Teodor Davidov debuts ambidextrous play at the US Open juniors

3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 10, 2026, 2:25 PM

Last updated Sep 10, 2026

Teodor Davidov debuts ambidextrous play at the US Open juniors
Summary

Sixteen-year-old Teodor Davidov reached the US Open juniors this week in New York, garnering attention for his rare ambidextrous playing style. Davidov competes without a traditional backhand, instead utilizing his ability to serve and hit with both his left and right hands to increase court coverage and alter ball spin. The junior wildcard entrant teamed with Tyler Lee to secure a first-round victory against Pedro Henrique Chabalgoity and Leonardo Storck Franca on Monday. Despite the win in doubles, Davidov exited the singles bracket following a first-round loss on Sunday. He developed the skill at age eight during backhand training drills and has since refined the technique to improve his balance and range on the court. Davidov now looks to build on his Flushing Meadows experience as he continues his career development in the junior circuit.

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By the Numbers
  • •Teodor Davidov is playing in the US Open juniors tournament as a wildcard entry.
  • •He won his first-round doubles match with partner Tyler Lee on Monday.
  • •Davidov alternates serves and groundstrokes between his left and right hands.
  • •He does not use a backhand in his current playing style.
  • •The 16-year-old was eliminated from the singles draw on Sunday.
Latest Updates
  • 2:25 PMThe Guardian Sport — Two forehands, no backhands: meet the US Open’s fascinating ambidextrous experiment
  • 2:25 PMYahoo Sports — Two forehands, no backhands: meet the US Open’s fascinating ambidextrous experiment
  • 11:30 PMYahoo Sports — Tennis-Look, ma, two hands! Ambidextrous teen delights US Open
What they're saying
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Teo Davidov doesn’t hit backhands. He serves from both sides. The 16-year-old from Denver is treating the tennis world to a wildly unorthodox style – and proving it’s more than a parlor trick Teo Davidov always has the upper hands. An amiable junior prodigy from Denver, the 16-year-old was the oddest sight at this year’s US Open, the only player in the tournament – man, woman or junior – who hits only forehands. To be clear: it’s not that he doesn’t have a backhand or can’t hit a backhand. He’s ambidextrous and so he doesn’t bother with them. It’s nothing personal. “To be honest, I like the traditional backhand-forehand,” he says. “I like the classiness of it. I like hitting backhands myself just to play around, just for fun.” He hits those from both wings, too. Continue reading...

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By Amy Tennery NEW YORK, Sept 7 (Reuters) - Ambidextrous American teen Teodor Davidov made his Flushing Meadows debut this week and he's grabbing the opportunity with both hands, hoping to flummox his

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Teo Davidov doesn’t hit backhands. He serves from both sides. The 16-year-old from Denver is treating the tennis world to a wildly unorthodox style – and proving it’s more than a parlor trick

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