When we think of tennis’s greatest weapons, the serve often steals the spotlight. Yet, the art of the return – that split-second decision to defend, counter, or attack – has shaped some of the most dramatic moments in tennis history. The ability to neutralize a 140mph serve and turn defense into offense separates good players from legends.
In an era where serves keep getting bigger and faster, the return game has evolved into a fascinating chess match. From Djokovic’s rubber-band flexibility to Medvedev’s unconventional positioning, today’s elite returners combine athletic prowess with tactical genius in ways that would have seemed impossible just decades ago.
There are many great tennis returners to have played this game, below are the 10 best returners in tennis history in our view! let us know your views as always..
Novak Djokovic
The Unbearable Greatness of Djokovic stands as tennis’s most effective returner in our view, backed by his exceptional stats. He wins roughly 35.5% of return points and converts 41.4% of break points, placing him among the all-time greats. His return game shines particularly bright against second serves, where he won 55.8% of points in 2022, leading the tour.
What sets Djokovic apart is his combination of technical skill and physical abilities. He puts 71% of returns in play – more than many defensive players – while maintaining aggressive positioning. His signature move? Blocking returns and hitting at the server’s feet, a technique that proves especially effective against taller opponents.
When the return lands in play, Djokovic wins 52% of points, second only to Andre Agassi in recorded history. His anticipation and flexibility allow him to neutralize even the most powerful serves, making him a nightmare for big servers on tour.
Andy Murray
Murray’s return game stands among tennis’s finest, with stats that speak volumes: 34.9% of return points won and a 40.1% break point conversion rate, placing him in the top 5 all-time. Unlike power-focused returners, Murray built his reputation through smart shot placement and tactical precision.
His balanced approach to returns sets him apart. He switches between aggressive shots and defensive plays based on his opponent’s serving patterns. His court positioning shifts constantly, making him hard to read for servers.
Murray’s quick feet and agility let him reach serves others can’t touch. He’s shown this skill repeatedly at Wimbledon, where grass courts make returns trickier. His ability to read serves early and adjust his position makes him one of tennis’s smartest returners.
Rafael Nadal
Nadal’s return stats tell a compelling story: 33.4% of return points won and a 39.2% break point conversion rate put him among tennis’s top 20 returners. His high-topspin returns, combined with defensive rallies, create constant pressure on servers. He has a way to neutralize a server like no other.
On clay courts, particularly at Roland Garros, his return game reaches its peak. His position far behind the baseline gives him time to generate massive topspin, making returns bounce high and deep. This strategy ties directly into his baseline attack patterns.
His quick footwork and stamina let him track down serves others wouldn’t attempt to return. By staying fresh through long matches, Nadal maintains his return quality deep into fifth sets. His muscular playing style and lefty angles add extra problems for servers, especially on the ad court where his forehand return often forces errors.
Andre Agassi
With a 36.5% return points won rate and 42.8% break point conversion, Agassi’s numbers rank among the best in tennis history. His early ball striking changed how players approached the return game – he’d stand close to the baseline and take serves early, giving opponents minimal reaction time.
His 34.9% return games won percentage came from an aggressive style that turned defense into offense. open to tennis again hit clean winners off both first and second serves. He’d often position himself inside the baseline, especially against big servers.
Throughout the 1990s, Agassi showed how a strong return game could counter the era’s powerful servers. His technique of hitting returns on the rise influenced a generation of players. By standing close to the baseline and taking the ball early, he created a blueprint that modern returners still follow today. He famously told the story of how he guessed where Boris Becker would serve by watching which side of the mouth Becker put his tongue out of, ingenious!
Daniil Medvedev
Medvedev is a tactician when it comes to returning a serve. His baseline tactics and return positioning make him one of tennis’s top returners. His flatter hitting style and shorter swing produces deep returns that keep opponents pinned back, particularly effective on hard courts where he’s made his mark at the US Open.
His 6’6″ frame brings an unusual advantage – he stands far behind the baseline to take big cuts at serves, yet covers court with spider-like movement. This distance gives him time to read serves while staying aggressive on returns.
His distinctive technique breaks conventional return rules. Rather than stepping into returns, he often slides sideways into them, even on hard courts. This unorthodox method, combined with his long reach, helps him handle wide serves that trouble other tall players. His return stance and timing make him especially strong against powerful servers, neutralizing their biggest weapon.
