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Top 10 Fastest Tennis Serve Ever Recorded: Men & Women [2025 Updated]

Ivellios Ivellios |

In the world of tennis, serve speed is a crucial indicator of a player's serving prowess, where the fastest tennis serve can create direct scoring opportunities or secure a strategic advantage when challenging an opponent's return. This article delves into what has been recorded as the quickest serves in history, presenting the top 10 fastest tennis serves ever achieved by both female and male players, often practiced with a tennis ball machine.

Along the way, we’ll explore records that have made their mark on the sport, offering insights into the remarkable achievements of those who have set these blistering speeds. Join us as we uncover the fascinating history behind the fastest serves in the game and discover who has left an indelible footprint on the world of tennis with their unparalleled serving power.

What is the Fastest Recorded Tennis Serve?

The fastest recorded tennis serve was unleashed by Australian player Sam Groth during an ATP Challenger event in Busan, South Korea, in May 2012. Groth’s serve was clocked at an astonishing 263.4 km/h (163.7 mph), a speed that left spectators and opponents in awe. Despite this incredible feat, the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) does not officially recognize Groth’s serve as the fastest due to inconsistencies in the calibration of the serve speed tracking equipment used at Challenger events.

In the realm of officially recognized records, American tennis professional John Isner holds the title for the fastest serve. Isner’s serve, recorded at 253 km/h (157.2 mph) during the 2016 Davis Cup, stands as the ATP’s benchmark for serve speed. This record highlights the immense power and skill required to achieve such velocities, cementing Isner’s place in tennis history.

fastest tennis serve

What is the Fastest Recorded Tennis Serve?

Australian player Sam Groth hit the fastest tennis serve at an ATP Challenger event in Busan, South Korea, in May 2012. His serve was clocked at 263.4 km/h (163.7 mph) using approved equipment, and all other recorded data seemed normal. However, because radar guns can vary between Challenger events, the ATP does not officially recognize this fastest tennis serve.

The official speed ranking recognizes James Harrison as the fastest serve. He hit a serve at 157.0 mph (253.0 km/h) during the first round of the 2016 Davis Cup.

What is the Average Tennis Serve Speed?

The average tennis serve speeds vary significantly between players of different levels and genders. And the second serve is usually slower than the first because players are more focused on making sure the ball goes in than on maximum speed. Here are some data for your 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 13 Fastest Men's Tennis Serves ever recorded

Here are Top 13 fastest men’s tennis serves in tennis history, with some standout records not recognized by the ATP. All data are provided by Wikipedia. Achieving one of the fastest serves can significantly enhance a tennis player's game and performance.

Rank

Player

Country

Event

Fastest Tennis Serve

Average First Serve Speed

1

Sam Groth

Australia

2012 Busan Open Challenger Tennis

263.4 km/h (163.7 mph)

197.9 km/h (123.0 mph)

2

Albano Olivetti

France

2012 Internazionali Trofeo Lame Perrel–Faip

257.5 km/h (160.0 mph)

204.4 km/h (127.0 mph)

3

John Isner

USA

2016 Davis Cup

253.0 km/h (157.2 mph)

201.2 km/h (125.0 mph)

4

Ivo Karlović

Croatia

2016 Davis Cup

251 km/h (156.0 mph)

201.2 km/h (125.0 mph)

4

Jerzy Janowicz

Poland

2012 Pekao Szczecin Open

251 km/h (156.0 mph)

193.1 km/h (120.0 mph)

6

Milos Raonic

Canada

2012 SAP Open

249.9 km/h (155.3 mph)

201.2 km/h (125.0 mph)

7

Andy Roddick

USA

2004 Davis Cup

249.4 km/h (155 mph)

199.6 km/h (124.0 mph)

8

Chris Guccione

Australia

2006 Davis Cup

248.0 km/h (154.1 mph)

/

9

Joachim Johansson

Sweden

2004 Davis Cup

244.6 km/h (152.0 mph)

/

9

Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard

France

2024 French Open

244.6km/h (152.0mph)

217.2 km/h (135.0 mph)

9

Feliciano LĂłpez

Spain

2014 Aegon Championships

244.6 km/h (152.0 mph)

194.7 km/h (121.0 mph)

12

Marius Copil

Romania

2016 European Open

244.0 km/h (151.6 mph)

202.8 km/h (126.0 mph)

13

Oscar Otte

Germany

2021 US Open

243.0 km/h (151.0 mph)

/

Top 13 Fastest Women's Tennis Serves Ever Recorded

Here are the top serve speed rankings of female tennis professionals in history, featuring some notable records that the WTA does not recognize, including the fastest women's tennis serve.

