Photo Study of Richard Gasquet's One-Handed Backhand

If any one word comes to your mind when you look at this photo, it should be "upward." Notice how far above the ball the racquet has risen while the ball has traveled only a few feet forward. The racquet's rise and that of Gasquet's whole body, with his feet lifted off the court, indicate that he has hit heavy topspin on this backhand.

If the word you came up with was "elegant," we'll forgive you. With Gasquet's left arm so perfectly counterbalancing his right, his head so steadily fixed on the point of contact, and his feet looking like they should bear skates, there's plenty of elegance to note.