7 best returners of all-time in men’s tennis ft. Novak Djokovic, Andre Agassi
Tennis is a game that calls for skill, agility and planning. It also requires the capacity for powerful and accurate shot-returning, which could prove to be the difference between a win and a loss.
Some of the best players in tennis history have perfected the art of returning the serve. Breaking an opponent's serve is the most important aspect of tennis as it gives the player an unrivaled advantage. Players who are serving have more chances of winning the game during a set. A player who has the ability to break his opponent more often than not, therefore, has a greater chance of winning the match.
Here, we take a look at seven players with the best returns in tennis history:
#1 Novak Djokovic
The 22 Grand Slam titles that Novak Djokovic currently holds are largely due to his reliable groundstrokes off both wings and his powerful first serves, which induce weak returns from opponents.
But his return game is what truly makes him stand out from the others on the tour today. Moreover, Djokovic has a stellar reputation for breaking serves throughout competitions. During the 2019 Wimbledon Championships, for instance, he did so nearly 50% of the time. The Serb is renowned for his versatility when it comes to returning serves, as evidenced by his proficiency with slices, drop shots, and angled returns.
#2 Andre Agassi
Andre Agassi is frequently cited among the all-time great tennis players. He spent more than 100 weeks as the top-ranked player in the world while winning 60 singles championships in his career, including eight Grand Slam titles.
Agassi, at his prime, was known for his strong groundstrokes, his lightning-quick accuracy and speed in returning serves. Many pundits even opine that his return was the finest in the sport's history. He was able to read the serves of his rivals and predict where they would fall, which enabled him to immediately take up position and hit the ball back with incredible speed and accuracy.
On fast surfaces like grass and indoor hardcourts, where the ball tends to come through more rapidly, Agassi's return of serve proved especially effective. He became known as one of the most dangerous and feared players in the game due to his propensity for neutralizing opponents' serves and converting defense into offense.
#3 Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal, who has consistently been rated as one of the top three players in men's singles of all-time, is another player renowned for his amazing returns.
His powerful backhand returns, which enable him to control rallies even when facing challenging opponents' serves or volleys, have helped him win 22 Grand Slam titles.
#4 David Nalbandian
At his best, Argentine tennis player David Nalbandian possessed a strong all-court game that proved to be a challenge for even the Big-4. He won 11 singles titles throughout his career, including the 2005 ATP Finals. Nalbandian's return of serve was one of his greatest assets that gave him the upper hand over his rivals.
He was able to take control of several matches and put his opponents under strain right away due to his adept serve return. Although Nalbandian isn't regarded as one of tennis' greatest-ever players, his return of serve was undoubtedly one of his most impressive skills and greatly aided him in his successful career.
#5 Andy Murray
Former World No. 1 Andy Murray is recognized for his ability to precisely read his opponents' shots before they are hit and respond with precise footwork and shot selection.
Because of his aggressive playing style, he may exert pressure on rival servers by stealing their time while avoiding making too many mistakes himself. Due to their inability to establish a rhythm as a result, Murray gains an advantage over them during rallies, which helps him counterpunch effectively.
#6 Bjorn Borg
Bjorn Borg, also known as "The Iceman" for his ability to maintain composure under pressure, was regarded as one of the greatest defenders in tennis history. His exceptional anticipation abilities and lightning-quick reflexes enabled him to respond quickly regardless of how hard the ball was hit.
Guillermo Vilas served very aggressively during the entire 1977 French Open final, but Borg managed to break the Argentine's serve 11 times out of 12 opportunities, demonstrating just how strong his defense really was. Borg's serve return was a crucial component of his strategy and enabled him to dominate his rivals as he was quick to move into position to return serve with his outstanding footwork.
#7 Roger Federer
Roger Federer is largely acknowledged as one of the best tennis players of all time. He has spent more than 300 weeks as the top-ranked player in the world thanks to his exceptional adaptability and special brand of play, which helped him win 20 Grand Slam titles. Federer's serve return, which is recognized as one of the best in the sport's history, is one of the fundamental parts of his game.
Federer's exceptional hand-eye coordination, foresight, and quick reflexes combine to make for an exceptional serve return. His early ability to read his rivals' serves enabled him to position himself and strike his return with remarkable accuracy and power.
Federer was renowned for his proficiency in returning serve from all areas of the court, especially the wide and kick serve. His return of serve allowed him to seize control of several matches as he was able to put pressure on his opponents from the outset. Federer had several tools at his disposal that have contributed to his success on the court, and his return was just one of them.