The world of professional tennis has witnessed some astounding feats of power and precision, particularly in serving. The serve, a vital part of the game, not only starts play but may also determine the outcome of a point. Over the years, fans and players have been attracted by the search for the fastest, or quickest, serve. While the best tennis serves combine power and precision, it’s apparent that possessing one of the quickest serves in tennis can make the game appear much easier than it is.
In this article, we have compiled a list of the fastest tennis serves recorded on the men’s and women’s professional tours, as well as the top serving speeds of some of the most well-known tennis players. So let’s dig into Fastest Tennis Serves Ever recorded.
Who Produced the Fastest Tennis Serve Ever Recorded?
Sam Groth, an Australian, set the record for the quickest serve in history on May 9, 2012, in Busan, South Korea. Groth delivered the serve during his second-round Challenger match against Belarus’ Uladzimir Ignatik, which he lost 4-6, 3-6.
Groth, originally from New South Wales, Australia, was born on October 19, 1987. He began his professional career in 2006 and stands 6’11” (193 cm) tall and right-handed. In 2010, he reached a career high rating of 53.
What is The Fastest Women’s Tennis Serve Ever?
Georgina GarcÃa Pérez, a relatively unknown Spanish player who achieved a record-breaking 220 km/h (136.7 mph) in Hungary in 2018, is at the top of the serving tree for the women.
The politics of what is and isn’t recognized resurface here, with former Wimbledon finalist Sabine Lisicki holding the official title for her 131 mph (210.8 km/h) feat in 2014.
To provide reference, Serena Williams’ fastest serve of her career was 128.3 mph (206.4 km/h).
Average Serve Speed
To better appreciate the speeds of those described in this article, it’s useful to take into account the average tennis serve speed.
Here are some averages based on statistics from over 100 ATP Tour players that you may use as a reference.
- Average First Serve Speed: 115.79 mph (186.35 km/h)
- Average Second Serve Speed: 94.44 mph (151.98 km/h)
- Average Serve Speed: 109.75 mph (176.62 km/h)
Top 10 Fastest Tennis Serves
Every shot on these lists is not accepted by ATP, as it’s never clear what constitutes an official record.
This might be because the ATP Tour has not permitted the use of different serve speed tracking devices at lower level competitions.
Whatever the case, let’s explore the quickest tennis serves that have ever been documented.
1. Sam Groth – 263 km/h (163.7 mph)
- Date: 2012
- Event: Busan Open Challenger (South Korea)
- Notes: Groth holds the record for the fastest serve ever recorded in tennis.
Speed Details
During an ATP Challenger event in Busan in 2012, Sam Groth achieved the fastest serve in tennis history, hitting it at 163.7 mph (263.4 km/h). However, the Association of Tennis Professionals does not officially recognize this astounding performance due to the standards of serve-speed guns at challenger events.
Career Highlights
Even though Groth broke records with his serve, his finest singles performance came from the 2014 Hall of Fame Tennis Championships, when he made it to the semifinals. He was formerly ranked No. 53 in the world for his powerful serve, but he has since dropped to No. 225.
Serve Technique
Groth uses a special method that demands extraordinary timing and coordination to hit the ball nearly at the peak of the toss, which improves his serve. Because of his powerful frame and 6-foot-4 height, he can generate a huge serve speed with this approach, making it difficult for opponents to counter. His “loose arm” technique, which helps to accelerate the racket through the swing and increases the power of his serve, is another aspect of his technique.
2. John Isner – 253 km/h (157.2 mph)
- Date: 2016
- Event: Davis Cup (Australia)
- Notes: Isner, known for his height and serving ability, set this mark during a Davis Cup match.
Serve Speed Details
John Isner In 2016 Davis Cup, serves the official fastest serve in history at a recorded speed of 157.2 mph (253 km/h). He is now second in the history of tennis with such a high-speed serve performance.
Career Highlights
Isner turned professional in 2007, and before long he caught the attention of the world when he won his first ATP tour title early in 2010, followed by participating at that year’s Wimbledon, where he played out what would become known as simply The Longest Tennis Match. He has since kept logging the best images, with 14,470 career aces as of August 31st (most on ATP Tour), showcasing that serve strength and reliability.
Serve Technique
The serve of Isner benefits greatly from his height, as he can “hit down” on the ball which gives him very hard angles and awkward speeds for those opposing. The perfect stance, high toss maintained by a straightened arm and special timing where his legs start pushing the moment he makes contact with the ball which help him in generating lots of power making it highly efficient. His combination of height, strength and technique means his serve is one of the most fearsome on tour.
