Top 13 tennis players with the best forehand
Every tennis fan has asked this question at least once: who has the best forehand in tennis history?
It's a debate that crosses generations, eras, and playing styles - and it never really ends.
In this blog post, we take a look at both past and present to highlight 13 players whose forehands left a permanent mark on the game.
Why the forehand matters?
First off, the forehand is the most used stroke in tennis, accounting for nearly 70% of all shots during a match. It's the shot players rely on to control rallies, apply pressure, and finish points.
Over the years, many champions built their success around an exceptional forehand - often with a technique that stood out at the time.
Older generations may point to Sampras or Steffi Graf, while modern fans argue for Nadal or Federer. And then there are players like Del Potro or González, whose forehands felt almost unfair.
So how do we rank them? Carefully - and with the understanding that some subjectivity is unavoidable.
The criteria
There's no perfect way to measure a forehand, but this ranking is based on several key factors:
• Career achievements as proof of effectiveness
• Power and ball speed before and after the bounce
• Accuracy and ability to create angles
• Consistency under pressure
• Versatility (attack, defense, slice, drop shots)
• Technical innovation for their era
With that in mind, let's get into the ranking.
Ranking the best forehands in tennis history (13 to 1)
13. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
Tsonga's forehand was explosive and perfectly suited to his aggressive style. At just 22, he reached the 2008 Australian Open final after beating Murray and Nadal. Always looking to move forward and finish at the net, his forehand was the engine of his game - even if a Grand Slam title ultimately eluded him.
12. Jim Courier
Courier brought a baseball-style aggression to tennis. His heavy topspin forehand was innovative for its time, combining power, spin, and precision. World No.1 in 1992, he set the tone for a dominant generation of American players.
11. Pete Sampras
Known for his serve-and-volley game, Sampras also possessed a lethal forehand. His raised elbow during the backswing allowed him to hit devastating running forehands, especially down the line. A complete attacker and 14-time Grand Slam champion.
10. Andy Roddick
Roddick's forehand matched his famous serve in explosiveness. Using a unique grip and elbow position, he generated tremendous pace, helping him win the 2003 US Open and stay at the top of the rankings.
9. Novak Djokovic
Djokovic's forehand isn't flashy - but it's brutally effective. Consistent, precise, and versatile, it adapts perfectly to both attack and defense. While his backhand often steals the spotlight, his forehand is a cornerstone of his all-time-great status.
8. Robin Söderling
Söderling's forehand stood out because of its massive preparation and shoulder rotation. This allowed him to generate enormous power - most famously when he defeated Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros in 2009.
7. Tomáš Berdych
With a clean, flat, modern forehand, Berdych could hit through any opponent. His physical presence and technique made him a constant threat, even if his career results didn't fully match his potential.
6. Ivan Lendl
Lendl's forehand was revolutionary. His downward preparation and ability to hit winners from the baseline changed the game. With 15 Grand Slam titles and 270 weeks at No.1, his forehand was a defining weapon of his era.
5. Fernando González
Nicknamed "El Bombardero", González had one of the most feared forehands ever. His heavy topspin and raw pace made spectators gasp. His 2007 Australian Open run and victories over Federer showcased just how destructive his forehand could be.
4. Steffi Graf
The only woman on this list - and deservedly so. Graf built her legendary career around her forehand, using exceptional footwork to run around her backhand and dominate rallies. With 22 Grand Slam titles, her forehand remains one of the most iconic shots in tennis history.
3. Juan Martín del Potro
Del Potro's forehand was pure power. His long levers and flat swing produced some of the fastest forehands the game has ever seen. At his peak - especially during his 2009 US Open win - it felt almost unstoppable.
2. Rafael Nadal
Nadal's legendary left-handed forehand is one of the most effective shots ever created. The lasso motion generates extreme topspin, making it especially devastating on clay. Powerful, consistent, and reliable in both attack and defense, it powered him to 14 Roland Garros titles.
1. Roger Federer
Federer takes the top spot - not because his forehand was the most powerful, but because it was the most complete. Early contact, effortless acceleration, and unmatched versatility allowed him to hit winners from anywhere. His wrist flexibility and disguise created constant uncertainty for opponents. Simply put, it was tennis artistry.
Honorable mentions
Many great forehands narrowly missed this list.
Serena and Venus Williams, Gaël Monfils, Nick Kyrgios, and Stefanos Tsitsipas. Carlos Alcaraz is already making a strong case - and at just 19, his forehand could define the next era.
Forehand FAQ
Who has the best forehand ever?
Objectively, it's impossible to say. Subjectively, Roger Federer stands out for technique and versatility.
Federer or Nadal - whose forehand is better?
Nadal's is arguably the most effective. Federer's is the most elegant and unpredictable.
Who had the best two-handed forehand?
Monica Seles remains the gold standard, with Fabrice Santoro as a notable men's example.
Who has the best forehand in women's tennis?
Steffi Graf, without question.
Conclusion
This ranking is a journey through tennis history, shaped by power, precision, innovation, and personality. From Lendl to Graf, Del Potro to Nadal, we ultimately arrive at Federer - but the debate is far from settled.
If there's one lesson here, it's this: a great forehand can define a career. Keep working on it, refining it, and trusting it. And now, it's your turn - who do you think has the greatest forehand of all time?
