Richard Gasquet's backhand
Traced frame by frame from real footage.
Gasquet's one-handed backhand is built on a very high backswing and a strong eastern grip, which lets him hit heavy topspin even off shoulder-high balls. At about 2,910 rpm it topped a spin chart compiled around 2021, and it was heavier than his own forehand.
- 1The racquet goes up high at the start, well above the shoulders.
- 2It drops and swings up through contact in front of the body.
- 3At the finish both arms are spread wide, with the racquet high over the hitting side.
Our own observations from the traced frames. Flip through the plate above to check them.
By the numbers
Coaching analysis describes a strong eastern grip, a very high backswing with the elbow pulled well back, and large shoulder-hip separation, giving heavy topspin even on shoulder-high balls.
Doug Eng, TennisOneAbout 2,910 rpm on the backhand, the heaviest in a chart compiled around 2021, and well above his forehand's 2,720.
Yandell / Fawcette, Tennisplayer
Wimbledon 2007 quarter-final
He came back from two sets down to beat Andy Roddick 4–6 4–6 7–6 7–6 8–6 and reach his first Grand Slam semi-final.
BBC SportWhat you can copy
Try Gasquet's high backswing for more power and spin, and accept less consistency. If consistency is your problem, copy a lower, simpler backswing instead.
Doug Eng, TennisOne