Wawrinka’s Last Stand: A Beautiful Backhand Signals the End of an Era in Tennis
The final game of Stan Wawrinka’s match against Taylor Fritz wasn’t just a contest; it was a farewell. A farewell not just to a three-time Grand Slam champion, but to a style of play – a technical elegance – that is rapidly disappearing from the professional tennis landscape. Wawrinka, at 40, unleashed a final, breathtaking one-handed backhand, a shot that resonated with history and a hint of melancholy. This is breaking news for tennis fans, but also a moment for reflection on the evolution of the sport and the enduring power of artistry.
The Anatomy of a Masterful Stroke
The rally itself was a testament to Wawrinka’s grit. Fritz relentlessly targeted his forehand, then pivoted to exploit the backhand. What followed was a sequence of five consecutive one-handed backhands from Wawrinka, each a display of controlled power and technique. Observers noted a remarkable 90-degree shoulder turn, a high elbow, and a relaxed wrist – hallmarks of a generation of players who mastered this demanding stroke. The brief pause at the peak of his swing, a moment of loading and stabilization, was a subtle but crucial element. And then, the crescendo: a winning backhand, struck with such force it elicited a roar from the crowd, leaving Fritz stunned.
A Dying Art: The Decline of the One-Handed Backhand
This wasn’t just a great shot; it was a symbolic gesture. As Laurent Vergne of Eurosport observed a decade ago, the one-handed backhand is becoming a statistical anomaly. Today, only seven men in the ATP’s top 100 regularly employ it, with Lorenzo Musetti (ranked 5th) being the sole representative in the top ten. Five more reside within the top 50: Denis Shapovalov, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Daniel Altmaier, and Grigor Dimitrov. The women’s tour paints an even starker picture, with just two players – Tatjana Maria and Viktorija Golubic – utilizing the stroke within the top 100.
The last male world number one with a one-handed backhand was Roger Federer (2018), and Justine Henin (2007) on the women’s side. This shift isn’t accidental. The two-handed backhand offers greater stability and allows players to handle high-bouncing balls more effectively, a necessity in the modern power game. But something is lost in the transition – a certain fluidity, a touch of artistry, and the ability to slice and change angles with unparalleled subtlety.
Why the One-Handed Backhand Persists (and Why It Matters)
Despite its dwindling presence, the one-handed backhand isn’t destined for extinction. Certain players are simply better suited to it, their body types and coordination lending themselves to the technique. Forcing a change would be unnatural and detrimental to their game. Moreover, a well-executed one-handed backhand offers unique advantages. It allows for greater reach, more variety in shot selection (particularly the slice), and the ability to dictate play with changes of pace and spin.
In a sport increasingly dominated by power and uniformity, a different gesture – a unique stroke – introduces an element of unpredictability. Coaches and fans aren’t looking to copy the average; they’re seeking the exceptional, the innovative, the beautiful. Wawrinka, like Federer before him, embodied that pursuit of excellence, reminding us that tennis is not just about winning, but about how you win.
Wawrinka’s final backhand wasn’t just a shot; it was a statement. A statement about the enduring appeal of elegance, the importance of individuality, and the power of a technique that, while fading, continues to inspire awe. As the game evolves, the memory of these masterful strokes will serve as a reminder of the artistry that once defined – and can still enrich – the world of professional tennis. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of the sport and insightful analysis of its evolving landscape.
