Best slice backhand post Rosewall?

[JohnThomas1]

Rosewall is well recognised as having the best slice backhand in history, what are the best examples since?!?!?!

I would have to think Steffi, her slice backhand was just a scythe! On the mens side Edberg had an excellent slice, very versatile and quite penetrating. Johan Kriek also had a very penetrating slice backhand. McEnroe's to was quite decent and i think Lendl's was very much underrated, he rarely missed one and hit thru the ball so well. None can match Ken's tho for mine. Any other comments?

 

[Kirko]

I had the pleasure of seeing Rosewall play in person albeit as a senior player his slice backhand was almost a flat shot that real force behind it & he put it were ever he wanted. Graf as great as she was hers looked like she had to hit it meaning she could not run around & hit her monster forehand . Rosewall was in a class by himself.

 

[iamamultitasker]

Federer slice backhand is nice!

I think Roger Federer has a pretty good slice backhand which is doubly effective given he can skillfully hit the flat and topspin shots from that side too. I don't watch much tv, but I paid really close attention to his match with Nalbandian at the AusOpen. Several times Federer got unforced errors from Nalbandian by mixing his slice in with topspin. It is hard to do, but changing pace and spin really keeps your opponent from getting too grooved on your shot.

I have a lot of admiration for Rosewall as I grew up watching him and the other Aussies, but he wouldn't stand a chance against a modern player like Federer.

 

[galain]

JohnThomas

Whereabouts in Oz are you? It's nice to have another Aussie on the boards.

I watched Rosewall play at this year's Oz Open and came away open mouthed in admiration at his backhand. It is truly a great shot.

Of the modern era guys, I'd say Edberg had a very good slice backhand and Rafter did too, although he tended to float his sometimes. Johnny Mac hit some outrageous slice backhands in his time as well.

In the women, it's always hard to go past Steffi. She seemed one of the few women for whom the slice backhand was an offensive shot. I always thought Jana Novotna had a nice slice as well.

 

[JohnThomas1]

Agree with everything you said galain. I am in Rockhampton, QLD. Federers slice looks pretty innocuous but it must have some serious work on it. It never seems to get attacked. Gee Kirko that would have been neat, he is a legend and oh that backhand.

 

[Kirko]

It was ! Saw him play Mal Anderson on clay . Both very very fit ! Rosewall was using the old Wilson Ultra II . He hit the ball so "clean" that it looked like he was using one of those super oversize rackets , just a dark greasy patch in the sweet spot.

 

[JohnThomas1]

Now we have some common ground! Would you believe i am playing the annual Rockhampton Town and Country championships with none other than Mal's son Gary? He played last year with my team and did his hammy one round from the semi's playing doubles with me, we were edged out in the semi's without him. I thought he played superb but apparently he hadn't hit in ages and comes up this time fully ready. He is an amazing volleyer and is also bringing his son who is quite a player i believe. I wonder if his dad might drop in He might be based in the States for all i know, i must ask.

 

[galain]

Outrageous!

I lived in Rocky for a few years while I was student at what was then the CIAE/UCCQ/UCQ. I came within a whisker of dating Nikki Laver - Rocket Rod's niece.

Are you at the uni John Thomas? There were 2 very sad looking ashphalt courts when I studied there - I hope the situation has improved since then. It was enough to turm me into a squash player for 4 years (good ol' SquashBowl). Ahh - I'm getting all misty eyed!

 

[Jack Romeo]

The Great Pete Sampras once said that Mark Woodforde had the best slice among his contemporaries. Of the players today, I think Fed is definitely the best slicer.

Among the women, I'm surprised no one is talking about Martina Navaratilova's slice. She used it offensively as an approach shot, as a rally ball, and also defensively. She also had all the angles and drop shots. Steffi used her slice mainly for rallying. I don't recall Graf ever coming in behind a slice approach. Novotna and Sabatini also have great slices.

Of today's top women, only JHH and Mauresmo slice their backhands with any authority.

 

[JohnThomas1]

Hey galain, nah haven't studied there but went to their gym for 5 years. The g/f and i used to go to the uni bar too for a bit when it run hot. Can't say i've met Nikki, but that would have been something hehehe.

Great comments Jack, and you jogged my memory about the Sampras comment!! I also fully agree about Martina's slice, and the other four were/are good too. There is a real art to owning a penetrating slice isn't there, a real knack to it.