Classic Serves

Classic tennis servers are players renowned for their exceptional serving skills, which have made a significant impact on the game. These players have showcased a variety of techniques, power, precision, and strategic serving that have often set them apart from their contemporaries. Here are some of the most iconic tennis servers in the history of the sport:

1. Pete Sampras

Serve Style: Pete Sampras is widely regarded as one of the best servers in tennis history. His serve was characterized by a smooth, effortless motion and an explosive delivery.

• Signature Serve: "Slam Dunk" serve, especially his second serve, which was considered one of the best and most reliable in the game.
• Achievements: 14 Grand Slam titles, numerous aces, and a high percentage of service games won.

2. Roger Federer

Serve Style: Roger Federer's serve is known for its fluid motion, precision, and ability to hit any spot in the service box with accuracy.

• Signature Serve: Federer's variety in serves, including his pinpoint accurate wide serve on the deuce side and his powerful serves down the T.
• Achievements: 20 Grand Slam titles, often winning critical points with his serve.

3. Boris Becker

Serve Style: Boris Becker was known for his powerful and aggressive serving style, often serving with high speed and accuracy.

• Signature Serve: His booming first serve and a kick serve that troubled many opponents.
• Achievements: 6 Grand Slam titles and a high number of aces during his career.

4. Goran Ivanišević

Serve Style: Goran Ivanišević is remembered for his left-handed serve, which combined power, accuracy, and a variety of spins.

• Signature Serve: His ability to serve aces consistently, especially under pressure, such as during his Wimbledon 2001 victory.
• Achievements: Wimbledon champion in 2001, known for his remarkable ace counts.

5. John Isner

Serve Style: John Isner's serve is renowned for its sheer power and effectiveness, largely due to his height (6'10").

• Signature Serve: His fast first serve, often exceeding 140 mph, and his reliable second serve.
• Achievements: Known for holding the record for most aces in a match (113 in his 2010 Wimbledon match against Nicolas Mahut).

6. Andy Roddick

Serve Style: Andy Roddick's serve was one of the fastest in the game, often reaching speeds over 150 mph.

• Signature Serve: His flat, powerful first serve and a highly effective kick serve.
• Achievements: US Open champion in 2003, held the record for the fastest serve for several years.

7. Serena Williams

Serve Style: Serena Williams is widely regarded as one of the greatest female servers. Her serve combines power, placement, and consistency.

• Signature Serve: Her powerful flat serve and the ability to serve aces at crucial moments.
• Achievements: 23 Grand Slam singles titles, often dominating matches with her serve.

8. Ivan Lendl

Serve Style: Ivan Lendl's serve was a key weapon in his arsenal, characterized by its power and consistency.

• Signature Serve: His powerful first serve and a reliable, well-placed second serve.
• Achievements: 8 Grand Slam titles, known for his dominance during the 1980s.

9. Martina Navratilova

Serve Style: Martina Navratilova had a versatile serve, known for its precision and ability to set up her aggressive net play.

• Signature Serve: Her slice serve and the ability to mix up serves to keep opponents guessing.
• Achievements: 18 Grand Slam singles titles, with her serve-and-volley game being a significant factor in her success.

10. Stan Wawrinka

Serve Style: Stan Wawrinka's serve is known for its combination of power and accuracy, often setting up his powerful groundstrokes.

• Signature Serve: His powerful first serve and his ability to hit both wide and down-the-T serves effectively.
• Achievements: 3 Grand Slam titles, with his serve playing a crucial role in his victories.

These classic tennis servers have left an indelible mark on the sport with their exceptional serving abilities. Each has their own unique style and strengths, contributing significantly to their success and the excitement of the game. Whether through sheer power, strategic placement, or consistency, these players have demonstrated that a strong serve is a vital component of elite tennis.