The Decline of the One-Handed Backhand: A Sad Farewell to a Cool Shot

TLDRThe one-handed backhand is disappearing from the top 10 rankings in men's tennis for the first time ever, signaling the end of an era. This decline can be attributed to the rise of two-handed backhands, advancements in technology, and changes in playing surfaces, making the one-hander less effective. While the one-handed backhand may still be aesthetically pleasing, it has become impractical in the modern game.

Key insights

🎾The one-handed backhand has fallen out of fashion and is no longer as effective in today's game.

🔄Advancements in technology and changes in playing surfaces have favored players with two-handed backhands.

🔥Players like Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka have showcased the beauty and skill of the one-handed backhand, but their success cannot save it from decline.

🎾🌍Junior players are less likely to adopt the one-handed backhand, leading to a decrease in its prevalence.

😢The decline of the one-handed backhand marks the end of an era, leaving a void in the game of tennis.

Q&A

Why is the one-handed backhand declining in popularity?

The one-handed backhand is becoming less popular due to the rise of two-handed backhands, advances in technology, and changes in playing surfaces.

Is the one-handed backhand still effective in the modern game?

While the one-handed backhand is still aesthetically pleasing, it has become less practical and effective in today's tennis.

Which players have showcased the beauty of the one-handed backhand?

Players like Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka have demonstrated the skill and elegance of the one-handed backhand in their performances.

Are junior players still learning the one-handed backhand?

There is a decrease in junior players adopting the one-handed backhand, leading to its decline in prevalence.

What does the decline of the one-handed backhand mean for the future of tennis?

The decline of the one-handed backhand marks the end of an era and leaves a void in the game of tennis.

Timestamped Summary

00:00The one-handed backhand is disappearing from the top 10 rankings in men's tennis for the first time.

03:32Players know what works in tennis, and the rise of two-handed backhands has contributed to the decline of the one-hander.

05:22Advances in technology and changes in playing surfaces have favored players with two-handed backhands.

07:20While the one-handed backhand may still be aesthetically pleasing, it has become impractical in the modern game.

09:49Junior players are less likely to adopt the one-handed backhand, leading to a decrease in its prevalence.