In the mid-80s to the early-90s, Stefan Edberg exuded icy calm
as he executed those awe-inspiring volleys and a magically flawless stroke that
is fast disappearing from tennis today – the single-handed backhand. He played
in an era when tennis was still beautiful. Craft was enshrined. And skill was
worshipped. Power tennis hadn’t yet blasphemed its way into the hallowed
portals of the game.
The double-fisted backhand is an assault to your senses. Mostly
used by today’s gym-toned players with legs that resemble Roman columns. The
single-handed backhand is artistic. Practiced by a few who still court grace
like Federer and Wawrinka. The double-fisted backhand would be a stroke that a
Gooch would play if he took to tennis. The single-handed backhand would be VVS
Laxman’s favourite stroke.
On that note, it was pure joy to watch Edberg execute this
stroke. As the ball approached him, Edberg would start crafting his return with
a huge backswing. Just before the racquet is released, the non-playing left
hand would gently hold the neck of the racquet to offer a charismatic push to
ensue the stroke. Now the ball is at close quarters to be hit. Edberg would
then bend his knees and with one-hand, bring the racquet down like a surfer
waiting for the wave. The hitting of the ball and the glorious follow-through
would resemble the surfer cresting the wave in style. Well, his genius didn’t
end there. That final flick of the wrist when he completed his stroke would
decide where the ball was placed. On most occasions his single-handed backhand
return just foxed the opponent.
I believe no other stroke comes aesthetically close to this one
in tennis. And no other player played it as beautifully and successfully as
Edberg did. As the saying goes, ‘they don’t make ‘em like that anymore!
