The serve is arguably the single most important shot in professional tennis. It’s the only stroke a player has complete control over, acting as the ultimate weapon that dictates the flow of the point.
While many players rely on a rock-solid serve, a few have elevated it into an art form—or, more accurately, a physics problem for their opponent.
So, who owns the title for the best serve in professional tennis right now? The answer depends on whether you value pure speed, strategic placement, or consistent execution.
Speed Limit: Unofficial vs. Official Records
When we talk about raw power, we’re talking about pure velocity. The fastest recorded serve of all time belongs to Sam Groth, who blasted a terrifying serve clocked at 263.4 km/h (163.7 mph) during a Challenger event in Busan, South Korea in 2012. However, because the technology used at lower-tier Challenger events is not standardized, the ATP Tour does not officially recognize this speed.
The official record, recorded at a top-level ATP or Davis Cup event, belongs to the towering American, John Isner, who hit 253.0 km/h (157.2 mph) during a 2016 Davis Cup tie.
The Pure Speed Kings: The Gentle Giants
Regardless of the official record, the giants of the game dominate the conversation. Isner, who leads the all-time Ace count with over 14,000, and his spiritual successor, Hubert Hurkacz, leverage their immense height (both 6’10” or taller) and power. Hurkacz blends massive speed with unexpected kick and slice angles, ensuring his consistent, high-ranking ace count. This height advantage means the ball clears the net at a shallower angle than shorter players, giving the opponent significantly less time to react and translating a physical gift into an unreturnable weapon.
The All-Time Master of Precision: The Swiss Maestro
While no longer competing, no discussion of the best serve is complete without mentioning Roger Federer. His serve wasn’t the fastest, but it was arguably the most efficient, versatile, and deceptive serve in history. The gold standard of his serve was its perfect disguise: Federer’s motion was so identical for slices, kicks, and flat serves that opponents could not predict the direction or spin until the ball was already in flight. He rarely hit the exact same spot twice, constantly targeting the “T” and wide angles, making him unpredictable. Crucially, it was his ultimate safety valve, consistently showing up when he needed it most, allowing him to win easy points and conserve energy.
The Current Best Overall: The Strategic Edge
If the title goes to the player whose serve is the most balanced, consistently gets them out of trouble, and is virtually unbreakable on the biggest points, the crown belongs to Novak Djokovic or perhaps the next generation’s standout, Jannik Sinner.
Novak Djokovic: The Unbreakable Foundation
Djokovic isn’t known for blazing 140 mph serves, but his ability to hold serve is unmatched. His greatness lies in the mental and technical aspects: he almost always hits his targets, keeping his first serve percentage incredibly high. Crucially, his second serve is fast, placed aggressively, and protects him from break points better than almost anyone. It’s a rock-solid foundation for his defensive dominance.
Jannik Sinner: The Rising Power
Sinner represents the evolution of the modern serve: a blend of immense power with intelligent tactics. He uses his flat serve to generate exceptional pace, and his ability to hit both the “T” and the wide slice with authority makes him unpredictable. His serve is currently one of the most difficult to read and return effectively on tour.
The Verdict: Power Meets Precision
While players like Isner and Hurkacz own the fastest and most punishing serves, the title of the best serve must go to the player who can win free points while simultaneously setting up the next shot, minimizing errors, and excelling under pressure.
The most impactful and strategically superior serve in today’s game belongs to Novak Djokovic (for sheer consistency and pressure-handling) and, rapidly climbing that list, Jannik Sinner (for balanced power and pin-point accuracy).
The serve is not just about power; it’s about owning the rhythm of the match—and these champions demonstrate that week after week.
