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

[skaj]

ATP
1.Nalbandian
2.Djokovic
3.Agassi
4.Safin
5.Connors
6.Nishikori
7.Mecir
8.Murray
9.Borg
10.Kafelnikov

 

[skaj]

WTA
1.Evert
2.Hingis
3.Sharapova
4.Seles
5.Venus
6.Serena
7.Davenport
8.Jankovic
9.Na Li
10.Safina

 

[Dartagnan64]

I like Djokovic's for its consistent depth. Nalbandian had more variety with his but if you can just hammer it within 6 inches of the baseline over and over again you'll win a lot of tennis matches.

 

[ak24alive]

Joe

 

[ak24alive]

Ko

 

[ak24alive]

Witch

 

[JMR]

ATP
1.Nalbandian
2.Djokovic
3.Agassi
4.Safin
5.Connors
6.Nishikori
7.Mecir
8.Murray
9.Borg
10.Kafelnikov

I probably don't agree with this exact ranking, but I applaud the recognition of great two-handers from different parts of the Open Era.

 

[Shaolin]

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.

/thread

 

[Luka888]

Djokovic and it's not even close. He can 'kill' you on the court with that shot. Not sure what part people do not understand here.

Nalbandian is great too. However, Djokovic moves so much better ... Novak can reach the ball from out of nowhere.

 

[Mkiske]

Novak Djokovic.

 

[Mechaniik]

Djokovic and it's not even close. He can 'kill' you on the court with that shot. Not sure what part people do not understand here.

Nalbandian is great too. However, Djokovic moves so much better ... Novak can reach the ball from out of nowhere.

This is a thread about the greatest backhand, though, not about the greatest combination of backhand and movement.

 

[Dartagnan64]

I guess its a matter of who's backhand would i rather watch vs. whose BH would I rather have. I'd rather watch Nalbandian as he hit his with flair and dramatics. I'd rather own Djokovic's as its hit with alarming precision and depth and that would win me a lot of matches.

 

[skaj]

I guess its a matter of who's backhand would i rather watch vs. whose BH would I rather have. I'd rather watch Nalbandian as he hit his with flair and dramatics. I'd rather own Djokovic's as its hit with alarming precision and depth and that would win me a lot of matches.

Don't worry, Nalbandian precision and depth would win you a lot of matches too

 

[Nadalgaenger]

The placement, the pace, depth, variety, control, consistency, he can hit it early, change the direction masterfully, cross-court, down the line...

I was watching Nalbandian highlights recently and was amazed by his short angle BH. So much precision.

 

[Winners or Errors]

Present is may it’s finest. Just too few mentions of Connors and Wilander here. Wilander had way more variety than anyone since, and Jimmy beat a lot of all time greats with a pretty subpar forehand. Also, little love for Hewitt or Murray, both of whom had backhands people avoided.

 

[roundiesee]

Agree with those who voted Nalbandian. It looks so effortless and casual. A classic shot for the ages.

 

[flanker2000fr]

In chronological order: Connors / Borg / Agassi / Nalbandian / Djokovic

Of that lot, my personal preference is Agassi, for the simplicity of the motion, and his ability to accelerate almost at will, cross-court as well as down the line.

 

[flanker2000fr]

Present is may it’s finest. Just too few mentions of Connors and Wilander here. Wilander had way more variety than anyone since, and Jimmy beat a lot of all time greats with a pretty subpar forehand. Also, little love for Hewitt or Murray, both of whom had backhands people avoided.

Agree with Wilander / Hewitt / Murray deserving of honorable mentions. But I guess they didn't do as much damage with the backhand as, say, Connors or Agassi of Djokovic.