3. Ivo Karlovic – 251 km/h (156 mph)
- Date: 2011
- Event: Davis Cup (Croatia)
- Notes: Karlovic, often called “Dr. Ivo,” has consistently been one of the most dominant servers in tennis.
Serve Speed Details
Ivo Karlovic broke a record for ATP tournaments in 2011 when he served at an astounding 156.0 mph (251.1 km/h) in a doubles match during the Davis Cup. This performance demonstrated his extraordinary serve speed, which was the fastest in ATP competitions until John Isner overtook it in 2016.
Career Highlights
Karlovic’s career is noteworthy for his powerful serve, which has helped him set numerous records. In 2009, during a Davis Cup match, he hit a record-breaking 78 aces, which at the time was the most aces in a single match. Throughout his career, he has served over 13,728 aces, breaking the record for most aces held by Goran IvaniÅ¡ević in 2015 until John Isner broke it in 2022.
Serve Technique
Karlovic, who stands 6 feet 10 inches tall, uses his height advantage to improve his serve, resulting in faster and more accurate serves. His technique consists of a minimum back bend and a distinct motion in which he opens his palm on the racquet handle during the serve to enable maximum relaxation and effective force transfer. This strategy, combined with his ability to go airborne during serves, considerably increases his contact point, making his serves both forceful and difficult for opponents.
4. Albano Olivetti – 250 km/h (155.4 mph)
- Date: 2012
- Event: Internazionali Trofeo Lame Perrel-Faip (Italy)
- Notes: Olivetti is not as well-known as some on this list, but his serve speed places him among the elites.
Serve Speed Details
After serving the first round of the Internazionali Trofeo Lame Perrel-Faip in Bergamo, Italy, in 2012 at a speed of 250 km/h (155.4 mph), French tennis player Albano Olivetti became an overnight sensation. He’s among the exclusive group of players who have broken the magical speed threshold due to his powerful and aggressive serve, which was a blazing 150 mph rocket up the middle that narrowly missed falling in for an ace. Olivetti may not be as well-known for his massive serves as some of the other players on this list, but he set an ATP tour record with these blistering shots.
Career Highlights
His career best came at the 2012 Marseille Open, where he reached the quarterfinals as a wildcard and defeated then-world No. His huge serve helped key those dramatic upsets, leaving opponents little time to respond. His progress was hindered by injuries in later seasons, but he was still able to dominate with his serve, which had proven to be an effective tactical tool when he competed on the ATP Challenger Tour. Despite never reaching a high enough ranking to play with the best players in the game, he made significant progress.
Serve Technique
Olivetti’s serve is certainly at a completely other level, and this greatest of all worlds (last year as well) forgives that his technique “suffers” because he does not require nearly faultless service motion when measured at 203 centimeters. He pushes down into the court at launch with explosive force thanks to his basic, fluid service action, which also makes the most of his lengthy limbs. He just wouldn’t be able to hit the serves that quickly without strength and an effective, reliable biomechanical technique.
5. Andy Roddick – 249.4 km/h (155 mph)
- Date: 2004
- Event: Davis Cup (USA)
- Notes: Roddick was famous for his powerful serve and used it as a major weapon throughout his career.
Serve Speed Details
In the 2004 Davis Cup, Andy Roddick served what is by most recognized as the fastest serve in tennis history with a speed of 155.0 mph (249.4 km/h). The performance was not just a showing of how hard Raonic could hit it, but also saw him break records that he had previously recorded at Wimbledon and the US Open for the fastest serve.
Career Highlights
In an illustrious career that spanned 11 years, Roddick tallied 32 singles wins and captured arguably the most memorable of those titles at the US Open in Wimbledon. Roddick also never won a Grand Slam championship at Wimbledon or the US Open while he possessed these serve speed records, illustrating just how tough competition had been during all of his peak years.
Serve Technique
Roddick had one of the simplest and highest-realization serves in the archives, with it appearing to require very little effort whilst producing such huge power. His way was unorthodox compared to the majority of regular serves; he had a much shortened backswing and raised elbow gesture far from his body. That ability to create at odd angles enabled him to generate huge spin rates while maintaining accuracy, making his delivery one of the most lethal throughout his era.
6. Milos Ronic – 249.4 km/h (155 mph)
- Date: 2012
- Event: Rogers Cup (Canada)
- Notes: Raonic is known for his exceptional serve, which has often helped him dominate matches.
