[Tsonganator]

It seems people always say how Nadal can do no damage to Djoker's BH side, in contrast to Federer. This is simply an exaggeration. It was clear in the Rome match that Djokovic repeatedly hit much weaker shots off his BH when faced with heavy, deep, high topspin balls, and Nadal was able to pounce on these weaker shots, many times for outright winners. This happens in every match between them.

Point is, Djokovic may be able to handle high topspin to his BH better than most, though I still think Del Potro can handle the high BH shots better, but Djoker is still affected and thus it's still an oft used strategy by Nadal, hit high deep topspin to BH. I'm not saying Djokovic does not have a first class BH or anything, just that the mechanics of the stroke and sheer physics make it impossible not to be hurt by these shots, even if its relatively less than most.

[Topspindoctor]

The BH was fine. His BH is greatest in sport at the moment.

The problem was Nadal's defense. I am surprised people didn't see it. Nadal managed to force Djokovic into 40+ errors over 2 sets. How often do you see that happen against one of the best defenders of the tour?

[fast_clay]

djokovic had a shit day... he made 33 unforced errors total over 8 sets vs nadal last year...

nadal didn't do anything special the other day... just turned up really...

[Clay Death]

the great serbian slayer has the greatest backhand the world has ever known.


there is no myth. only cold, harsh reality. his backhand is money.


end of story.

[moon language]

Originally Posted by Tsonganator

It seems people always say how Nadal can do no damage to Djoker's BH side, in contrast to Federer. This is simply an exaggeration. It was clear in the Rome match that Djokovic repeatedly hit much weaker shots off his BH when faced with heavy, deep, high topspin balls, and Nadal was able to pounce on these weaker shots, many times for outright winners. This happens in every match between them.

Point is, Djokovic may be able to handle high topspin to his BH better than most, though I still think Del Potro can handle the high BH shots better, but Djoker is still affected and thus it's still an oft used strategy by Nadal, hit high deep topspin to BH. I'm not saying Djokovic does not have a first class BH or anything, just that the mechanics of the stroke and sheer physics make it impossible not to be hurt by these shots, even if its relatively less than most.

This stuff doesn't happen in a vacuum. Of course he can do damage to any backhand if he sets it up properly.

[habibko]

Originally Posted by Tsonganator

It seems people always say how Nadal can do no damage to Djoker's BH side, in contrast to Federer. This is simply an exaggeration. It was clear in the Rome match that Djokovic repeatedly hit much weaker shots off his BH when faced with heavy, deep, high topspin balls, and Nadal was able to pounce on these weaker shots, many times for outright winners. This happens in every match between them.

Point is, Djokovic may be able to handle high topspin to his BH better than most, though I still think Del Potro can handle the high BH shots better, but Djoker is still affected and thus it's still an oft used strategy by Nadal, hit high deep topspin to BH. I'm not saying Djokovic does not have a first class BH or anything, just that the mechanics of the stroke and sheer physics make it impossible not to be hurt by these shots, even if its relatively less than most.

I think you missed 6 important matches last year + AO this year, all of which happen to be finals, I suggest you watch them

[abraxas21]

Originally Posted by Clay Death

the great serbian slayer has the greatest backhand the world has ever known.


there is no myth. only cold, harsh reality. his backhand is money.


end of story.

negative.

[Clay Death]

Originally Posted by abraxas21

negative.

[Topspindoctor]

Originally Posted by abraxas21

negative.

So who does?

Pushray...?

[abraxas21]

Originally Posted by Topspindoctor

So who does?

Pushray...?

guga kuerten (one hander) and marcelo ríos (two hander) come to my mind easily.

as much as i dislike fat dave, i can admit that even him at his peak has a better two handed backhand than djokovic.

[Topspindoctor]

How about right now though?

[fivebargate]

Originally Posted by Topspindoctor

The BH was fine. His BH is greatest in sport at the moment.

Do you include football in that....or did you just mean "in tennis"?

[fast_clay]

Originally Posted by Topspindoctor

How about right now though?

wow... needing such deep clarification... why, right at this very minute Brian Baker of course...

[Mark Lenders]

Nalbandian's backhand is still the best on tour even today. Not to mention that one that best measures up to Nadal's forehand even with David far from his best.

That said, Djokovic's is an excellent shot as well. But it's not really that much better than, say, Murray's. The only difference, which is kind of a big win, is that Nole can generate more power off that wing than Murray. In terms of mechanics, angles, etc.. they are not that different.

[abraxas21]

djokovic's backhand is in one word, like many other effective shots of today's era: boring.

he can produce good shots with it every now and then but his overall defensiveness take whatever charm it might have had.

as for beautiful backhands, i'd rather watch gasquet's or even hanescu's.