Ever wonder how Stan Wawrinka developed one of the best one-handed backhands in the world?
The 2016 US Open champion detailed how his famous shot came to be in a mic'd up practice session on Monday's opening day of US Open Fan Week. Fans might be surprised to learn that not only was his signature stroke was "terrible" in his childhood, but he also played it with two hands.
"I was 11 years old, and my two-handed backhand was terrible. I couldn't put one ball in," Wawrinka said as he struck groundstrokes in a training session in Arthur Ashe Stadium. "At that time, my coach told me to try the one-handed backhand.
"It's not easy when you're young to play with a one hand because you don't have the same power, but it looks more natural, so I was happy with the change."
But not only does the shot feel good: It has reaped Wawrinka results.
The Swiss, who will play in his 17th career US Open main draw next week, famously saved match point en route to his crowning moment in New York in 2016 and he defeated Novak Djokovic in the final to win his third major singles title.
The victory added to Wawrinka's collection of trophies that also includes the 2014 Australian Open and the 2014 French Open, 14 other career ATP singles titles, and an Olympic gold medal in doubles with Roger Federer.
Wawrinka, now 39 years old and ranked No. 178, received a wild card to compete in the men's singles event in New York this year. He made his main-draw debut in Flushing in 2005, and in addition to winning it all eight years ago, also reached the semifinals in 2013 and 2015, as well as three other quarterfinals.
