10 Tennis Shots So Difficult Even Federer Tried Only Once

Tennis is a game of precision, power, and impossible moments that leave fans stunned. While legends like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Serena Williams have defined eras, even they have faced shots so tough that pulling them off once was enough to make history.

1. The Tweener Winner

Perhaps the most famous "impossible" shot — hitting the ball between the legs while running back. Federer’s tweener against Djokovic at the 2009 US Open remains legendary, but it’s a shot so risky that even he rarely attempted it again under pressure.

2. Around-the-Net Post Forehand

Striking the ball from outside the net post and still landing it inside the opponent’s court defies geometry. Federer nailed it against Djokovic at the 2010 US Open, a once-in-a-lifetime shot that still circulates in highlight reels.

3. Diving Volley

Players like Boris Becker made it iconic, but even Federer tried a full-stretch dive only once in a match. The risk of injury makes this one of the toughest shots to repeat.

4. No-Look Backhand Volley

Federer once stunned crowds with a reactionary no-look volley at the net. It’s instinctive, lightning-fast, and nearly impossible to execute deliberately more than once.

5. Behind-the-Back Flick

Federer pulled this off against Davydenko in 2009. Instead of stepping around the ball, he flicked it behind his back and somehow landed it in. A shot of pure instinct.

6. Half-Volley Return of Serve

Returning a booming 140+ mph serve on the half-volley is brutally difficult. Federer once managed this against Roddick at Wimbledon, but it’s too high-risk to rely on often.

7. One-Handed Backhand Lob on the Run

Federer’s elegant one-hander has given fans magical moments, but his running lob against Agassi in 2005 showed just how hard this shot is to replicate.

8. Sliding Forehand on Grass

Sliding on clay is tough but natural. Sliding into a forehand winner on grass? Federer did it once at Wimbledon, shocking fans and proving his genius — but also the danger.

9. Drop Shot Return of Serve

Against Sampras in their only match (Wimbledon 2001), Federer attempted a cheeky drop shot return. Pulling this off is a once-in-a-career kind of play.

10. Between-the-Legs Passing Shot

The ultimate showstopper. Federer executed a between-the-legs passing shot winner against Djokovic in 2009, one of the most famous shots in tennis history — and too risky to repeat often.

Conclusion

Great champions are remembered for their trophies, but sometimes a single impossible shot defines their legend. Federer’s genius lies not only in his consistency but also in daring to attempt these toughest shots that most players wouldn’t even dream of.

FAQs

Q: Which is considered Federer’s toughest shot ever?
A: His 2009 US Open tweener winner against Djokovic is widely regarded as the most difficult and iconic shot of his career.

Q: Has Nadal or Djokovic pulled off similar once-in-a-lifetime shots?
A: Yes — Nadal’s around-the-net shots and Djokovic’s sliding winners have also stunned crowds, though they often rely more on defense than flair.

Q: Why don’t pros try these shots more often?
A: They are high-risk and low-reward. One mistake can cost the point, so players only attempt them when there’s no other option.