The best backhand ever?

theagassiman · 03-17-2009, 10:48 PM

One of the most beautiful shots tennis had ever seen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTK3uOngTYM

hoodjem · 03-18-2009, 06:03 AM

Yes, Edberg's and Laver's backhands were two of the best.

Also, Lendl's topspin and Rosewall's slice, skidder backhand.

origmarm · 03-18-2009, 06:24 AM

It's definitely up there. I would have to say that Gasquet and Guga have really great motions also

Nellie · 03-18-2009, 06:48 AM

Too bad he had the worst forehand ever (and I am a big Edberg fan)

kanjii · 03-18-2009, 06:50 AM

Lendl's was beautiful to watch, power and accuracy.

GPB · 03-18-2009, 07:15 AM

I know he deserves no place in this thread, but I was impressed with Nicolas Almagro's backhand against Monfils in Mexico. I've never seen (or even heard of) Almagro before, but his backhand was a beauty to watch!

jaggy · 03-18-2009, 07:28 AM

I am a fan of the onehander and would go with Edberg. However, Safins 2 hander is amazing

ericsson · 03-18-2009, 09:41 AM

My vote goes to Becker!

hoodjem · 03-18-2009, 10:48 AM

Becker's was very good also, maybe outshone by his forehand. Good balance off both wings.

Rule26 · 03-18-2009, 11:18 AM

Don Budge deserves consideration

BTURNER · 03-18-2009, 01:12 PM

I go for Connors. That backhand could do anything for him. Not the most beautiful shot in history, but he could hit any spin to any part of court including moderate top, flat , slice and sidespin, return serve, approach, rally on any surface, lob, and volley with both hands on the racket. other honorable mentions in the doublehanded category include Borg, Agassi, and Wilander (first one I know to develop a 1 handed slice to compliment his two hander) For one handers besides Edberg: Vilas, Sampras, Pat Cash,and Federer cannot be forgotten.

theagassiman · 03-18-2009, 11:15 PM

We're talking about one handers here though. Although I definitely admire Connor's two-hander. Have you seen Agassi's though...

jean pierre · 03-19-2009, 09:09 AM

Vilas of course, and Laver for slice.

Cesc Fabregas · 03-19-2009, 09:16 AM

The best backhand I have ever seen is Agassi's.

hoodjem · 03-19-2009, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jean pierre

Vilas of course, and Laver for slice.

Yes. But Laver could do a slice or a huge topspin BH.

He had tremendous variety on his backhand. That's a big reason it's one of the best of all-time.

CyBorg · 03-19-2009, 09:59 AM

Rosewall, Budge, Laver, Borg, Edberg, Kuerten come to mind.

adidasman · 03-19-2009, 10:57 AM

Muster. Mantilla. Corretja.

theagassiman · 03-19-2009, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adidasman

Muster. Mantilla. Corretja.

All these guys we're mentioning yes, they all had awesome backhands.
But Edberg, Rosewall, Laver and maybe even Federer hit their backhands all with an effortlessness about them and that was what made them so special.

True, Muster certainly had a powerful backhand, but it wasn't hit with the same effortlessness and grace that Edberg or Rosewall hit theirs.

Michael Bluth · 03-19-2009, 05:54 PM

Guga for the one-hander, Safin or Agassi for the two hander.

no_dark_things · 03-19-2009, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theagassiman

All these guys we're mentioning yes, they all had awesome backhands.
But Edberg, Rosewall, Laver and maybe even Federer hit their backhands all with an effortlessness about them and that was what made them so special.

True, Muster certainly had a powerful backhand, but it wasn't hit with the same effortlessness and grace that Edberg or Rosewall hit theirs.

I think Guga had the best one hander. I would have mentioned Federer but I can't go with someone who runs around their backhand. I was surprised when I noticed Muster virtually had no loop to his back hand. Seemed like he drew it back and down and muscled it which while effective you're right about it lacking grace.

Is this limited to guys only cause I know it's an easy response but I do like Henin's backhand as well.

03-17-2009, 10:48 PM	#1
theagassiman Rookie Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 323	The best backhand ever? One of the most beautiful shots tennis had ever seen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTK3uOngTYM

03-18-2009, 06:03 AM	#2
hoodjem G.O.A.T. Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Bierlandt Posts: 10,020	Yes, Edberg's and Laver's backhands were two of the best. Also, Lendl's topspin and Rosewall's slice, skidder backhand. __________________ The smart man thinks he knows a lot; the wise man is aware that he knows little. Last edited by hoodjem : 03-19-2009 at 05:47 AM.

03-18-2009, 06:50 AM	#5
kanjii Semi-Pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 597	Lendl's was beautiful to watch, power and accuracy. __________________ "Revenge is a dish best served cold" - Old Klingon Proverb

03-18-2009, 09:41 AM	#8
ericsson Hall Of Fame Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Land of beer and chocolate Posts: 3,549	My vote goes to Becker! __________________ Sports do not build character. They reveal it.

03-18-2009, 10:48 AM	#9
hoodjem G.O.A.T. Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Bierlandt Posts: 10,020	Becker's was very good also, maybe outshone by his forehand. Good balance off both wings. __________________ The smart man thinks he knows a lot; the wise man is aware that he knows little.