Stefanos Tsitsipas Reveals Mentoring One-Handed Backhand During US Open Resurgence

Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed that he is actively mentoring a young tennis prospect in Japan who is dedicated to playing with a single-handed backhand. The relationship began four or five years ago when the boy’s father reached out to Tsitsipas to share his son’s ambition of mastering the classic stroke. Since that initial phone call, the Greek star has consistently provided advice and encouragement to help protect the dying art of the one-hander.

Tsitsipas has expressed a deep desire to launch a movement, potentially utilizing a hashtag like #KeepOneHanderAlive to rally support across the global tennis community. He firmly believes that future generations of players need visibility and training in this specific shot to prevent it from completely disappearing from the professional tour.

By staying in touch with his young Japanese mentee, Tsitsipas acts as a direct advisor, offering specialized guidance whenever the prospect needs it. Tsitsipas said in his press conference:

I would like to start some kind of movement, something like a hashtag #KeepOneHanderAlive or something similar. There is a young boy I am mentoring in Japan. His father called me four or five years ago and said: «My son really wants to play with a one-handed backhand». Since then, I have been advising him and encouraging him to keep the one-handed backhand because future generations need many players who use this shot. I don’t want this shot to disappear. So I hope that younger generations can keep it alive. And, of course, I am here to help in any way I can.

The initiative highlights a broader personal campaign by Tsitsipas to preserve a technique that has defined decades of tennis history. While two-handed backhands dominate modern power baselining due to their stability, Tsitsipas remains steadfast in championing the aesthetic and tactical variety of the single-hander. He has made it clear that his commitment goes beyond words, positioning himself as a resource for any rising junior who wants to keep the tradition alive.

This dedication to grassroots preservation runs parallel to his own high-profile career on the ATP Tour, where he continues to fly the flag for the single-handed backhand at Grand Slam tournaments.

His mentoring role demonstrates a long-term vision for the sport, ensuring that younger players have champions who actively endorse alternative styles of play. Through personal mentorship and public advocacy, Tsitsipas is trying to bridge the gap between the historical elegance of tennis and the demands of future generations.

Stefanos Tsitsipas makes history with breakthrough US Open run

Stefanos Tsitsipas advanced to the US Open fourth round for the first time in his career with a hard-fought victory. He overcame 18th-seeded Jiri Lehecka at the Grandstand to notch a 2-6, 6-1, 7-6(3), 6-1 win.

The Greek player fired 12 aces past his Czech opponent while capitalizing on five break points to secure the momentum. After dropping a lopsided opening set, Tsitsipas regrouped brilliantly to dominate the third-set tiebreaker and steamroll through the fourth.

This milestone performance marks his deepest run at Flushing Meadows and his first appearance in the second week of a major in over two years. Benefiting from vocal backing from New York’s Greek-American community, Tsitsipas successfully converted a match point with a sharp service winner.

The triumph also served as validation for Tsitsipas following years of physical struggles and recent coaching changes. Playing completely pain-free after previous back issues, he converted his 34 winners into a statement victory that propelled him into the round of 16.

Setting up a fourth-round showdown against Ben Shelton

Following his win over Jiri Lehecka, Stefanos Tsitsipas advanced to face eighth-seeded American Ben Shelton in the fourth round of the 2026 US Open. The high-stakes encounter is scheduled for Sunday, September 6, 2026, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

This upcoming match marks the first career singles meeting between Tsitsipas and Shelton on the professional tour. Although they previously squared off in doubles play at the 2024 Laver Cup, this will be their maiden head-to-head battle in a Grand Slam singles draw.

Shelton earned his spot in the round of 16 by defeating fellow left-hander Denis Shapovalov in a tough four-set match. The hard-serving American enters the contest as a regular fixture in the world’s top 10, presenting a major test for the resurgent Greek.

Tsitsipas approaches the fixture looking to leverage his veteran experience against the explosive home favorite. With a spot in the US Open quarterfinals on the line, both players bring contrasting styles and high motivation into Sunday’s marquee schedule.

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