The one-handed backhand was once the standard that has now dwindled greatly. Earlier this year, we witnessed the art and the artists practicing the beautiful gift of the game. For the first time in history, there were no one-handed backhand players left in the top echelons of the men’s game. Now, Lorenzo Musetti’s incredible performance, reminds us of his statement– “All the games are different, but I think my style is quite similar to Roger’s.“ How does he look to carry forward his idol, Roger Federer’s legacy to the next generation?

Almost 89% of the Top 100 men in this sport hit a double-handed. If we look at the Top 300, the percentage creeps up to 93%. Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti has one of the finest one-handed backhands on the Tour. He recently reached his first SF at a Grand Slam (Wimbledon), relying on this lethal weapon. His 4-month-old son Ludovico was spotted donning a Wimbledon-themed jumper after his emphatic victory against Taylor Fritz. With time, perhaps his son will also build a keen interest in the sport, but what about the OHBH?

Well, when asked whether he’d teach his son one-handed backhand in the near future? The 22-year-old Italian replied, “I don’t even know if he’s gonna play. But of course, I’ll do whatever he prefers. I won’t be that dad who forces him to play the same as the way of father.” He further added, “Of course, I’d love that he could try the one-handed. Because I know in the modern era it’s really tough.“

For Lorenzo Musetti, the shot came “naturally” when he touched the racquet for the first time. His father loved the shot, and he became a fan of it. So, Musetti never really tried to make any switches. Although tennis fans have now started to compare his one-handed backhand to the world of art, Carrara marble, he prefers to leave it to his fans to decide. “It’s the fans who give those compliments.” Talking about compliments, Muse is very grateful to his family for supporting him to reach where he is today.

“It’s tough to speak” – Lorenzo Musetti gets emotional while recalling his family’s contribution to his journey

Lorenzo Musetti was overwhelmed with an array of emotions after he reached the business end of the iconic tournament. He even broke down in tears after his QF match while explaining how much these victories mean to him right now. “It’s tough for me to get emotional but today I think I will. I have been dreaming about this moment since… (sorry)…. I was a kid, I always had a family, really beautiful family, who always supported me in chasing my dream… It’s tough to speak,” said Lorenzo Musetti.

Later on, he also revealed, “I have to say after the birth of my son [this year], I will put in the second position today for my career. For my career [this] is the best day of my life.” He thanked everyone who pushed him to become a better player. However, despite all those on-court duties he never fails to impress his close ones with his off-court duties. Previously, Musetti revealed that it’d be “nice to grow up together,” and he hopes to have a long career so that his son can follow him.

Now, after the birth of his son in March of this year, his responsibilities have crept up. His wife said, “Lorenzo with Ludovico is very affectionate. He cares a lot about being a good dad, he also changes his diapers.” According to his previous statement during the Adelaide International, his main goal for this season is to try to be a “nice dad.” However, with his recent dream run at Wimbledon, perhaps he has now reignited his ‘second goal’ as well!