Andrea Petkovic is of the opinion that Steffi Graf could defeat Serena Williams in her heyday by employing a single weapon from her arsenal

Despite the fact that Serena Williams is widely regarded as the greatest female tennis player of all time, retired German tennis star Andrea Petkovic is of the opinion that her compatriot, Steffi Graf, would surpass the American during her prime.

In 1999, when Graf was nearing the conclusion of her career and Williams was just beginning to emerge, the two women were tied at one win each when they faced off on the WTA tour. Graf concluded her career with 22 Grand Slam singles titles, while Williams advanced to 23 Major singles titles upon her retirement.

Williams was capable of being tested by Graf, according to Petkovic.

Petkovic asserted during an appearance on the Rennae Stubbs podcast that she is of the opinion that Graf could defeat Williams if the two women were to engage in a match during their primes. The former World No.9 posited that the current World No.1, Aryna Sabalenka, had a chance to unseat Williams; however, she was confident that Graf would prevail.

“The only player I believe could have defeated her (Serena Williams) at her peak, if I were to place a bet, I would always place $100 on Aryna,” stated Petkovic. “However, I do believe that Steffi Graf could have defeated her on a random day, solely due to the slice. Serena would be perturbed by the disruption of rhythm, as she lost to Vinci that year.”

Petkovic believed that her compatriot would employ Graf’s signature slice to cause Williams trouble, as it was employed with devastating effect during the German’s most successful years on tour. In the 2015 US Open semifinal, the retired American champion was defeated by Italian Roberta Vinci, primarily as a result of Vinci’s proficient utilisation of the slice.

 

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Two Legends, One Iconic Shot: How Steffi Graf and Gabriela Sabatini Redefined the One-Handed Backhand

In the golden era of women’s tennis, a period dominated by fierce rivalries, breakthrough styles, and revolutionary athleticism, two names stood apart—not only for their achievements but for their shared mastery of an elegant, almost poetic stroke: the one-handed backhand. Steffi Graf and Gabriela Sabatini, two of the most iconic players of the late 1980s and early 1990s, didn’t just wield the one-handed backhand—they sculpted it into a timeless weapon of grace, precision, and undeniable power.

Though their rivalry lit up courts around the world, it was the beauty of their backhands—so different in execution yet equally devastating—that left an indelible mark on the sport.

The Artistry and Legacy of the One-Handed Backhand

To appreciate what Graf and Sabatini achieved with the one-handed backhand, one must first understand its place in modern tennis. In an era increasingly dominated by the two-handed backhand—favored for its stability and ease of execution—the one-hander has become a rare art form. It demands exceptional timing, balance, and technique. While power is easier to generate with two hands, the one-hander offers unmatched elegance and versatility, especially in transitions, slice play, and net approaches.

Steffi Graf and Gabriela Sabatini became two of the last great torchbearers of this stroke on the women’s tour, each evolving a unique version that served their contrasting game styles.

Steffi Graf: The Precision Blade

Steffi Graf’s dominance in tennis history is unquestioned—22 Grand Slam singles titles, 377 weeks as world No. 1, and a Golden Slam in 1988 (winning all four majors and Olympic gold in the same year). Yet what made Graf especially remarkable was her court efficiency, mental toughness, and a playing style that blurred the line between athleticism and precision.

Graf’s game revolved around a ferocious inside-out forehand and lightning speed, but her one-handed backhand slice was the cornerstone of her strategy. While most backhands were used to attack, Graf’s slice was surgical—a defensive tool that became an offensive weapon.

Why It Worked:

1. Unpredictable Spin: Her low, skidding slice was hard to attack. It stayed low, forcing opponents to bend, reset, and rethink.
2. Tactical Versatility: Graf used the backhand slice to redirect play, change pace, and set up her lethal forehand.
3. Footwork Mastery: Her agility allowed her to position herself perfectly for each shot, which is crucial when using a one-handed backhand, especially off the slice.
4. Mental Edge: Graf’s slice frustrated opponents, dragging them into longer rallies and often coaxing errors.

Despite being more defensive in nature, her one-handed backhand underscored her brilliance. Graf didn’t need to overpower with her backhand—she controlled the rhythm, neutralized aggression, and capitalized on mistakes. It was chess, not checkers.

Gabriela Sabatini: The Sculptor of Power and Flair

In contrast, Gabriela Sabatini’s one-handed backhand was a thing of beauty—fluid, stylish, and power-laden. Hailing from Argentina, Sabatini’s natural athleticism and flair made her a fan favorite, and her rivalry with Graf became one of the most captivating narratives of the era.

Sabatini possessed a more traditional one-handed backhand in the mold of classic stroke players. Unlike Graf, who preferred the slice, Sabatini often drove her backhand with topspin, generating pace and depth. It was not just functional; it was expressive—revealing her character, confidence, and willingness to create angles.

Why It Worked:

1. Balance of Power and Control: Sabatini’s backhand combined topspin and pace with remarkable control, making it hard for opponents to anticipate.
2. Aggressive Mindset: She used the backhand to dictate rallies and open up the court, especially from the baseline.
3. Fluid Mechanics: Her stroke mechanics were near-flawless, allowing her to hit with both finesse and ferocity.
4. All-Court Game: Sabatini wasn’t afraid to approach the net, and her backhand was a reliable shot to transition with, often setting up volleys.

Unlike Graf’s surgical precision, Sabatini’s backhand was more emotive and explosive—a weapon capable of outright winners.

When Styles Collide: A Rivalry of Contrast

The rivalry between Graf and Sabatini perfectly encapsulated the contrast in their backhands. In their 40 career meetings, Graf won 29, but their matches were often tightly contested and riveting in style.

Sabatini’s ability to challenge Graf stemmed from her willingness to take the ball early, attack Graf’s slice, and vary her own rhythm. Graf, on the other hand, would stretch Sabatini with deep forehands, using her backhand slice to neutralize attacks and wait for the right moment to pounce.

The 1990 US Open final was perhaps the most iconic chapter in their rivalry, with Sabatini defeating Graf in straight sets. It was her first and only Grand Slam title, a moment of culmination that validated her artistry and resolve. Her backhand was instrumental that day, consistently disrupting Graf’s rhythm and drawing errors.

Why Their Backhands Endure

In the modern power-driven game, where two-handed backhands dominate the women’s tour, Graf and Sabatini’s one-handers feel like a relic of the Renaissance—a time when variety and aesthetics were as important as brute strength. Yet their strokes remain timeless for several reasons:

1. Technical Mastery: Both women had exceptional technique, proving that the one-handed backhand can be as effective as it is beautiful.
2. Strategic Depth: Their backhands were integral to their broader game plans. They weren’t ornamental—they were strategic weapons.
3. Inspiration for Generations: Players like Justine Henin and Ashleigh Barty have cited the influence of classic one-handers like Graf and Sabatini. Henin, in particular, modeled her explosive backhand after Sabatini’s.
4. Legacy in Contrast: The contrast between Graf’s slice and Sabatini’s topspin proved there’s no single “correct” way to use the shot. They adapted it to fit their personalities and strengths.

Conclusion: One Shot, Infinite Stories

Graf and Sabatini shared many moments across the net—some fierce, some respectful, all unforgettable. But their greatest contribution to tennis might not be the trophies or the wins. It’s the image of two legends perfecting an increasingly rare shot, each in her own way, elevating it beyond technique into the realm of artistry.

In a world where power often overshadows grace, their one-handed backhands remind us of the elegance possible in sport—the kind that doesn’t just win matches but wins hearts, defines eras, and inspires generations.

Two legends. One iconic shot. A legacy etched not just in titles, but in timeless form.