Roger Federer called a clinical ‘SURGEON’ by Serena Williams’ former coach Rick Macci who hails the Swiss for best backhand

Rick Macci is absolutely in awe of Federer's backhand slice.

Roger Federer called a clinical ‘SURGEON’ by Serena Williams’ former coach Rick Macci who hails the Swiss for best backhand

Roger Federer and Rick Macci (Credits: Tactical Tennis/X)

Former coach of the iconic Williams sisters Rick Macci recently took to social media to express his opinion on who he believes has the best backhand slice of all time on the ATP tour. The American coach strongly voted in favor of the 20-time Grand Slam champion, Roger Federer, claiming not a soul on this planet played that sliced backhand better than the Swiss legend.

The very first coach of Serena Williams and Venus Williams, apart from their father, called the 8-time Wimbledon champion a clinical surgeon for the delicate and smooth way he plays his backhand slice. The American also added,“

Was asked who had the Best Slice Backhand of all time on the ATP TOUR. Nobody on planet earth could Slice Dice Chop Pop Knife in their Life than the SURGICAL SWISS SURGEON ROGER FEDERER.
Rick Macci on X

Federer is one of the few players who had a very strong and smooth backhand despite playing it single-handedly. His slice and drop shots are considered a piece of art because of the smoothness with which he plays it. The Swiss legend announced his retirement last year with the conclusion of the 2022 Laver Cup in London.

FS Video

Macci has coached two of the finest female athletes of this generation and the iconic duo of Rick and Richard Williams is responsible for introducing one of the greatest tennis players of all time, changing the entire dynamics of the sport.

The American is an experienced coach and from his vast experience; he has rated the backhand slice of Roger Federer the greatest that he has ever witnessed. Coming from an experienced individual such as Macci, this compliment is indeed one in the kitty to the Swiss.

Roger Federer’s backhand slice unique to him

The famous Roger Federer slice is something that is very personal and unique only to the 20-time Grand Slam champion. He has played this shot numerous times, and it is like an advantage that he keeps using in crucial stages of the match when his opponents least expect him to pull out a winner from that shot. The retired tennis legend has himself admitted how he used to play this shot extensively early on in his career to make up for his weak shoulders.

Roger Federer
Roger Federer (Credits: Imago)

Many experienced coaches, like Patrick Mouratoglou, have discouraged aspiring tennis players to imitate the legend’s backhand slice despite it being beautiful and artistic to witness. 

No. 1 Roger Federer. He had the best slice backhand because his slice was low, it was fast and he mastered the short cross court slice.
Mouratoglou on his Instagram

He mentions how the technique of the former World No.1 involves dropping the racket very low in his hand, which might now suit the other tennis players who will not get the result they wish for. Mouratoglou maintains how it is a special and unique trait only to Roger Federer.

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