The serve in tennis is one of the most powerful weapons a player can possess. There are many outstanding servers, often referred to as “serve-bots,” currently on tour, but the player widely regarded as having the best serve of his generation was John Isner, who retired at the 2023 US Open. So which players have recorded the fastest serves in tennis history? We begin with the shortest player on this list, who remains remembered as an exceptional server.
1. Andy Roddick
Embed from Getty ImagesMany consider Andy Roddick the best server under 1.90 meters tall. Standing at 1.88 meters, he was known throughout his career for having his serve as his greatest weapon. One of his most memorable achievements was hitting seven consecutive aces in the 2005 Australian Open semifinal against Lleyton Hewitt. According to multiple sources, the fastest serve of the former world No.1’s career came against Vladimir Voltchkov of Belarus in the 2004 Davis Cup semifinal, clocked at 249.4 km/h.
2. Ben Shelton
Embed from Getty ImagesBen Shelton is one of the brightest young talents in men’s tennis. The 22-year-old American showcased the best form of his career so far at the 2023 US Open, reaching the semifinals. Shelton is known for the incredible speed of his serves, with many exceeding 200 km/h. His personal best came in the round of 16 against fellow American Tommy Paul, where he delivered a stunning first serve at 239 km/h.
3. John Isner
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter 16 years on tour, John Isner retired from professional tennis at his favorite Grand Slam, the US Open. Along with Croatian Ivo Karlović, Isner is widely regarded as one of the two best servers of the last 15 years. In fact, John Isner holds the record for the fastest officially recorded serve in an ATP match, measured at 253.0 km/h during the first round of the 2016 Davis Cup. He also ranks No.1 all-time for the most aces hit in professional matches.
4. Reilly Opelka
Embed from Getty ImagesNext on the list is another American, Reilly Opelka. While he has not yet achieved the same level of success as Isner, at just 27 years old he still has time to do so. Standing at 2.11 meters tall, Opelka’s height gives him a major advantage on serve. He also holds the record for the fastest second serve in tennis history, recorded at 233 km/h during the 2021 Italian Open.
5. Sam Groth
Embed from Getty ImagesNo list of the fastest servers in tennis would be complete without the player who holds the absolute speed record in the sport. Sam Groth recorded the fastest serve in tennis history at 263 km/h during an ATP Challenger event in Busan in 2012. Interestingly, Groth is now far removed from professional tennis, as he currently serves as the deputy leader of the Victorian Liberal Party in Australia.