Despite a trend towards power tennis, the backhand slice remains a potent weapon at Wimbledon, as evidenced by a third-round match between Grigor Dimitrov and Matteo Berrettini featuring 128 slices. This shot, once a staple on grass, keeps low and troubles opponents, offering tactical advantages from defense to setting up volleys.

Recent changes to Wimbledon's grass courts, making them slower, along with advancements in string technology and ball composition, have favored two-handed backhands and sheer power. However, players like Tatjana Maria, who uses the slice for a significant majority of her shots, demonstrate its continued effectiveness. Dimitrov, in particular, employed the slice on 71% of his backhands in a recent match, a figure higher than the men's tournament average of 26%.

Even Novak Djokovic acknowledges the slice's utility on grass, especially with unpredictable bounces. While modern balls may not stay as low as in previous years, players like Lorenzo Sonego and Taylor Fritz are finding success with forehand slices, particularly for returns. The women's game sees a slightly higher average for forehand slices at 11% compared to the men's 9%, indicating a strategic embrace of the shot across the board.