Serve Speed Details
Milos Raonic set a record for the fastest serve in tennis history in 2012 at the SAP Open, clocking in at 157 mph. However, he differed slightly from other top servers in that he was not only a line-hitter but also a volley specialist who was always scouting, judo, etc. This amazing speed not only demonstrates the amount of power he can produce, but it also signals a sea change in the development of tennis serve speeds.
Career Highlights
Raonic is widely considered one of the greatest servers in the Open Era, holding a 91% (first serve points won) winning record. He has been a solid hardcourt performer, and his biggest success to date was being the runner-up at Wimbledon 2016 as well as multiple ATP World Tour Masters 1000 finals achieved.
Serve Technique
A feature of Raonic’s serve is an uncommon grip where he runs his index finger up the strings on racket, specifically so that it protrudes between three main fingers—a style that has helped Crankshaft delivery. This technique involves a sharp swing of the racket to the right with sufficient elasticity during the drop phase and for improving his racket head speed, which helps him on his fast serves. This underlying new feature has helped Raonic acquire a wide range of movement and whip in his serve, making it even more dangerous lurking under the radar.
7. Juan Martin del Potro – 243 km/h (151 mph)
- Date: 2017
- Event: Stockholm Open (Sweden)
- Notes: Del Potro, a former US Open Champion, has combined power and precision with his powerful serves.
Serve Speed Details
Juan MartÃn del Potro is regarded by many as having the strongest forehand in tennis, and his serve is also very powerful. One of his fastest serves was recorded at 243 km/h (151 mph) in October 2017 during a round robin match against John Isner Twinsensation_Tennis. That speed comfortably places him among the fastest servers in tennis, lending a terrifying appearance to Kirkinis’ service games while also putting opponents under continual strain. His incredibly potent baseline game has been built around his serve and devastating forehand.
Career Highlight
Winning the 2009 US Open in a five-set final against Roger Federer. After this victory, Babolat had a stylish debut and showed that he was one of the select few players capable of upsetting Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic at their prime. Despite his physical issues, he has won the US Open and won an Olympic silver medal in 2016, establishing himself as a global icon alongside Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic.
Serve Technique
Delpotro’s height and natural power ensured that his serve technique was superb. With a smooth action and a high-bouncing delivery, he can also blast away at breakneck speed; by varying the placement slightly (going wide or down-the-T), his grounders will keep opponents on their heels. His second serve is somewhat slower but more steady and reliable, so returners face uphill fights to start many rallies. This combination of power, precision, and variety has long made del Potro’s serve one of the most feared on tour.
8. Taylor Dent – 241 km/h (149.8 mph)
- Date: 2005
- Event: U.S. Open (USA)
- Notes: Dent set this record at the US Open during the latter stages of his career.
Serve Speed Details
OK, Taylor Dent hit an all-time record serve of 149.8 mph (241.1 km/h) at the Australian Open in 2005 Play GIF. This pin-point serve was achieved in the first round of tournament, showing off just how huge his power can be despite only featuring twice that year due to back issues.
Career Highlights
In his career, Dent had some notable successes, such as winning ATP titles in Newport (2002), Bangkok, Memphis, and Moscow (all 2003). Typically, for me, it is his victory against then-future world number one Andy Roddick in Memphis back in 2003 that stands out. Even though injuries curtailed his career, Dent reached No. 21 in the world (2005) and was best known for a booming serve-and-volley game that produced record marks at Wimbledon and Roland Garros.
Serve Technique
Dent’s high toss-and-rip service motion enabled him to generate tremendous power and tons of pace. This strong serve not only saw him claim the record for fastest-ever delivery at Wimbledon—allowing his dominant serve-and-volley style to be even more effective on grass. He had a great serve but struggled to move well and could not match the consistency of players who were more mobile against him.
9. Marius Copil – 242 km/h (150.4 mph)
- Date: 2016
- Event: European Open (Belgium)
- Notes: Copil, a Romanian player, made the top 10 list with this blistering serve.
Serve Speed Details
At the 2016 European Open, Marius Copil achieved an incredible serve speed of 151.6 mph (244.0 km/h), ranking him among the top tennis players in terms of serve speed. His performance at the ATP 500 Basel in Switzerland was especially impressive, with his fastest serve reaching speeds of up to 240 km/h (150 mph).
