Alexander Bublik played a shot using an unusual grip recently at the Miami Open. During his first-round match against J.J. Wolf, Bublik played a sitter overhead while gripping the head of the racquet in both hands. The ball was struck with the handle for the winner.
Tennis TV shared the clip via Twitter.
The ITF Rules of Tennis describes the racquet components in great detail.
The racket shall consist of a frame and string(s). The frame shall consist of a handle and head, and may also include a throat. The head is defined as that part of the racket to which the string(s) connect. The handle is defined as that part of the racket connected to the head which is held by the player in normal use. The throat, where present, is that part of the racket that joins the handle to the head.
Appendix II, ITF Rules of Tennis, USTA Friend at Court
The subsequent paragraph in the rules defines the string bed as the “hitting surface.” However, there is absolutely nothing that requires the ball to be hit using that location on the racquet. The legality of framed winners is an ongoing testament that the ball does not have to contact the hitting surface. As long as it doesn’t touch the player’s body, a ball that contacts any part of the racquet and is returned to the opposite side of the court remains in play.
Bublik is an eccentric character and a bit of a showman. That may explain why he decided to play the shot in that way. Indeed it almost cost him. The suboptimal stroke mechanics slowed the ball down enough to allow Wolf a potential return.
Intentionally hitting the ball with the handle is not a technique recommended for competitive tennis matches. However, it is allowed within the rules.
Had a situation once, where a player put their hand flat behind the strings when hitting the ball with the other side of the string bed. All of the officials agreed this was not allowed as the ball could contact a small part of the hand through a gap in the strings.
The player said he did this because he had a broken string and thought it might help the string bed stay together until he could change his racket.
The ball Bublik hit with handle was already a “dead” ball. His first attempt to hit made the ball fall in his side of the net. Hence, it was a humorous way to keep the crowd entertained. Wolf joined the fun by “diving” to hit the ball.
Not sure, whether you’re trying to explain the rule or you misinterpreted the moment.