Grigor Dimitrov makes bold prediction on the future of one-handed backhands in tennis

Once popular among tennis legends such as the likes of Roger Federer, Stefan Edberg, Pete Sampras, Justine Henin and Steffi Graf, many believe the one-handed backhand is a lost art. However, former World No. 3 Grigor Dimitrov does not necessarily agree with this opinion. 

Known for his versatile one-handed backhand, the Bulgarian is one of the few players on tour that employ this poetic technique.

Dimitrov opened up about the backhand in a figurative manner, during a news conference at Wimbledon. The 34-year-old entered the tournament, without playing any match on grass this season and has now reached the fourth round, dropping just one game on the way. Dimitrov quipped:

"Like life, it has its ups and downs; it’s the same. The one-handed backhand is the same over and over. Once you hit it, it feels like hitting the jackpot. Over the next few years, we’ll see it less and less, that’s how things go."

Dimitrov used the one-handed backhand to great effect on Saturday as he overcame Austria’s Sebastian Ofner in straight sets, reaching the fourth round of Wimbledon for the fifth time. This also marked his 100th Grand Slam match win. He added:

"Everyone keeps saying it’s a lost art, but it’s not really lost because if you manage to navigate that side for a forehand shot, you can win it. It’s harder, of course. Do you have to work a lot more with your body? Yes, but on the other hand, it has its advantages. I think it depends on the player to understand their side, especially in the one-handed backhand."

In the current top 20, Lorenzo Musetti uses the one-handed backhand frequently, something he made very effective use of in the clay swing this year, catching the attention of spectators. However, even the Italian acknowledges that it doesn’t help in the modern game and can complicate things despite it being an aesthetically better shot. It is even rarer in the WTA tour.

Dimitrov will meet Jannik Sinner in the fourth round at Wimbledon

Before overcoming Sebastian Ofner in the third round, Dimitrov defeated Corentin Moutet and Yoshihito Nishioka in his prior rounds at Wimbledon. In the fourth round, he will meet World No. 1 Jannik Sinner who is in extremely good form. The Italian recently broke Roger Federer‘s 2004 record (19) for the least number of games dropped to reach the fourth round of Wimbledon, by conceding just 17 games.

The three-time Grand Slam champion defeated Luca Nardi, Aleksandar Vukic and Pedro Martinez in his earlier rounds at SW19. He will be bidding for his first Grand Slam title outside of hard court and his second grass-court title. Sinner leads the head-to-head record over Dimitrov 4-1, and their upcoming match will mark their first meeting on grass.