The serve is the most important shot in tennis. It is the only moment in a match where a player has total control over the ball, and at the professional level, it has become a high-velocity weapon.
While the “Big Three” (Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic) proved that placement and spin are vital, there is an undeniable fascination with raw power. Fans want to know: Who hit the fastest tennis serve ever recorded?
Quick Answers: Tennis Serve Records FAQ
What is the fastest tennis serve ever?
The fastest recorded tennis serve is 163.7 mph (263.4 km/h), hit by Australian Sam Groth in 2012. However, because it occurred at a Challenger event, the ATP’s official record is held by John Isner at 157.2 mph (253 km/h).
The Evolution of Speed: From Wood to Graphite
The quest for the 150 mph serve didn’t happen overnight. It was driven by a massive leap in technology during the mid-to-late 1970s.
The Era of Wood Rackets (1870s – 1970s)
Until the mid-70s, wood was the only material used for rackets. These frames were heavy, had small head sizes (65 to 85 square inches), and featured a tiny “sweet spot.” If you didn’t hit the ball perfectly, the power would dissipate.
The Graphite Revolution
In the mid-1970s, graphite technology transformed the game. Manufacturers could suddenly create rackets that were both lightweight and incredibly strong.
- Larger Head Sizes: Rackets grew to 95–130 square inches, dramatically increasing the sweet spot.
- The Velocity Gap: Research presented at a 2010 ITF conference noted that modern rackets allow players to serve 17.5% (roughly 21.8 mph) faster than the wooden rackets used for over a century.
By the mid-1980s, the “Big Server” became a staple of the professional tour, changing tennis from a game of touch to a game of high-speed tactical strikes.
The Record Holders: Official vs. Unofficial
The record for the fastest tennis serve is a bit of a “split decision.” While one player holds the numerical record, another holds the official title recognized by the ATP.
The Unofficial Record: Sam Groth (163.7 mph)
On May 9, 2012, Australian powerhouse Sam Groth unleashed a serve clocked at a blistering 163.7 mph (263.4 km/h) at a Challenger event in Busan, South Korea.
While the serve was measured using ATP-approved technology, the ATP does not officially recognize it because it occurred at the Challenger level rather than a main-tour ATP event or Grand Slam.
The Official Record: John Isner (157.2 mph)
The official ATP record belongs to American giant John Isner. During a 2016 Davis Cup match, Isner hammered a serve at 157.2 mph (253 km/h). Isner’s record is the “gold standard” because it occurred during top-tier international competition.
Top 10 Fastest Men’s Tennis Serves Ever
| Rank | Player | Speed (mph / km/h) | Event |
| 1 | Sam Groth | 163.7 mph (263.4 km/h) | 2012 Busan Open |
| 2 | Albano Olivetti | 160.0 mph (257.5 km/h) | 2012 Bergamo |
| 3 | John Isner | 157.2 mph (253.0 km/h) | 2016 Davis Cup |
| 4 | Ivo Karlovic | 156.0 mph (251.0 km/h) | 2011 Davis Cup |
| 4 | Jerzy Janowicz | 156.0 mph (251.0 km/h) | 2012 Pekao Szczecin |
| 6 | Milos Raonic | 155.3 mph (249.9 km/h) | 2012 SAP Open |
| 7 | Andy Roddick | 155.0 mph (249.4 km/h) | 2004 Davis Cup |
| 8 | Chris Guccione | 154.1 mph (248.0 km/h) | 2006 Davis Cup |
| 9 | Joachim Johansson | 152.0 mph (244.6 km/h) | 2004 Davis Cup |
| 9 | Feliciano Lopez | 152.0 mph (244.6 km/h) | 2014 Aegon Champs |
| 9 | G. Mpetshi Perricard | 152.0 mph (244.6 km/h) | 2023 French Open |
Top 10 Fastest Women’s Tennis Serves Ever
The women’s game has seen a massive surge in power. While Georgina Garcia Perez holds the unofficial crown, the WTA officially recognizes Sabine Lisicki’s 131 mph serve as the record because it occurred in a main-draw match.
| Rank | Player | Speed (mph / km/h) | Event |
| 1 | Georgina Garcia Perez | 136.7 mph (220.0 km/h) | 2018 Hungarian Open |
| 2 | Aryna Sabalenka | 133.0 mph (214.0 km/h) | 2018 WTA Elite Trophy |
| 3 | Sabine Lisicki | 131.0 mph (210.8 km/h) | 2014 Stanford |
| 4 | Venus Williams | 129.0 mph (207.6 km/h) | 2007 US Open |
| 4 | Alycia Parks | 129.0 mph (207.6 km/h) | 2021 US Open |
| 6 | Serena Williams | 128.6 mph (207.0 km/h) | 2013 Australian Open |
| 7 | Coco Gauff | 128.0 mph (206.0 km/h) | 2022 US Open |
| 7 | Liudmila Samsonova | 128.0 mph (206.0 km/h) | 2025 Wimbledon |
| 9 | Naomi Osaka | 127.4 mph (205.0 km/h) | 2024 Abu Dhabi Open |
| 10 | Elena Rybakina | 126.8 mph (204.0 km/h) | 2024 Abu Dhabi Open |
Does the Highest Serve Speed Mean the Most Titles?
If speed were the only factor in winning, the world rankings would look exactly like the tables above. However, most of the consistent Grand Slam winners—with a few exceptions—don’t appear in the top 10 for raw speed.
Precision Over Power
The modern era’s greatest champions often prioritize placement and variety over sheer velocity.
- Roger Federer: His average speed was around 120 mph. He famously noted that accuracy and hitting all four corners were more important than serving at 100% power.
- Rafael Nadal: Under Toni Nadal’s guidance, the focus was tactical. Toni once remarked: “It was almost better not to serve too fast,” to ensure they weren’t giving the opponent more pace to work with on the return.
The evidence is clear: while a 150+ mph serve is an awe-inspiring feat, the players who lift the trophies are those who can mix that speed with impeccable placement.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Who has the fastest serve in women’s tennis?
The unofficial record is Georgina García Pérez (136.7 mph). The official WTA record is Sabine Lisicki (131.0 mph).
Why isn’t Sam Groth’s 163.7 mph serve the official record?
The ATP only recognizes stats from main-tour ATP events, Davis Cup, and Grand Slams. Groth’s serve was at a Challenger Tour event.
Does height matter for serve speed?
Yes. Taller players (like 6’10” John Isner) have a steeper “downward” angle into the service box, allowing them to hit flatter and faster with less risk of the ball going out.
How much faster are modern rackets compared to wood?
Modern graphite rackets allow for roughly 17.5% more speed due to lighter materials and larger sweet spots.