Perhaps in a multiverse that has many alternative realities, Roger Federer would have been left-handed and with a two-handed backhand. But, jokes aside, why has Roger Federer never played a two-handed backhand? Could this shot have suited his playing style well? Or would it have been impossible for Federer to play that backhand? The Swiss Maestro founded his career mainly on three shots: service, forehand and one-handed backhand.
Over the years, many insiders considered Federer’s backhand to be one of his weak points. In fact, over the course of his career, his historical rival Rafael Nadal defeated Federer by hammering the Swiss with his full top-spin forehand on Roger’s one-handed backhand.
A disease that over the years became chronic, without ever finding a cure, at least until the final of the Australian Open 2017, when Federer defeated Nadal thanks to his backhand.
It is a shot that belongs to classic tennis when sensitivity and touch still played a fundamental role.
From Bjorn Borg onwards, things have changed. In modern tennis, most professionals use a two-handed backhand. Federer has practically never tried this shot which, in fact, would not match with his style of play, now unique in the ATP Tour.
As a meeting point between classic tennis and modern tennis, he has the roots of his technique in the fine old-style tennis, from which his one-handed backhand originates. Over the years he improved his shot, also thanks to the use of a larger racket.
It would be impossible today to imagine Roger Federer with a two-handed backhand: it would be like imagining Nadal playing with his right hand or Djokovic playing well at the net!
Why Roger Federer plays in Uniqlo outfits
Even though the $300 million 10-year contract offered by Uniqlo in 2018 is a very strong motive for Roger Federer to play under the Japanese brand, there is something about the fit of the clothes that truly makes Roger content of his decision.
“I think that the fabric is really important for me when I play because it needs to absorb the sweat very quickly. Especially in a long grueling match, I need to rely on my clothes, on my equipment and the material. I think the Dry-EX does exactly that: smooth, it feels good, so it’s comfortable”.
Federer said in a new commercial video made by Uniqlo. Besides feeling and looking good on the court, Roger Federer loves the fact that Uniqlo creates casual clothing as well. “I would wear Dry-EX products when I’m going to press conferences, like a polo, or a hooded jacket when I’m travelling.
It’s a nice, comfortable material and it works very well in all facets of life”. Roger pointed out. Federer offered a more thorough explanation of what he looks forward to when choosing his outfits. “There’s certain colors I don’t like to wear.
You don’t see me in yellow. There’s certain materials that don’t work well with the sweat, or they stick on your body. When you start thinking about your outfit at all times during a match, because you’re struggling with that stuff, it’s never fun”.
Federer said during a press conference held in August 2018. “The good thing is when it flows, especially when you’re playing outdoors. The good thing is when you feel it’s almost drying by itself, or if you’re sweating and there’s a cooling sensation, I like good socks.
Uniqlo has great socks, so I think that’s important. You need to have a really good stability in your shoes, and it starts with your socks, and other than that, I like if you look good, you feel good, you play good. I believe in that”.
