Roger Federer is best known among fans for his sophisticated gameplay on the court. He was a master player and took the game to greater heights in his prime. When Federar played, he made sure that all eyes were on him. So naturally, people were enamored with him and the sport as well.
The legend eventually retired in 2022, with 20 Grand Slam titles to his name and a highly decorated career that spanned over two decades. His accolades are a testament to his great skills. The one thing that usually comes up in a conversation about Federer is his one-handed backhand.
His backhand was truly a sight to behold. It was as graceful as it was precise. It quickly became one of the tennis legend’s trademark shots. Imagine the surprise and thrill amongst the loyal Federar fans when they saw him play a two-handed backhand just recently. But it seems that fans were not as thrilled.
Now in retirement, @rogerfederer is adding new things to his game..
🎥 @kielcariah pic.twitter.com/HAF6F2yexa
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 3, 2023
The video is part of Uniqlo’s series with Federer in New York City. While Roger may have hung up his racket, he is still an active part of the tennis community.
Since this video surfaced online, fans cannot wrap their heads around Federer playing a backhand with both hands. Here are some of the best reactions that fans had upon spectating Federar’s magic on the court.
Never thought I would see #RogerFedera doing a double back hander.
— Bree Symons (@BreeSymons) August 4, 2023
This looks so wrong.
— azazel_2100 (@2100Azazel) August 3, 2023
The following reaction sums it up well.
Silly dabbling – that’s what retirement is all about! But we all know the truth. He’s an artist. The court is his canvas. The racket is his brush. And his one-handed backhand is a masterpiece.
— Heidi Ekey (@heidiekey) August 4, 2023
Some fans have wondered if Federer could have won more slams like Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic if he played the shot with both hands. We will never know and can only ask ourselves What if?
What made Roger Federer’s backhand so effective?
Most players on the tour prefer to hit the ball hard. As a result, a two-handed backhand is a common sight. A one-handed backhand shot is almost a dying art. But Federer used it as a weapon and he did it beautifully.
So what really made his trademark shot so effective? Federer was very versatile with the shot. He could either slice the ball or power through the regular spin on the ball. Roger could also hit it on the rise and from behind the baseline.
Federer used the textbook method of playing a backhand. Like the players he idolized while growing up, chiefly Pete Sampras, Roger used an eastern backhanded grip. This let him hit the ball with power and spin.
Federer had excellent footwork too. He could move in any direction and strike the ball at the perfect contact point. Roger could make quick adjustments on the go, which made it so effective.
The Swiss maestro is a loved figure worldwide. Despite his retirement, his influence has not diminished at all. Roger Federer continues to impart his knowledge to budding players, and he continues to inspire to date.