Only one player left in US Open draw can continue streak that’s lasted for 150 years

Stefanos Tsitsipas is the only player remaining in the US Open draw able to keep alive a 150-year streak that 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer cringed at the mention of ending.

The Greek tennis star is in possession of what many have claimed to be ‘the most beautiful shot in tennis’ — a one-handed backhand.

Tsitsipas, currently ranked 53rd in the world, has endured a difficult time at Grand Slam events in recent times, having failed to make it beyond the second round since Roland Garros 2024.

With his 2-6, 6-1, 7-6, 6-1 victory against Jiri Lehecka in the Round of 32, the Greek is now the only player left in the draw that can keep a 150-year streak alive: of, at least, one player with a one-handed backhand making it annually to the Grand Slam semi-final stages.

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Tsitsipas vows to keep 150-year streak alive, after progressing at US Open

Previously, the Greek’s idol, Federer, visibly recoiled at the mention of this streak being broken in a pre-exhibition presser at the US Open.

“I love seeing one-handers do well,” confessed the 20-time Slam champion. “Double-handed is an easier shot to learn when you’re younger… But I’m still hopeful it’s not the end.”

Shortly after, Federer enjoyed a practice session with Lorenzo Musetti, prior to the Swiss superstar’s exhibition match versus ex-rival Andy Roddick.

His Italian hitting partner kept the streak alive in 2025, when Musetti, a one-handed backhander, made it to the semi-finals of Roland Garros.

In 2026, all active ATP players with a one-handed backhand failed to make it to the semi-finals of the Australian Open, Roland Garros and Wimbledon — now, Tsitsipas at the US Open is the last hope at keeping this 150-year tradition alive.

The Greek posted a short but impactful statement to X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday: “I’ve got a 150-year streak to save,” shortly after his victory against Lehecka.

The day prior, Tsitsipas posted a video from the official US Open account, accompanied by the hashtag #KeepOneHanderAlive.

During a post-match interview in the States, the Greek described his loving relationship with the shot, stating that he doesn’t want the technique to “vanish and disappear.”

The 28-year-old also revealed that he is mentoring a young Japanese player, whose father called on Tsitsipas to teach his son the technique.

To keep this 150-year tradition alive, the Greek must first make it beyond Ben Shelton in the Round of 16, then the victor of Carlos Alcaraz versus Tommy Paul.

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Who has kept the streak alive previously, and where has Tsitsipas’ resurgence came from?

The 28-year-old’s idol, Federer, was largely responsible for keeping the 150-year streak alive throughout his playing days.

In his prime, the Swiss superstar made it to a staggering 23 consecutive Slam semi-finals, all while playing with a one-handed backhand.

Federer’s fellow countryman Stan Wawrinka, a three-time Slam champion, was also crucial in maintaining the long-time tradition.

Tsitsipas’ resurgence at Grand Slam-level has been one of the US Open’s greatest surprises; his last quarter-final appearance arrived at Roland Garros in 2024.

The Greek has previously made it to two Slam finals — the Australian Open in 2023, and Roland Garros in 2021 — losing to Novak Djokovic on both occasions. Since the mid-point of 2024, Tsitsipas has recorded three first round and six second round exits.

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If he is to prevail against Shelton on Sunday, the 28-year-old will end the year with a positive record at Grand Slam events, and put himself just one match away from keeping the streak alive.