The Strategic Edge of Hand Dominance in Tennis

In the high-stakes world of professional tennis, every advantage counts. One such advantage is the strategic use of hand dominance. While most players stick to their natural dominant hand, some choose to play with their non-dominant hand, believing it offers a competitive edge.

The Left-Handed Advantage

Left-handed players are often considered to have a unique advantage in tennis. The angles they can create, especially when serving to a right-handed player's backhand on the ad-court, are highly effective. This was a key factor in Toni Nadal's decision to coach his nephew, Rafael Nadal, to play left-handed despite being naturally right-handed.

Right-Handed Players Going Left

Several top players have adopted this strategy. Jack Draper, ranked World No. 5, is naturally right-handed but plays left-handed. "I write right-handed, I kick a ball right-footed, I do everything right-handed," Draper explained. "When I was younger, I used to hit on a wall, and I just picked up with the left hand. That's the way I have always done it."

Three-time Grand Slam winner Angelique Kerber also plays left-handed despite being right-handed in all other activities. Cam Norrie, who faced Novak Djokovic in the US Open third round, is another example.

Left-Handed Players Going Right

Conversely, some players who could have been left-handed ended up playing right-handed. Tommy Paul, who lost in the third round of the US Open, is one such player. "I write left-handed, I eat left-handed, brush my teeth left-handed. But I play all my sports right-handed, and I kick right-footed," Paul said. "I wish I had [played left-handed], it would have been nice."

Ambidextrous Players

Some players are ambidextrous, like Maria Sharapova, who occasionally hit shots left-handed when out of position. Leylah Fernandez, the 2021 US Open runner-up, also exhibits ambidexterity. "I'm able to do a couple of things with my right hand," Fernandez said. "I much prefer to throw a baseball with my right hand and sign with my right hand, but I write essays with my left hand."

Historical Context

Historically, some players were encouraged to switch hands. Maureen Connolly, Ken Rosewall, and Margaret Court were all encouraged to play right-handed by their coaches or fathers. Despite this, they achieved remarkable success, with Connolly winning nine slams and Court winning 24, tying her with Djokovic for the most Grand Slam titles.

Conclusion

The decision to play with a non-dominant hand in tennis is a strategic one, often influenced by coaching, personal preference, and the unique advantages it can offer. Whether left-handed or right-handed, these players demonstrate the importance of adaptability and strategy in the sport.