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The Art of Serve: A Tribute to the Best Tennis Serves in History
Some say the serve is the most beautiful motion in tennis. Watching the effortless power of Pancho Gonzales or the fluid swing of Rod Laver, it is difficult to argue otherwise. The serve is more than just a point starter; it is a signature, a rhythm, an expression of a player’s style and athleticism.
Here is our curated shortlist of tennis icons known for their unforgettable service motions:
1. Pancho Gonzales (1950s)
A towering presence with a languid yet lethal serve, Gonzales was a pioneer of the power game, blending fluidity with unmatched precision.
2. Rod Laver (1960s)
Compact, controlled, and endlessly smooth, Laver’s left-handed serve was an extension of his all-court brilliance, perfectly in tune with his legendary versatility.
3. John McEnroe (1970s - 1980s)
Quirky yet devastatingly effective, McEnroe’s serve defied convention. His unique motion, seemingly casual, masked a level of control and placement few could match.
4. Boris Becker (1980s - 1990s)
Known for his iconic dive volleys, Becker’s serve was pure power delivered with a whipping motion that set the tone for his aggressive style of play.
5. Pete Sampras (1990s)
Arguably the epitome of a "textbook" serve, Sampras combined an effortless toss with a rhythmic swing, producing a serve that was as graceful as it was unreturnable.
6. Roger Federer (2000s - 2010s)
Federer’s serve, though not the fastest, exemplified precision and disguise. His seamless motion, paired with impeccable placement, turned it into a silent weapon.
7. Ben Shelton (2020s)
The rising star of the modern era, Shelton brings a new kind of athleticism to the serve, marked by explosive leg drive and fearless pace, signaling the next chapter in service artistry.
The best tennis serves in history didn’t always involve airborne leaps or explosive body coils. Before 1961, serving looked very different. Rules required at least one foot to stay grounded throughout the motion. And yet, the legends of the early game crafted serves that were both smooth and powerful. Their grace laid the groundwork for what would eventually evolve into today’s dynamic, high-impact service motions.
Across the decades, certain players have elevated the serve to something greater than a point starter. They turned it into an art form, not just for its technical precision, but for the way it reflects personality, creativity, and control. From classic servers like Pancho Gonzales, with his measured rhythm and pinpoint accuracy, to the explosive power of modern athletes like Ben Shelton, the serve continues to evolve while holding onto its core essence: a perfect blend of power, poise, and individual flair.
Lists of the best tennis serves will always be up for debate, shaped by era, surface, racket tech, and playing style. But what unites them all is that moment of silence before impact, where years of practice, instinct, and expression meet in a single, fluid motion. That’s what makes the serve not only a weapon, but a signature.
Curious to see how artistry and power come together on the court? Read our blog on Guillermo Vilas vs. Björn Borg for a deeper look at one of tennis' most poetic rivalries.
Serving Tennis Culture
At The ACE Hub we go beyond the baseline. In this ongoing series we dive into the rich world of tennis, sharing untold stories from iconic courts, legendary ACE moments and the timeless history that shaped the sport both on and off the court. From groundbreaking Grand Slam victories to hidden architectural gems in tennis culture, this is where passion meets legacy. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just discovering the game, The ACE Hub brings you closer to the stories that serve as the soul of tennis.