Dominic Thiem, the 2020 US Open champion, has weighed in on a classic tennis debate: who possesses the best one-handed backhand of all time. The Austrian recently revealed his personal top five, sparking conversation among fans and analysts alike.
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“For me, Stan [Wawrinka] is number one, Richard Gasquet number two, Roger [Federer] number three, Gaston Gaudio number four – incredible one-handed backhands,” Thiem stated. Rounding out his list at number five is Lorenzo Musetti, a younger player representing the continuing, though dwindling, tradition of the one-handed backhand in modern tennis.
In typically modest fashion, Thiem omitted himself from the list, stating, “That wouldn’t be fair,” during an appearance on the “More Than A Name” podcast.
Thiem: The Last Grand Slam Champion with a One-Handed Backhand
Thiem remains the most recent player to win a Grand Slam title utilizing a one-handed backhand. Stefanos Tsitsipas came close to joining him, reaching the finals of the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open, only to be defeated by Novak Djokovic on both occasions. The one-handed backhand, once a staple of the men’s game, is becoming increasingly rare at the highest levels of professional tennis, often cited as a tactical disadvantage against the heavy topspin and pace of modern forehands.
The discussion surrounding Thiem’s list comes as the Austrian has recently generated buzz with a cryptic social media post hinting at a potential return to the tour in some capacity. Fans will have to wait until Monday, March 24, 2026, for Thiem to reveal his plans, according to reports. The 32-year-old has been sidelined with injury, leaving many to wonder what his future in the sport holds.
Thiem’s 2020 US Open victory was a landmark moment, not only for his career but too for the one-handed backhand. He defeated Alexander Zverev in a thrilling five-set final, 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(8-6), showcasing the resilience and artistry that the one-handed backhand can bring to the court. The match was the first US Open final decided by a fifth-set tie-break, a testament to the closely contested nature of the championship.
The win made Thiem the first Austrian to win a Grand Slam singles title since Thomas Muster at the 1995 French Open, and the first man born in the 1990s to achieve the feat. It also represented the longest gap between fresh male major singles champions in tennis history, surpassing the previous record held by Juan Martín del Potro and Andy Murray.
While Thiem’s victory was a celebration of the one-handed backhand, it also highlighted its increasing rarity. The demanding physical requirements of the modern game often favor the two-handed backhand, which provides greater stability and control against powerful shots. However, the elegance and variety offered by the one-handed backhand continue to captivate fans and inspire players.
The players Thiem named – Wawrinka, Gasquet, Federer, and Gaudio – all represent different eras and styles of the one-handed backhand. Wawrinka’s powerful and aggressive style, Gasquet’s effortless grace, Federer’s all-court mastery, and Gaudio’s unpredictable flair all contribute to the enduring appeal of this iconic shot. Musetti, as a rising star, offers hope that the one-handed backhand will continue to have a place in the future of tennis.
As Thiem prepares to announce his next move, the tennis world will be watching with anticipation. Whether he returns to the court as a player, coach, or in another capacity, his legacy as the last Grand Slam champion with a one-handed backhand is secure. His insights into the best in the game, like his recent top five list, only add to his standing as a respected voice within the sport.
The next update on Thiem’s plans is expected on Monday, March 24, 2026. Fans can follow his official social media channels for the latest news, and announcements.
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