Career Highlights
Copil’s professional breakthrough occurred in 2017, when he climbed into the top 100 of the ATP rankings, thanks partly to an excellent performance at the ATP 500 Swiss Indoors in Basel. He defeated the top ten players and advanced to the finals, losing narrowly to Roger Federer. His rise from a ranking of 120-300 to a career-high in the top 60 demonstrates his growth and skill.
Serve Technique
Copil’s serve method is defined by a precise helix shape and targeted long-axis pronation, which allows for maximum energy transmission during the serve. Even though he is not the tallest player, his technique and height of 191 cm (6’3″) allow him to deliver strong, precise serves that frequently surpass those of taller competitors.
10. Feliciano Lopez
- Date: 2014
- Event: Aegon Championships (UK)
- Notes: Lopez, a left-handed player known for his serve and volley style, recorded this serve at a grass-court event.
Serve Speed Details
Feliciano Lopez, one of the fastest tennis players, reached the elite category with a serve speed of 152.0 mph (244.6 km/h) at the Hamburg European Open in 2021. His ability to regularly deliver powerful serves is further shown by his 10,261 career aces, which places him fourth all-time.
Career Highlights
Lopez’s career has been defined by outstanding achievements, notably on grass courts, where he has won many titles at the Eastbourne International and the Queen’s Club Championships. His involvement in 139 Masters 1000 events highlights his longevity and consistency in the sport.
Serve Technique
Lopez’s serve has a fluid and effortless motion, allowing him to generate high ball speeds with little apparent effort. His low toss and lack of delay in the trophy posture combine to this fluidity, making his serve both powerful and difficult for opponents to predict.
How to Serve Fastest: Tips By Pro Tennis Players
Pro tennis players who have recorded the fastest serves in history provide insightful advice on how to develop strong serves.
1. Technique Matters
- Concentrate on the Toss: Take note of how professionals like Sam Groth toss the ball and make sure it’s constantly accurate in order to deliver powerful serves.
- Optimize Your Stance: As Milos Raonic shows, experiment with your stance to determine the posture that best balances power and stability.
2. Power Generation
- Use Leg Drive: To produce maximum power, incorporate leg movement into your fastest-ever tennis serve. This will let you play like tall players like Ivo Karlovic.
- Utilize Rotational Energy: To increase power and keep control, channel force from your hips and core, as demonstrated by Serena Williams’ serve.
3. Consistency and Accuracy
- Create a Reliable Ball Toss: Roger Federer has highlighted that accurate and precise ball tosses result in the fastest recorded tennis serves.
- Concentrate on Placement: Take Venus Williams’ lead and give strategic placement more weight than speed to keep opponents guessing.
4. Mental Preparation
- Remain Confident: As Taylor Dent shows, having faith in your skills can help you get past obstacles.
- Visualize Success: According to Serena Williams, mentally seeing a match beforehand improves concentration and performance.
Final Words
Throughout the article, we’ve glanced at the incredible accomplishments of tennis players that have pushed the limits of serve speed, providing a compelling picture of power, precision, and creativity. From Sam Groth’s record-breaking 163.7 mph serve to Feliciano Lopez’s astounding 152.0 mph serve, each player has left an everlasting impact on the sport, challenging future generations to reach these lofty goals. Not only do these incredible feats highlight the tremendous physical and technical skill needed, but they also highlight how the game is always evolving due to improvements in racquet technology and training methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest serve ever recorded at Wimbledon?
Taylor Dent set a record in 2010 with a speed of 238.2 km/h (148 mph) at Wimbledon. At Wimbledon in 2004, Andy Roddick recorded the second-highest speed ever, reaching 235 km/h (146 mph). Three years later, in 2017, Milos Raonic recorded the third-fastest speed, reaching 233.3 km/h (145 mph).
What is the fastest serve ever recorded at the Australian Open?
2015 saw Marius Copil of Romania record the highest serve ever in the Australian Open, hitting a speed of 242 km/h (150 mph). Prior to that, American Taylor Dent held the record for fastest ever, clocking in at 231 km/h (144 mph) at the Australian Open in 2006.
What is the fastest serve ever recorded at the US Open?
Oscar Otte, a German tennis player, hit the fastest serve in tennis history during his fourth-round match at the 2021 US Open, traveling at a speed of 243 km/h (151 mpg). The record was previously held by Taylor Fritz, who served 236.6 (147 mph) in his third-round match in 2020.
What is the fastest serve ever returned?
The fastest serve ever returned was a 244.6 km/h (152 mph) serve by Swedish player Jonas Bjorkman against Andy Roddick in the quarterfinals of the 2004 Davis Cup. It was the game’s final point.