Denis Shapovalov has pointed the finger at Roger Federer when discussing one big disadvantage he’s suffered throughout his career.
The 26-year-old was once regarded as one of the best young talents in the sport, but struggles over the last few years have seen that promise fizzle out.
On his day, he can trouble almost anyone on tour. Sadly, his day seldom seems to come anymore.
However, having reached the quarterfinals in Dallas, there’s still time for Shapovalov to start fulfilling that potential.
He spoke after his latest win, explaining how Roger Federer’s inspiration shaped his game both for the better and worse.
Denis Shapovalov blames Roger Federer for big disadvantage
Speaking to TennisONE, the Canadian was asked about his one-handed backhand.
And, whilst he pointed out the benefits, Shapovalov also understood why it was becoming less and less relevant.
Is Roger Federer the greatest tennis player of all time?
He told reporters: “In a way, it’s a strength because you can definitely generate more power, can get sharper angles, and be more flashy/creative with a one-handed backhand.
“But, in today’s game, it’s very much heading towards the way of having a solid two-handed backhand and generating with the forehand. The game is so quick today, it helps to have that extra arm on the backhand.
“That’s why it’s so much more rare to see guys that have one-handed backhands….I blame Roger Federer, I grew up watching him and wanted to play like him so that’s definitely a big reason why I have a one-hander.”:
Federer spoke about his own one-handed backhand in 2025, highlighting the problem he had with it that he desperately tried to fix.
Roger Federer has inspired all of the one-handed backhands
Whilst the one-handed backhand is a dying art, it still remains highly relevant at the top of the game.
That is almost exclusively thanks to Federer.
Grigor Dimitrov was famously referred to as ‘Baby Fed’ for years, whilst Stefanos Tsitsipas has claimed: “To me, one-handed backhand always felt like the classic shot. I saw it on TV. I thought, that’s the classic shot.
“I was pretty young to watch Roger Federer matches, but I do remember him later when I was about six years old. To me, it was a shot selection that I chose at eight years old.”
Even Dominic Thiem, who was part of the same generation, admitted: “Maybe in terms of the game he was the biggest inspiration obviously thanks to the one-handed backhand because he’s the only one of the three, along with Nadal and Djokovic, to have that stroke.”
What would the score be if Carlos Alcaraz faced prime Roger Federer?
Who is winning and in how many sets?
Federer’s influence on the sport was never in question, but it’s sad to see his patented one-handed backhand become less and less relevant in the modern game.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