Rank

Player

Country

Speed

Event

1

Georgina GarcĂ­a PĂ©rez

Spain

220 km/h (136.7 mph)

2018 Hungarian Ladies Open

2

Aryna Sabalenka

Belarus

214 km/h (133.0 mph)

2018 WTA Elite Trophy

3

Sabine Lisicki

Germany

210.8 km/h (131.0 mph)

2014 Stanford

4

Venus Williams

USA

207.6 km/h (129.0 mph)

2007 US Open

4

Alycia Parks

USA

207.6 km/h (129.0 mph)

2021 US Open

6

Serena Williams

USA

207 km/h (128.6 mph)

2013 Australian Open

7

Coco Gauff

USA

206 km/h (128.0 mph)

2022 US Open

8

Naomi Osaka

Japan

205 km/h (127.4 mph)

2024 Abu Dhabi Open

9

Elena Rybakina

Kazakhstan

204 km/h (126.8 mph)

2024 Abu Dhabi Open

10

Caroline Garcia

France

203 km/h (126.1 mph)

2016 Fed Cup

10

Liudmila Samsonova

Russia

203 km/h (126.1mph)

2024 French Open

12

Brenda Schultz-McCarthy

Netherlands

202.7 km/h (126.0 mph)

2007 Indian Wells Masters

13

Kristina Mladenovic

France

200 km/h (124.3 mph)

2009 French Open

Fastest Serves by Top-Ranked Male Tennis Professionals

Explore the world of the most popular male tennis professionals, where skill meets celebrity. These athletes have not only achieved extraordinary success on the court but have also become global icons, some renowned for their fastest tennis serve. Their exceptional abilities and record-breaking performances have captivated audiences worldwide, elevating them to superstar status both in and outside the sport.

fastest tennis serve male

Andy Roddick 249.4 km/h (155 mph)

Andy Roddick was an American professional tennis player celebrated for his blistering serves and competitive spirit. His career was marked by numerous achievements and a distinctive playing style that made him one of the most recognizable figures in men's tennis.

  • Career Highlights: Andy Roddick rose to become world No. 1 in the ATP rankings in 2003, a position he held for thirteen weeks. He claimed the US Open title in 2003 and also won three Masters Series tournaments. Beyond these accolades, Roddick was known for his sportsmanship and contributions to the sport, often participating in charity events.

  • Fastest Serve Record: One of the highlights of Roddick's career is his fastest serve, officially recorded at 155 mph (249.4 km/h) during a match at the Davis Cup in 2004. This record stood as the fastest serve in professional tennis until it was broken several years later. The power behind his serve not only set records but also became a defining characteristic of his playing style.

  • significantly to his playing style.

John Isner 253 km/h (157.2 mph)

John Isner is an American professional tennis player renowned for his exceptional serving ability. Many people consider him the best tennis player.

  • Career Overview: Isner holds several records for fastest serve, including an ATP-verified speed of 157.2 mph (253 km/h). His powerful serves have been meticulously measured by serve speed guns, highlighting his ability to generate tremendous velocity. His career exemplifies how mastering serve speed can be a decisive factor in men's professional tennis, setting new standards and inspiring future generations.

  • Fastest Serve Record: John Isner holds the record for the fastest serve in professional tennis history at the ATP level. During a match at the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships in 2010, he unleashed a serve clocked at 157.2 mph (253.0 km/h). This record highlights his prowess as a server and contributes

Milos Raonic 252 km/h (156.6 mph)

Milos Raonic is a Canadian former professional tennis player who made his mark on the ATP Tour with an aggressive playing style and one of the most potent serves in the game.