Simona Halep
Halep’s WTA success stems from her exceptional baseline play and varied shot selection. Her return technique pairs quick feet with smart court positioning, letting her handle powerful serves effectively. She stays low to the ground and takes the ball early, giving opponents less time to recover.
Her movement patterns on returns reflect years of practice. She shifts position based on serving tendencies, often sneaking closer to the baseline against second serves. This tactical adjustment helps her take control of points early.
Throughout her career, Halep worked to improve her return timing. Her anticipation skills shine against big servers – she reads their motion early and adjusts her position accordingly. Her compact swing helps maintain consistency even under pressure, making her one of the WTA Tour’s most reliable returners.
Ashleigh Barty
Barty brought a fresh style to tennis returns, using her slice backhand to disrupt opponents’ rhythm after serves. Her technique stood out – she’d mix low, skidding returns with aggressive drives, making her unpredictable for servers. The variety in her game showed clearly at Wimbledon, where her slice returns kept low on grass.
Her athletic background in cricket helped her quick reactions on returns. She’d read serves early and adjust her position smoothly, often moving forward to take time away from opponents. Her compact swing let her handle pace well, especially against powerful servers.
Barty’s return game grew stronger through her career. She added more aggressive options while keeping her signature slice, building a complete return arsenal. This mix of shots proved key in her major wins, particularly her 2022 Australian Open victory. Her balanced approach to returns fit perfectly with her all-court playing style.
Serena Williams
Serena Williams built her return game on raw power mixed with precise placement. Her ability to hit winners off both first and second serves set her apart throughout her 23 Grand Slam victories. Her strong base and quick reactions let her step inside the baseline to attack serves, particularly on second serve returns.
Her return stance showed her attacking mindset – she’d stand close to the baseline, taking time away from servers. Her compact swing produced clean contact even against fast serves. On big points, she’d often move up to pressure second serves, a tactic that brought her countless break points.
Williams’ physical strength let her absorb pace and redirect serves with interest. She’d plant firmly and drive through returns, sending them deep to her opponent’s weaker side. This aggressive return positioning became a key part of her match strategy, particularly in major finals where she won 73% of her matches.
Diego Schwartzman
At 5’7″, Schwartzman proves height doesn’t limit return effectiveness. His low center of gravity helps him handle high-bouncing serves, especially on clay courts where he’s scored wins against top servers. His compact technique lets him redirect pace efficiently, turning powerful serves into offensive opportunities.
His defensive skillset shines in long rallies after returns. He uses quick footwork to transition from return position to baseline exchanges, often wearing down bigger opponents. His ability to read serves early compensates for his shorter reach.
His return positioning adapts to opponents – against big servers, he’ll step back to buy time, while against placement servers, he’ll crowd the baseline. This tactical flexibility helped him reach world #8, competing successfully against much taller players. His return game particularly excels on clay, where his sliding ability and stamina let him track down wide serves.
Kei Nishikori
Nishikori’s return game centers on his lightning-quick reactions and precise timing. His compact swing mechanics let him handle powerful serves effectively, particularly on hard courts where his clean ball-striking shines. His low, penetrating returns often catch opponents off guard, forcing errors or weak replies.
His physical tools set him apart – exceptional racquet-head speed and fast-twitch movements help him redirect pace naturally. He positions himself close to the baseline on returns, taking time away from servers while maintaining good court coverage.
His return performance peaked during his US Open final run, where he neutralized big servers through early ball contact and sharp angles. Even against the tallest players on tour, Nishikori’s return technique stays consistent – he steps in aggressively, especially on second serves, using his quick footwork to maintain balanced positioning throughout his motion.
Final Thoughts
Each player we’ve examined brings unique qualities to this crucial aspect of the game – from Djokovic’s supernatural flexibility to Barty’s crafty slice. Their success proves there’s no single “correct” way to return serve, but rather a spectrum of effective approaches tailored to individual strengths. It does highlight just how important it is to be able to return the ball into play and a good lesson for people learning the game to focus on each point.
As tennis continues to evolve, with serves getting more powerful and technically precise, the importance of an effective return game only grows. These ten players haven’t just mastered returns – they’ve redefined what’s possible when facing down a serve, let’s see what the next gen have when it comes to taking the return to the next level.
