A single-handed comeback: Dominic Thiem’s hidden trump card

Single-handed versus Double-handed

As you would expect, there is no definite answer as to which method of hitting a backhand is above the other. However, based on the type of match at hand, and the types of players contending on the court, the choice of backhand for each player will begin to show some subtle, but serious implications.

The overwhelming popularity of the double-handed backhand usage is a testament to its easy-to-learn nature as well as its effectiveness and efficiency, making it the preferred choice for most tennis newcomers. In many ways, the two-hander possesses more benefits than the one-hander, such as its higher level of control, convenience, and consistency.

On the other hand (pun intended), the single-handed backhand is more of an ‘x-factor’ in terms of the benefits it brings with its use. This is due to the ‘higher risk but higher reward’ nature of the shot. The one-hander is a little more technically complicated than its two-handed counterpart, but the advantages to be gained in terms of reach, free-flowing strokes, and follow-through are quite significant once fully mastered.

Implications for the match

In the case of Thiem vs Zverev, there were moments in which each of their backhands shined. The control and stability of the two-handed backhand ensured more consistency and quicker recovery time for Zverev. Additionally, he is remarked as having one of the best backhands in the game, due to his sheer power and accurate shot-making.

Contrastingly, Thiem’s one-handed backhand allowed him to really reach out when receiving those wide-angled shots, which is a crucial attribute when versing a player of Zverev’s caliber. Furthermore, Thiem was able to more subtly incorporate backhand slices into the match, as the setup for the shot bears a resemblance to a typical flat or topspin backhand stroke.

While it may be argued that Zverev’s backhand is a more dominant weapon than Thiem’s, it may just be the case that Thiem’s single-handed backhand was enough to mitigate that damage received. The constant one-handed slices which Thiem has perfected throughout his career proved to be a strong counterplay for the relentless groundstrokes dished out by Zverev, and the extended reach was essential in responding to the German’s wide, cross-court shots.

In the event of a four-hour long match such as this, there’s no doubt that stamina became a key factor for both players, particularly towards the final set. It is also true that hitting big topspin shots will take more out of the players than slice returns, which emphasize more on underspin rather than power.

For this reason, Thiem’s experience with the one-handed backhand had strengthened his ability to play that backhand slice game to downplay Zverev’s big topspin shots, and also would have kept him guessing as to what kind of backhand stroke was coming his way, due to the ambiguity of the single-handed backswing set-up.

All in all, the match between Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev at the US Open finals 2020 was one for the records, and as much as we may speculate on how Thiem prevailed, it may well have been a stroke of better luck at the important moments. Nonetheless, the single-handed backhand was an essential piece of the puzzle and might just be Thiem’s hidden trump card moving forward.