French Open: How Is Diane Parry Carrying Forward Roger Federer’s Legacy With Near Obsolete Play Style?

The astonishing technique of a one-handed backhand is currently on the verge of extinction among the top-ranked scenes. Ever since Roger Federer called it quits, the inspiration to possess this technique started to vanish, leaving just a few names who could hit it now. While Stefanos Tsitsipas still carries the Swiss tennis Maestro’s legacy, it is Diane Parry who holds the baton on the WTA’s side.

Diane Parry, the WTA star from France, seemed to be quite determined on her journey throughout the current season. Along with securing notable positions in several tournaments, the 21-year-old earned immense praise by entering the top 50 circles for the first time in her career. However, her entry in the list of top-ranked happened to be even deeper than how it seemed to be.

The WTA tour had no player in the top 50 who could hit the one-handed backhand shots. While retro fans always craved to see the technique, famously known because of the likes of Roger Federer, she clearly mentioned it was the Swiss tennis maestro who inspired her to practice this skill.

“He made everything look easy,” Parry said in an interview, mentioning how her role model’s elegance made even the most difficult shots seem easy. The 21-year-old also mentioned the true nature of this skill, explaining the difference between spectating and performing. “I never thought it might be hard to do this. Only when you try it do you realize it’s hard,” she added.

Diane Parry has been a keen admirer of Roger Federer for a long time. Along with following his lead, the WTA star also managed to grasp a rare technique, which only she as the highest-ranked WTA star could perform currently. Although she had to experience a few setbacks and therefore had to step back from the top 50 mark, she still stands to be the best hope for carrying Federer’s legacy forward.

Diana Parry living the one-handed backhand process

Every skill needed to be good at tennis takes months and years to be mastered. Like all others, Diana Parry spent a long time polishing the skill as she started hitting the backhand shots with just one hand from the early age of 13. In a session with renowned brand Asics, the WTA star mentioned how she finds joy in the process of mastering the rare technique.

“I changed for a one-handed backhand because I always take a lot of pleasure to this one,” she said, mentioning how the skill is way beyond a weapon to win matches on the court. “I really work on it to progress a lot, “ she added, mentioning the process of mastering the technique continues as she grows.

Diane Parry is proving to be quite furious on her run for the title in Paris. The 21-year-old secured her first win over compatriot Fiona Ferro. As she now looks forward to her second-round match against Elina Svitolina, only time will tell if the unique technique helps her get past the competition.