  • Career Overview: Milos Raonic rose to prominence for his powerful serve-and-volley play, becoming the first Canadian man to reach the top 10 in the ATP rankings. His career-high singles ranking was world No. 3 in November 2016. Raonic has also represented Canada in the Davis Cup and achieved significant success.

  • Fastest Serve Record: On the official ATP Tour records, Milos Raonic holds a personal best serve speed of 156.6 mph (252 km/h). This record was set during a match at the Aegon Championships in London in 2014, showcasing his capability to deliver some of the fastest serves ever recorded in professional tennis.

Alexander Zverev 238 km/h ( 148 mph)

Alexander Zverev, a German men's professional tennis player, has established himself as one of the top players in the world with an all-around game that combines power and finesse. His career is marked by significant achievements and a playing style that highlights his versatility on the court.

  • Career Highlights: Alexander Zverev has achieved considerable success, including winning the ATP Finals in 2018 and 2021, and claiming Olympic gold in singles at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. He also reached the final of the French Open in 2020, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest levels of tennis play’s game.

  • Fastest Serve Record: While Zverev may not hold the record for the absolute fastest serve, he has recorded impressive serve speeds during matches. For instance, he has been clocked at over 148 mph (238 km/h) in some instances, demonstrating his capability to deliver serves that challenge even the best returners. His serve speed is a testament to his physical prowess and the effectiveness of his service motion.

Rafael Nadal 217 km/h (135 mph )

Rafael Nadal's career is a testament to relentless determination and unparalleled skill, marked by numerous high points that have earned him a place among the greatest tennis players of all time.

  • Career Highlights: Nadal boasts an impressive 22 Grand Slam singles titles, including a record 14 French Open crowns. His success across all major tournaments showcases his adaptability and dominance on various surfaces, with clay being his most formidable domain. Beyond Grand Slams, Nadal secured Olympic gold in singles at the 2010 Beijing Games and added another gold in doubles at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

  • Fastest Serve Record: While not solely defined by his serve, Nadal can deliver powerful serves that reach speeds up to 135 mph (217 km/h). This speed, combined with his strategic placement and spin, adds an extra layer of difficulty for opponents, making his service games particularly tough to break.

Fastest Serves by Top Female Tennis Professionals

Discover the remarkable world of women's professional tennis, where skill, power, and grace converge on the court. These athletes have not only achieved stellar rankings but have also left an indelible mark on tennis history, some even boasting impressive records like the Fastest Tennis Serve.

Top Female Tennis Professionals

Naomi Osaka 203 km/h (126 mph)

Naomi Osaka has quickly risen to prominence in the world of tennis, marked by her powerful play and significant milestones.

  • Career Highlights: Naomi Osaka has won four Grand Slam singles titles, including two Australian Opens and two US Opens. Her victories have showcased her ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stages, solidifying her status as a top-tier player in women's tennis.

  • Fastest Serve Record: Known for her explosive power, Osaka possesses one of the fastest serves in women’s tennis. She has been recorded hitting serves up to 126 mph (203 km/h), which not only adds an intimidating element to her game but also helps her dominate rallies and control matches.

Aryna Sabalenka 203 km/h (126 mph)

Aryna Sabalenka is a Belarusian professional tennis player known for her powerful and aggressive serve technique. Her career has been marked by significant achievements, including reaching the top of the WTA rankings.

  • Career Highlights: Aryna Sabalenka has established herself as one of the leading players in women's tennis. She has claimed multiple titles, including Grand Slam doubles victories and singles titles at prestigious tournaments. In 2023, she won the Australian Open singles title, solidifying her status as a premier competitor on the global stage.

  • Fastest Serve Record: While Sabalenka may not hold the record for the absolute fastest serve, she has recorded some of the highest speeds in women's tennis. During matches, she has been clocked at over 126 mph (203 km/h), showcasing her capability to deliver serves that are exceptionally difficult to return. Her fastest serve is a testament to her physical conditioning and the effectiveness of her service motion.

Serena Williams 206.9 km/h (128.6 mph)

Alycia Parks is an American professional tennis player who has begun to make waves in the sport with her dynamic playing style and potential for high-level competition. Her career, though still in its early stages, shows promise with several notable performances.

