The Fastest Serves in Tennis History

The serve is tennis’s ultimate power shot, and each year players push the limits of speed. Records are measured with radar guns and can vary depending on conditions and equipment. This article highlights the fastest recorded serves in both men’s and women’s tennis and explains why serving speed is only part of the equation.

Men’s Fastest Serves

Sam Groth – 263.4 km/h (163.7 mph)*

Australian Sam Groth fired a serve measured at 263.4 km/h (163.7 mph) during a Challenger event in Busan, South Korea in 2012. Although recognised by some organisations, this speed is considered unofficial because the ATP does not record Challenger tour statistics.

John Isner – 253 km/h (157 mph)

American giant John Isner holds the official ATP record for the fastest serve at 253 km/h (157 mph). He achieved this at the 2016 Davis Cup. Isner’s height (6’10”/208 cm) and loose arm enable him to generate extreme pace.

Other Notable Serves

While Groth and Isner top the charts, several players routinely clock serves above 240 km/h (149 mph), including Ivo Karlović, Milos Raonic and Nick Kyrgios. New technology and training methods continue to push speeds higher.

Women’s Fastest Serves

Georgina García Pérez – 220 km/h (136.7 mph)

Spanish player Georgina García Pérez set the record for the fastest women’s serve at 220 km/h (136.7 mph) at the 2018 Hungary Ladies Open.

Sabine Lisicki – 211 km/h (131 mph)

German Sabine Lisicki previously held the record with a 211 km/h (131 mph) serve at the 2014 Stanford Classic. Her explosive service motion produced aces across all surfaces.

Serena Williams – 206 km/h (128.3 mph)

Serena Williams registered a 206 km/h (128.3 mph) serve at the 2013 Australian Open. Her serve, praised for its smooth mechanics and placement, has long been a benchmark in women’s tennis.

Factors Influencing Serve Speed

1. Height and Leverage: Taller players have a higher contact point and longer lever arms, enabling greater racket head speed.
2. Technique: Efficient weight transfer, racquet drop and pronation maximise acceleration.
3. Strings and Tension: Stiff strings and high tension can add a few km/h but may reduce control.
4. Conditions: Altitude, temperature and the type of ball influence radar readings. Serves in thin air (high altitude) travel faster.

Beyond Speed: Placement and Variety

While radar‑breaking serves are impressive, speed alone doesn’t win matches. Placement, spin and disguise are equally important. Players like Roger Federer and Ashleigh Barty use varied serves to keep opponents guessing. Consistency under pressure and the ability to back up a fast serve with solid groundstrokes ultimately determine success.

Conclusion

Sam Groth’s 263.4 km/h blast and John Isner’s official 253 km/h rocket stand atop the men’s speed charts, while Georgina García Pérez’s 220 km/h serve is the fastest recorded in women’s tennis. These numbers showcase human potential and inspire players to refine their technique. Remember, however, that a great serve is more than speed—it’s about precision, variety and strategy.