Stefanos Tsitsipas cruised into the second round of the US Open with a 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 victory against Milos Raonic. Many had predicted this could be a tricky match for the Greek but Tsitsipas did well to avoid an early upset. While the match showcased a lot of exciting moments, it was Tsitsipas’ single-handed backhand that stole the spotlight. After the match, Tsitsipas admitted that he hoped to take the legacy of single-hand backhand forward from Roger Federer and Pete Sampras.
In the era dominated by powerful two-handed backhands, Stefanos Tsitsipas stands as one of the few players who continues to use the single-handed backhand with finesse and precision. The Greek superstar mentioned that he switched from two-handed backhand to single-handed backhand when he was eight years old, and he hasn’t looked back since.
Sustaining the legacy of the single-handed backhand
Talking in the post match interview, Tsitsipas opened up about his admiration for tennis legends Roger Federer and Pete Sampras, both known for their incredible single-handed backhands. Tsitsipas expressed his desire to carry forward the legacy of this classic shot, ensuring that the art of the single-handed backhand does not fade away from the modern game. The Greek admitted that he wants to acknowledge the greatness of Federer and Sampras through the single-hand backhand and hoped to take the legacy forward.
“I’m here to kind of not have it die. I won’t say successor, but the reason I do play a single-handed backhand is because of Roger. I kind of in a way want to be his successor, as big as this may sound. Also Pete Sampras was my hero growing up. I don’t want to copy them, but I just want to acknowledge their greatness through that shot.”
Tsitsipas’ statement shows his deep admiration for two of the pioneers of tennis as well as his resolve to preserve the grace of the single-handed backhand. He looks at himself as a torchbearer, attempting to take forward the legacy of a shot that has captivated the tennis fans’ for decades.
Stefanos Tsitsipas’s journey of single-hand backhand
Stefanos Tsitsipas is one of the few players on tour who still use the single-hand backhand. The shot made famous by Sampras and Federer, shows grace and effectiveness but is considered one of the toughest shots in the tennis book. The Greek has admitted to start with a double-handed backhand before shifting to single-hand backhand early in his career.
Tsitsipas was eight years old when he decided to shift to a single-handed backhand. The Greek has admitted that making such a drastic change so early in his career was difficult for him but he was determined to succeed and stuck by it. The 25-year-old further added that even his coach at the time was reluctant about his decision but Tsitsipas feels everything worked out well and the single-hand backhand now defines him.
“I switched and I committed to a single-handed backhand at the age of eight. I remember my second coach at the time, I remember that moment very well, he kind of made fun of me. He said, Stef, are you ever going to decide what you follow? Kind of joked that day. I took it seriously, so I said, Single-handed backhand it is. I’m just committing to that. I’m going all the way, not looking back. It stuck since then. It’s my signature shot today. It kind of defines me.”
Tsitsipas’s determination to perfect this shot has not only distinguished him in the modern game, but also established his standing as a player who cherishes tradition and elegance. Players like Dominic Thiem and Stan Wawrinka have also showcased the beauty and efficacy of the shot, demonstrating its relevance even in the modern era.
