Best two-handed backhands in tennis
Who has/had the best two-handed backhand? Sit back because this list is long… Once a rare sight in classic tennis, the modern game has pivoted to this version of the backhand known for its stability, control, power and precision. This shot is taught at a young age to help kids control their shots and most don’t switch to the one hander given that most rallies are taking place near the baseline and having a stable shot gives every player one less thing to worry about going wrong. It’s not elegant but its sure consistently deadly.
Who is in the running?
| MALE PLAYERS | FEMALE PLAYERS |
| Novak Djokovic | Maria Sharapova |
| Jannik Sinner | Serena Williams |
| Michael Chang | Venus Williams |
| Angre Agassi | Angelique Kerber |
| Andy Murray | Monica Seles |
| David Nalbandian | Martina Hingis |
| Carlos Moya | Li Na |
| Marcelo Rios | Lindsay Davenport |
| Kei Nishikori | Elena Dementieva |
| Juan Carlos Ferrero | Simona Halep |
| Rafael Nadal | Ashleigh Barty |
| Yevgeny Kafelnikov | Kim Clijsters |
| Marat Safin | Aryna Sabalenka |
What is the criteria?
Depth and Angle – A great two-hander isn’t just about keeping the ball in place. We’re focusing on players who consistently use their backhand to push their opponent further back into the court or push them out of court with angles.
Offensive Capability – A elite two-handed backhand is a true weapon. We’re ranking players who can dictate play from the get-go, change direction with ease, and keep opponents on the back foot with their backhand.
Winner Production – Power, precision, and placement are key. The best two-handers can consistently rip clean winners from that wing, whether off the return, in rallies, or under pressure.
Versatility & Adaptability – Having such a controlled weapon does have its down sides, namely the ability to recover given that so much body movement is committed to the stroke. A great two-hander should be able to handle fast pace balls and still have the ability to recover for the following shot without being pulled too far off court.
Elegance & Fluidity – Let’s not joke about this, it just isn’t a pretty stroke period, agree or disagree?
No 10 - Novak Djokovic
Djokovic’s two-handed backhand is arguably the most consistent and impenetrable shot in tennis history. His ability to redirect pace, absorb power, and hit with precision from any position makes it nearly unbreakable.
He excels at taking the ball early, changing direction down the line, and defending even the heaviest attacks. His backhand return is also one of the best ever, allowing him to neutralise big servers effortlessly but we are looking for a bit more than a wall on this list.
No 9 - Angelique Kerber
Kerber’s backhand is unique because of its extremely low, flat trajectory and extraordinary counterpunching ability. While not the heaviest shot, it is incredibly accurate and effective at taking time away from opponents. Her ability to redirect pace and change angles, especially on the run, made her a nightmare to play against.
No 8 - Martina Hingis
Hingis didn’t have the raw power of others, but her two-handed backhand was a masterclass in precision, variety, and court awareness. She could hit with depth, disguise drop shots, and take time away from her opponents with early ball striking. Her court sense and anticipation made her backhand a crucial weapon in her tactical playstyle. It’s not always about power but how you weld it!
No 7 - Rafael Nadal
Nadal’s backhand is often overshadowed by his legendary wippy forehand, but it is still one of the greatest in history. What makes his backhand special is its heavy topspin, depth, and ability to handle high balls—which is typically a challenge for two-handers.
His crosscourt backhand is incredibly deep and penetrating, while his down-the-line backhand has won him countless clutch points. His ability to counterpunch with power and precision makes it one of the best defensive and offensive weapons on tour.
No 6 - Kei Nishikori
Nishikori’s backhand is one of the cleanest and most aggressive shots in modern tennis. His ability to take the ball early, redirect pace, and generate surprising power allows him to dictate rallies, even against stronger opponents.
His two-hander is also deadly on the return of serve, making him one of the best at breaking opponents’ serves. One of the most solid backhands on tour, a jack of all traits and a master of none.
No 5 - Andy Murray
Murray’s two-handed backhand is one of the most complete in tennis history. It is solid in every aspect—whether it’s defensive, attacking, crosscourt, or down the line. His ability to hit sharp angles, neutralise big hitters, and counterattack with precision makes it a near-flawless shot.
Murray’s backhand is also one of the best at absorbing pace and turning defence into offense and he used it to control and find openings without being put under pressure.
No 4 - David Nalbandian
Nalbandian’s backhand was effortless yet devastating. His ability to redirect pace and take the ball incredibly early made him a nightmare for even the best players in the world.
He was a master at creating sharp angles and changing directions, especially against aggressive opponents. His clean technique allowed him to dictate from the baseline and break down even the best defences.
No 3 - Serena Williams
Serena’s two-handed backhand is one of the most powerful and clutch shots in tennis history. It is rock-solid under pressure, capable of producing incredible angles, and devastating on both offense and defense.
She could take control of points with a single stroke, flattening out her backhand for clean winners or rolling it with topspin for depth. Her ability to hit with pinpoint accuracy on the run made it one of the most feared shots in the women’s game.
No 2 - Marat Safin
Safin’s backhand was a perfect blend of power, precision, and elegance. He could generate effortless pace while maintaining complete control, making it one of the most feared shots on tour. His backhand was lethal, capable of hitting winners from anywhere on the court.
Unlike many powerful two-handers, Safin could handle heavy topspin, absorb pace, and return serves with surgical precision. His ability to hit one of the best backhand down-the-line winners and beat any top player in their prime solidifies his spot at number two.
No 1 - Andre Agassi
And here we are… No tie required in this category!
Was there a doubt about spot number 1? Agassi’s two-handed backhand was the gold standard of modern tennis. It was the cleanest, most technically sound, and most effective backhand in history. His ability to take the ball early and hit winners with surgical precision set him apart.
Agassi could redirect power effortlessly, crush returns, and dominate baseline exchanges with his backhand alone. His unique ability to generate both power and control while playing on the rise revolutionised the game and made his backhand the greatest of all time.