One-handed backhand players miss grand slam semifinals for first time

For the first time since 1877, no player with a single-handed backhand reached a Grand Slam semifinal. The streak ended at the U.S. Open this month after Stefanos Tsitsipas, the last remaining player utilizing the stroke, lost in the fourth round to Ben Shelton. The transition toward the double-handed backhand reflects a broader tactical shift in professional tennis, where players increasingly prioritize defensive stability and return quality on a power-baseline circuit. Statistics show that 95 of the top 100 men and 96 of the top 100 women currently use a double-handed backhand. Experts and players note that the evolution of the game, characterized by heavier ball striking and wider court angles, has marginalized the traditional one-handed approach. While Roger Federer previously championed the shot for its technical elegance, the current era is dominated by players who rely on the two-handed backhand to defend and generate power.

• 9:16 AMYahoo Sports — In tennis, the one-handed backhand’s unwanted Grand Slam milestone is natural selection