  • Career Progression: Alycia Parks has been steadily building her presence on the women's professional tours. She has achieved success in various tournaments, including advancing to the second round challenger match, which highlighted her capability to compete against more experienced players. Her performances have garnered attention and suggest a promising future in the sport.

  • Speed Records: Serena Williams's fastest recorded speed is 128.6 mph (206.9 km/h), achieved during a match in 2013. She has demonstrated the ability to generate tremendous power through effective force transfer from her legs through her body into the racquet, resulting in high ball speeds that challenge opponents. In one recorded instance, her serve was clocked at an impressive speed during a match, showcasing her potential to deliver massive serves.

Venus Williams 208 km/h (129 mph)

Venus Williams is an American women's professional tennis player who has profoundly influenced the sport with her exceptional skills and enduring legacy. Her career is marked by groundbreaking achievements and a style of play that has set new standards for generations to come.

  • Career Highlights: Venus Williams has earned a place in tennis history through her success at fame tennis championships. She won seven Grand Slam singles titles, including five at Wimbledon, and four Olympic gold medals. Her consistent performance at the highest level has made her one of the most decorated players in women's professional tours.

  • Serve Speed Records: Venus Williams holds several records for serve speed in best tennis. During her career, she recorded some of the fastest serves hit by a woman, with her personal best reaching 129 mph (208 km/h). This impressive speed placed her at the top of official serve speed rankings and highlighted her role as a pioneer in serving prowess. Her ability to maintain such high racket head speed while delivering a fluid and effortless motion has been a benchmark for challenging future generations of players.

Sabine Lisicki 211 km/h (131 mph)

Sabine Lisicki, a German former professional tennis player, was renowned for her powerful serve and aggressive playing style. Her career was marked by significant achievements and a reputation as one of the fastest female tennis players in history.

  • Career Highlights: Sabine Lisicki enjoyed considerable success on the professional circuit, including reaching the Wimbledon singles final in 2013. She also won several titles and achieved a career-high ranking of world No. 12 in the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) rankings. One of her most memorable victories came at the AEGON International in Eastbourne in 2014.

  • Fastest Serve Record: One of Lisicki's most celebrated achievements was setting a record for the fastest serve hit by a woman during a match at the Queen's Club Championships in 2014. Her serve was clocked at an astounding 131 mph (211 km/h), earning her a place in the official serve speed rankings for fastest female tennis serves. This performance highlighted her status as one of the quickest servers in WTA history.

Summary

In this article, we explore what has been recorded as the quickest serves in history, highlighting the top fastest tennis serve records ever achieved by both men and women players. We also introduce you to some of the most popular male and female tennis stars whose careers have been marked by their exceptional serving power. By delving into these remarkable speeds, readers gain insight into the allure of tennis and witness how players continually push beyond their limits.

To train like the pros, quality equipment is essential. Spinwalker's smart tennis ball machines offer an advanced solution for players aiming to improve their game. These best tennis ball machines provide realistic practice scenarios that enhance both serve and overall skills. Whether you're a casual player or aspiring professional, using a Spinwalker tennis ball machine can significantly boost your performance, helping you push beyond your limits and achieve your personal best on the court.

FAQs on Fastest Tennis Serve

Q1: What is the fastest tennis serve for men?

James Harrison holds the official title for the fastest serve, achieving an impressive speed of 157.0 mph (253.0 km/h) during the first round of the 2016 Davis Cup.

Q2: What is the fastest tennis serve for women?

The fastest women's tennis serve was delivered by Sabine Lisicki at 210.8 km/h (131 mph). This impressive speed was reached during a match at the 2014 Brisbane International.

Q3: Who has the fastest serve in tennis?

The record for the fastest tennis serve is held by Samuel Groth, who clocked an astonishing 263.4 km/h (163.7 mph) in 2012. But this achievement is not officially recognized.

Q4: What is the Fastest Serve in Tennis 2024?

According to reports, the fastest tennis serve of 2024 happened during the US Open. Shelton showed his powerful burst with a serve that reached 143 mph. Known for playing with high intensity and aggression, his serves stand out and are often key to winning points.

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