What are the greatest shots in tennis history? We pick out the game’s most fearsome weapons stroke by stroke, concentrating on the Open Era (since 1968).
By Joel Drucker
Part VI: The Backhand Volley
Final Pick
Martina Navratilova
Shortlist
Martina Navratilova
Billie Jean King
Jana Novotna
Margaret Court
Evonne Goolagong Cawley
Gigi Fernandez
Stefan Edberg
John McEnroe
Tony Roche
Pete Sampras
Vitas Gerulatis
Ken Rosewall
Today's Best
Roger Federer
Jonas Bjorkman
Richard Gasquet
Justine Henin
Amelie Mauresmo
Lisa Raymond
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It’s cruel that this shot is so much easier to hit than the forehand volley, thanks largely to the instant shoulder-body turn that puts the pieces in place so efficiently. From Ken Rosewall and Billie Jean King to Martina Navratilova and Stefan Edberg, tennis history is filled with tales of exceptional backhand volleys. Viewed in singular focus, it’s one of the most pleasing shots to photograph, as tidy as a man walking out of a barber’s chair – and an exceptional showcase of athleticism and even artistry.
Because the backhand volley is often about knifing and angling the ball, it’s very much the province of lefthanders. John McEnroe, Rod Laver and, most notably, Tony Roche were all southpaws who struck this shot marvelously – often aided by the swinging ad court serve made it 80-percent likely they’d have to crisply angle a backhand volley.
So it’s fitting that the person whose backhand volley was most eternally forceful and crisp was the lefthanded Navratilova. Much like the great Roche, her backhand volley was, yes, knife-like – but in the powerful and versatile manner of a Swiss Army knife. There was virtually nothing Navratilova couldn't do with this shot, from handling pace to knocking off sharp first volleys, lunging after passing shots or flicking away that most difficult of shots, the backhand overhead. Even near age 50, competing against players more than half her age, Navratilova was able to nimbly blunt pace and direct the ball into the right place. Her solid hands, though, were as much driven by solid legs and body movement. There was never anything flimsy about the Navratilova backhand volley. Her wrist firmly locked, shoulder turned compact, no other shot contributed more to her massive legacy.
Joel Drucker is a contributing editor at TENNIS magazine. The author is grateful for the assistance of many experts and former pros, including Brent Abel, John Barrett, Steve Flink, Mary Carillo, Trey Waltke, Chris Lewis, John Newcombe, Owen Davidson, Fred Stolle and Brian Gottfried.
