Who has the greatest two-handed backhand in tennis history?

Djokovic

Of those I've seen, Andre Agassi and Novak Djokovic are the standouts

Agassi's was more explosive, more a weapon. But Djokovic's has been more reliable, consistent, trustworthy

I'd go with Djokovic - by its nature, the backhand is more a shield than sword, and Djoko's was the steadiest

And amidst the steadiness, he always pressured his opponents with it... not necessarily forcing an error but, shall we say encouraging errors

Going backhand to backhand with Djoko, one felt he wouldn't be the first to blink

And of course, no right hander has handled Rafael Nadal's monster crosscourt forehand as well as Djoko

I think he could have done still more with it offensively (like Agassi and the far less consistent Safin did) but understand his choosing not to... if it ain't broken, don't fix it type reasoning
 
From what I can tell Nalbandian has the best angles, Safin has power, Agassi/Kafelnikov can take it early and change directions easily, while Djokovic/Murray defend very well. Slice maybe Murray and Nalbandian from this list, but I can't tell.

If there is anyone who scores highly in all areas, it is probably Djokovic, though his slice isn't that good and he doesn't hit the hardest BH either.
 
Decent statistical arguments have been made to suggest that Kei Nishikori has the best backhand of active players. Murray and Djokovic come out about equal, some distance short of Kei. Agassi was way ahead of the pack back in his day.

But if you haven't won slams, preferably 10+, you usually lose by default in these discussions. There are even a lot of people who argue Pete had a better serve than Karlovic.
 
I like Kei's backhand, but it's not as reliable as Djoko's. Although Kei tries to do more with it while Djoko hits a safer ball. What makes Djoko's backhand so effective is that he can change direction effortlessly. He can switch it down the line with good net clearance. No need to rip it 90 MPH.
 
Novak+Djokovic+1.png
 
Safin, Nadal, Djokovic, Nalbandian...Alex Zverev has potential to make the list in the near future.

I like Murray's backhand but would I be biased as I'm a fan?
 
1. Djokovic
2. Nalbandian
3. Agassi
4. Murray
5. Zverev (in a couple of years). I think Zverev's may be the best ever by the end of his career.
 
Agassi's was the cleanest. Novak's isn't on that level, but his flexibility allows him to reach balls on that side that Andre could only dream of.
 
MeatTornado said:
Agassi's was the cleanest. Novak's isn't on that level, but his flexibility allows him to reach balls on that side that Andre could only dream of.
Click to expand...

Agassi had a really fast recovery on his backhand. He could return to a squared and balanced stance so quickly after the ball strike. Can someone explain it technically?
 
Last edited:
Evert not only did not get coached in how to hit one, she defied her coach every time she hit one, every time dear old Dad left the courts, she belted it. And now look at women's tennis.
 
Zverev definitely on pace to have one of the best. It’s so effortless and while NDjo is steady Alex can put a dagger in you w his.
 
Nole, Murray, Nalbandian, Agassi and Safin (in no particular order).
 
The placement, the pace, depth, variety, control, consistency, he can hit it early, change the direction masterfully, cross-court, down the line...

 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Gadz
Who currently on tour has the nicest looking two handed backhand
2
Replies
69
Views
5K
jg153040
J
V
Best Two-Handed Backhand in Tennis??
Replies
28
Views
4K
monologuist
M
T
one handed backhand vs two
2
Replies
54
Views
4K
Tempest344
Tempest344
U
Pros who have switched from 1 to 2 handed backhand (or vice versa)
Replies
2
Views
807
so_cute_and_fluffy
S
King No1e
Greatest returner with a one-handed BH?
Replies
27
Views
1K
NonP
NonP
Back
Top