What is Roger Federer's playing handedness?

Roger Federer played tennis right-handed. His right-handed serve and forehand were paired with a distinctive one-handed backhand, a stroke that became one of the defining images of modern tennis.

Federer began playing tennis as a child in Switzerland and developed an unusually complete attacking game. His serve, forehand and movement allowed him to control rallies, while his one-handed backhand gave him variety and reach, especially on fast courts and grass. The combination helped him win 20 major singles titles and spend 310 weeks as world No. 1.

A common mix-up is to confuse playing handedness with the hand used for the backhand. Federer hit his backhand with one hand, but that does not make him left-handed or ambidextrous. In a one-handed backhand, a right-handed player typically uses the right hand as the dominant hand while the other hand helps guide the racket during preparation.

Federer’s one-handed backhand was particularly effective for slice, changes of pace and attacking returns, although high-bouncing topspin on clay could make that stroke more demanding.