Ronaldo's Backhand: Does This Look Familiar?

Football legend Ronaldo doesn't need to convince anyone of his skills on the pitch. But on Wednesday, the Brazilian showed he has talent in another sport, too: tennis.

The two-time Ballon d'Or winner posted a photo on Instagram of his one-handed backhand, to which Brazilian doubles star Marcelo Melo commented, "Wawrinka copied the backhand for sure!" Former World No. 3 Stan Wawrinka has one of the best backhands in the world.

 

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^{Stan Wawrinka hits a one-handed backhand at Roland Garros in 2020. Photo Credit: Peter Staples/ATP Tour}
Ronaldo has long attended tennis events, including the Mutua Madrid Open, the Rio Open presented by Claro and Roland Garros. According to Melo, "He loves tennis, always come to Madrid. He plays okay, actually."

^{Ronaldo meets with Roger Federer in Madrid in 2006. Photo Credit: AFP/Getty Images}
There were plenty of people impressed with Ronaldo's form. Iker Casillas, a Spanish goalkeeper, wrote, "Pensaba que eras @Rafael Nadal", which means: "I thought you were Rafael Nadal."

Patrick Mouratoglou, Serena Williams' coach, who also advises Stefanos Tsitsipas among others, commented, "Love that! One-handed backhand is the ultimate tennis shot!"