CroatiaThe article discusses the historical significance of the one-handed backhand in tennis, noting that for the first time since 1877, none of the four Grand Slam tournaments this year will feature a player using this technique in their semifinals. This marks the end of a 149-year tradition where at least one such player reached the semifinals annually. The last player to achieve this was Stefanos Tsitsipas, who was eliminated early in the US Open by American Brandon Nakashima. The article highlights notable players like Rod Laver, John McEnroe, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer, and others who used the one-handed backhand, emphasizing its decline over decades due to the rise of the two-handed backhand. According to data from Clay Tennis, the number of top players using the one-handed backhand has dropped significantly, from 62 among the world’s top 300 in 2013 to just 19 before this year’s US Open. The article notes that Lorenzo Musetti came closest to continuing the tradition at the Australian Open but withdrew due to injury. The shift in training methods, with many current coaches having been trained in the two-handed backhand, is cited as a reason for the decline.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a sports-related technical development in tennis and does not involve political figures, policies, or contentious issues. It provides historical context and statistical data without taking a stance or showing bias toward any particular group or ideology.
