Denis Shapovalov Blames Roger Federer for His One-Handed Backhand—And Career Disadvantage
Canadian says he chose the “dying art” because he grew up idolizing the 20-time Grand Slam champion
By Simone Brugnoli & Callum Davies
February 13, 2026 | 3 min read
Denis Shapovalov has pointed an unlikely finger at Roger Federer when explaining why his career never quite reached the heights predicted after his breakthrough win over Rafael Nadal in 2017.
The 26-year-old Canadian, once touted as a future world No. 1 and Grand Slam champion, has only flirted with the top 10, peaking at No. 10 and reaching a solitary Wimbledon semifinal in 2021. Now, speaking at the Dallas Open, he’s offered a candid explanation: his one-handed backhand—a shot he adopted because of Federer—has become a liability in the modern game.
“I Blame Roger Federer”
“In a way, the one-handed backhand represents a strength because it allows you to generate more power, find sharper angles, and be more spectacular,” Shapovalov told reporters.
“But in today’s game, it’s very much heading towards the way of having a solid two-handed backhand. The game is so quick today, it helps to have that extra arm.
“That’s why it’s so much more rare to see guys with one-handed backhands. I blame Roger Federer. I grew up watching him and wanted to play like him. That’s definitely a big reason why I have a one-hander.”
The Federer Effect
Federer’s influence on a generation of players is undeniable. Grigor Dimitrov was famously dubbed “Baby Fed.” Stefanos Tsitsipas admitted he chose the one-hander as a six-year-old watching Federer. Dominic Thiem credited Federer as the reason he stuck with the shot.
But what worked for Federer—arguably the most elegant player in history—hasn’t translated for others. The one-handed backhand requires flawless timing and footwork, and against the modern power game of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, it’s increasingly a target.
| Player | One-Handed BH? | Career Peak |
|---|---|---|
| Roger Federer | Yes | 20 Slams, No. 1 |
| Denis Shapovalov | Yes | No. 10 |
| Stefanos Tsitsipas | Yes | No. 3 |
| Grigor Dimitrov | Yes | No. 3 |
| Dominic Thiem | Yes | No. 3, 1 Slam |
Shapovalov’s comments come as the one-handed backhand becomes increasingly rare. At the 2026 Australian Open, only a handful of players in the top 50 still used it.
Federer himself acknowledged the shot’s challenges in 2025, admitting he spent years trying to fix its inconsistencies.
Shapovalov reached the Dallas Open quarterfinals this week, keeping hopes alive that he can still fulfill some of that early promise. But his candid assessment raises a question: in the era of Alcaraz and Sinner, is there still room for Federer’s signature shot?
For Shapovalov, the answer may determine the rest of his career.
