The weight of tennis history rests firmly on Stefanos Tsitsipas' shoulders. At the US Open, the dynamic Greek star is not just battling to advance his own Grand Slam campaign; he's fighting to save a 150-year legacy for one of tennis' most iconic strokes: the one-handed backhand. The pressure is immense as he prepares to face eighth seed Ben Shelton in the fourth round.
Key Points:
- Stefanos Tsitsipas is the sole remaining male player with a one-handed backhand at the US Open.
- He must reach the semi-finals to preserve a 150-year streak of one-handers achieving this milestone at majors.
- No player using the iconic shot has reached a major semi-final so far in 2026.
- Tsitsipas, a two-time major finalist, considers the one-handed backhand a 'dying art' due to its technical demands.
A Legacy on the Line: The Vanishing One-Hander
For an incredible 150 years, since the inaugural Wimbledon in 1877, at least one male player wielding a one-handed backhand has graced the semi-finals of a Grand Slam. This year, however, the one-handed backhand brigade has struggled. The 2026 seasons at the Australian Open, Roland Garros, and Wimbledon all concluded without a single one-hander reaching the last four. All eyes are now on Flushing Meadows.
Tsitsipas: The Lone Standard-Bearer
Following Denis Shapovalov's recent defeat to Ben Shelton, Tsitsipas stands as the final guardian of this historic record. The former World No. 3 is well aware of the stakes. He famously declared on X, "I've got a 150-year streak to save." His journey into the fourth round marks his best major performance since 2024, adding another layer of significance to this run.
Facing the Future: Tsitsipas vs. Shelton
His upcoming clash against the powerful Ben Shelton in the fourth round isn't just a tough match; it's a pivotal moment for tennis traditionalists. Can Tsitsipas navigate the rising talent and keep the dream alive? The tennis world watches with bated breath.
The Anatomy of a Dying Art
Tsitsipas, a 13-time ATP Tour champion, openly acknowledges the dwindling presence of the one-handed backhand. He jokingly told Grigor Dimitrov that one-handers are like "dinosaurs going extinct." The Greek star firmly believes the shot demands unparalleled precision.
"It requires excellent footwork and technique," Tsitsipas explained. He highlighted the major drawback compared to its two-handed counterpart: "If you’re late, you’re late. You missed the train." The one-handed backhand offers no room for error or improvisation, unlike the two-hander which allows for 'scooping' to recover from poor positioning.
Tsitsipas' Mission: More Than Just a Match
As the last hope for this beloved stroke, Stefanos Tsitsipas carries the hopes of an entire generation of tennis fans who admire the elegance and difficulty of the one-handed backhand. His performance against Shelton will not only define his own US Open run but could also dictate the fate of a remarkable piece of tennis history. This is more than a match; it's a statement.
