Topic: Top servers of all time

[someoneelse]

I´m gonna do somehting that is
actually impossibe. But it´s fun,
so lets do it anyway.

List of best servers:

01. Sampras
02. Ivanisevic
03. Johansson (Joachim)
04. Roddick
05. Federer
06. ?
07. ?
08. ?
09. ?
10. ?

[someoneelse]

Waiting for your comments !

[monstertruck]

Let's not forget the Aussies Rafter & Phillippoussis to the list.

[stefan]

COUGH COUGH!

Not just those Aussies, are we forgetting that Groth hit the fastest serve ever not long ago (official, others are not counted due to bad technology)

I was playing in a tournament with him, i saw him play doubles he just smacks it down past the amateurs, just because hes not as high as the top players you are listing, doesn't mean to say his serving isn't top.

Sam Groth I think, thoughts?

And I would definitely chuck Raonic, hes young at the moment but his serve is going places.

[someoneelse]

Hi!

I must agree, Raonic diserve a top 10 placement even though his only 22 years.
I think that if we just counting serves in the 1st set of the matches, he is clearly
number 1 at the moment.

I´m not so competent in this subject, but I think that all of us have different
opinions!

So I hope this can be a long discussion here because I like this subject.

[monstertruck]

I like Raonic as well.
Recommend holding off on adding him to the list as I think his delivery is still a diamond in the rough.

Personally, when referring to 'the serve' I take into account both deliveries.  Consistency, variety, accuracy, spin and pace are some factors I consider when evaluating a players serve.  Notice that pace is last.

[someoneelse]

Yes, there are many things to take into account.
Like first serve, second serve, variation, hard to read, speed, position, kick, slice, under pressure and many more ...

Something that surprise me is why Raonics serve is so hard to read, I have always thought that a slow serve-
motion makes the serve readable but that seems not to count for Raonic. (Compare with Sampras, Ivanisevic and Roddick.

[someoneelse]

Sam Groth

I´m gonna see if i can find a match with him online, and then
i might can hava an opinion about his serve. I have only seen fragments
of Challenger matches so far.

Couldn´t find any good view of that 263 serve on Youtube yet.
But I thing it would been very strange if that serve is returned!

[FedererNation]

Gilles Muller. His serve is amazing when on.

[monstertruck]

Yes, there are many things to take into account.
Like first serve, second serve, variation, hard to read, speed, position, kick, slice, under pressure and many more ...

Something that surprise me is why Raonics serve is so hard to read, I have always thought that a slow serve-
motion makes the serve readable but that seems not to count for Raonic. (Compare with Sampras, Ivanisevic and Roddick.

I think there are multiple factors involved when it comes to 'reading' a player's serve.  First and foremost is consistency in approach and initial delivery (toss) regardless of circumstance.  As a club hacker, I've noticed that it's quite easy to tell when most opponents are going to go big (pace) or go wide, especially leftys like Jamesdster or Rafa.

[someoneelse]

Hi all !

Is anyane out there able to get me
a hint of how much slower Wimbledon
for example is. They say the court
is slower, the balls are bigger, heavier
and softer.

How big is the difference actually ??

[monstertruck]

Both the soil underneath and the grass have been changed since the 1990's.  I'm not sure about the balls.  The change in court surface alone is attributed with at least a tenth of second delay and higher bounce.  That's alot of time in the world of a pro tennis player.

[someoneelse]

Something that constant irritates me is
that it´s so rare that unreturned serves
is shown, just aces.

Ace and unreturned is about the same
according to me, ace is just more
beatutiful.

[monstertruck]

You make a most excellent point.
Ace count is pretty.
Add in unreturnables or even those that generate weak returns, followed by what I call a third ball winner.
Sum total should be the ability to hold serve.

[someoneelse]

You got it in a nutshell.
Tennis is ALL about hold serve and brake serve !?

[monstertruck]

You got it in a nutshell.
Tennis is ALL about hold serve and brake serve !?

Condense it even further and it's all about pressure, or implied pressure.  Hold serve easily, give the impression that will be the case throughout each set and the match.  If your opponent isn't of the same ability or mindset, that makes it all the more difficult to hold and stay in the match. 

I suppose the same could be said of the return of serve, but it's a less controllable commodity.

[Avispa]

Ivo Karlovic is a great server too.

[Dallas]

I like Raonic as well.
Recommend holding off on adding him to the list as I think his delivery is still a diamond in the rough.

Personally, when referring to 'the serve' I take into account both deliveries.  Consistency, variety, accuracy, spin and pace are some factors I consider when evaluating a players serve.  Notice that pace is last.

Agree. Raonic needs more time. He hasn't been in the big matches enough to see if he really can count on his serve.

[someoneelse]

Hi all

I think what it means in reply #15 is that mental strenght is importent.
Unfortunatly I think this is the most importent thing in this sport.

I see some matches with Raonic because I like big servers and fast play.
What I see is that he has have a down period for the last half year or so,
and I´m very surprised with the results he has had anyway.
I hope he´s not feel that he got his money and have trouble going at 100%.
I´m also surprised that he stands so far behind the baseline. He´s not
exactly quick. I wonder what he and he´s coach is thinking. Anyway I
have seen lately that he alter with more aggressive play sometimes.

Todays tennis is slowmotion and favors defending and passive players
like Nadal but he have to find a way to be more offensive?

Karlovic might be a top 10 server, but he have a very special type of game,
and i would like to quote Federer ~"He must have more than a big serve,
otherwise he wouldn´t be that good".

Cheers

[someoneelse]

When I started this I was convinced that
it would be alternatives top servers lists.

My list is only a initial suggestion!