Italian tennis star Lorenzo Musetti has sparked a conversation in the tennis world by sharing his thoughts on the one-handed backhand, a technique he proudly employs despite its rarity in modern tennis. Known for its elegance and artistry, the one-handed backhand has become less common on the ATP tour, with players favoring the power and stability of the two-handed version.

Musetti, who recently showcased his skills at the Monte Carlo Masters, admitted that while he appreciates the aesthetic appeal of the one-handed backhand, it poses challenges in today’s fast-paced game. He explained that modern tennis prioritizes powerful serves and aggressive baseline play, which can make the one-handed backhand less effective.

Despite these drawbacks, Musetti remains committed to his unique style, describing it as “vintage” and emphasizing its ability to add variety to his gameplay, especially on clay courts. He acknowledged that the technique requires adaptability and precision, qualities that set him apart from his peers.

Musetti commented: 

“I think my game is a little different from other people’s because I have a one-handed backhand and because I like to vary things a lot, especially on clay. Today, the serve and the first stroke are essential. But that’s not how I play. And I think people prefer a somewhat “vintage” game like mine, even if I don’t think we’ll see a return to, let’s say, more “technical” tennis in the near future. I’m a fan of the one-handed backhand, but you have to be realistic: in modern tennis, it doesn’t help you.”

Lorenzo Musetti in 2025

Lorenzo Musetti

16 - 6win/loss

Hard
6-4
Clay
10-2
Rank
9
High
9
23 year old
LWWWWLWWWW
2025 Highlights
F
Monte-Carlo
SF
Madrid
QF
Hong KongBuenos Aires
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Currently ranked no.11 (career-high), Lorenzo played his last match on the 13th of April when he capitulated to world no.2 Carlos Alcaraz 3-6 6-1 6-0 in the final in Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters (draw).

During this season Lorenzo owns a compiled 12-5 match record. Lorenzo Musetti’s latest run in Monte Carlo was the best achievement of his season.

Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters
Musetti's Record