By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Wednesday July 5, 2023
Stefanos Tsitsipas is aware of a factor or two in regards to the one-handed backhand. As the one participant within the ATP’s High 15 that presently wields the stroke, he is able to supply up perception on the stroke like few different elite gamers.
After his dramatic five-set win over Dominic Thiem on Day 3, the fifth-ranked Greek did simply that.
When requested who, in his thoughts, possesses essentially the most lovely backhand, Tsitsipas was not confused.
“I personally consider that the nicest single-handed backhand – in fact, I do not wish to embody myself in there as a result of that may be very egocentric – however I actually like Stan Wawrinka’s backhand,” he stated. I discover it very harmonic. Has a really good movement to it.”
Tsitsipas recollects moments watching Wawrinka in Australia, and being impressed by what the Swiss may do to the ball.
“I keep in mind watching him for the primary time on the Australian Open when he had this very lengthy match with Novak Djokovic. He was crushing these backhands,” he stated. “I believe on the time he was not whilst developed as he was when he gained three Grand Slams in Australia, Paris, and New York. It was his earlier years on the tour.
“I keep in mind how nice it was to look at him compete and play in opposition to top-of-the-line gamers on the earth on the time, how productive his one-handed backhand was switching it from cross to down the road.”
Tsitsipas is keen on the backhand of the person they name the Stanimal, however he’s additionally a fan of the magnificence of Richard Gasquet’s one-handed weapon. After which there may be the Swiss maestro and his regal single-handed strike.
“When it comes to magnificence and sweetness, I’d in all probability say Gasquet’s is a fantastic backhand,” he stated. “In any other case Roger’s.
“Roger has a really good movement, as effectively. It is poetry once you watch it. He can combine up the slice, which makes it an attention-grabbing mixture, switching from a single-handed backhand topspin to a slice.
“However I really feel like Stan’s single-handed backhand down the road is a lot better, for my part, having performed him.”
Tsitsipas and his one-hander will take to Centre Court docket on Thursday at Wimbledon to face Andy Murray.
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