed strike.
“In terms of elegance and beauty, I would probably say Gasquet's is a beautiful backhand,” he said. “Otherwise Roger's.
“Roger has a very nice flow, as well. It's poetry when you watch it. He can mix up the slice, which makes it an interesting combination, switching from a single-handed backhand topspin to a slice.
“But I feel like Stan's single-handed backhand down the line is much better, in my opinion, having played him.”
Tsitsipas and his one-hander will take to Centre Court on Thursday at Wimbledon to face Andy Murray.