The greatest tennis returners do more than get the ball back. They take time away from the server, turn a strong first serve into a rally, and make second serves feel risky. Andre Agassi did it by striking early and cleanly; Novak Djokovic does it with balance, reach, and remarkable control under pressure.
There is no single statistic that settles who belongs at the top. Return numbers vary by era, surface, and available record keeping. A fair list looks at technique, tactics, consistency, and the ability to return well against the best servers. These seven players stand out for different reasons.
Seven of the Greatest Tennis Returners
1. Novak Djokovic: the complete returner
Djokovic is a leading choice for the greatest returner in men’s tennis. He reads the server early, stays balanced through the split step, and can send a fast serve back deep without taking a large swing. That control matters: a return that lands near the baseline gives the server less time to attack the next ball.
He is also difficult to exploit on second serve. Djokovic can step in and take the ball early, but he can also defend from farther back when a first serve demands it. The result is a return game with few obvious openings. Even powerful servers often have to work hard just to start the point on their terms.
2. Andre Agassi: the model for taking the ball early
Agassi changed what many players thought a return could be. Rather than giving a serve extra time to bounce and rise, he stood close to the baseline and struck the ball early, often with a compact swing. His timing let him redirect pace instead of trying to overpower it.
That approach could unsettle big servers because Agassi’s return came back quickly and often toward their feet. It was not only about clean winners: a deep, early return could prevent a server from moving forward or setting up an easy first forehand. Agassi remains a useful model for players who want to shorten their return swing and meet the ball in front.
3. Jimmy Connors: relentless pressure from the baseline
Connors made returning feel like the start of an argument the server had to win. He used an aggressive, compact two-handed backhand and looked to take control immediately, especially against second serves. His intensity and willingness to hit through the ball made him a tough matchup even for players with bigger serves.
His return was part of a broader style built on taking the ball early and refusing to give ground. Connors did not need a flashy winner on every return. A firm shot through the middle could force a weak reply and let him attack the next ball.
4. Rafael Nadal: a deep return that starts the rally on his terms
Nadal often positioned well behind the baseline to handle huge first serves. That gave him more time and space to make a full, controlled return, frequently sending the ball deep and high enough to push the server back. The extra distance was a deliberate trade: he gave up some court position to improve his chance of starting the rally.
Against second serves, Nadal could move forward and use his heavy topspin to make the next shot uncomfortable. His return worked especially well when it neutralized a server’s first attack and brought the point into a longer exchange, where his movement and consistency became major strengths.
5. Andy Murray: anticipation and variety
Murray’s return stood out for its anticipation. He could read patterns, adjust his position, and change the direction of a return without needing a huge backswing. His two-handed backhand was particularly reliable when blocking back fast serves, while his reach helped him handle deliveries aimed wide.
He also mixed up his response. Murray might block a first serve deep, then attack a second serve with a more committed swing. That change in pressure made it harder for opponents to settle into a serving rhythm.
6. Serena Williams: a powerful return of her own
Williams is one of the most imposing returners in women’s tennis. Her athleticism and compact preparation allowed her to attack second serves, and she could turn a return into an immediate offensive shot. Opponents had to serve with precision because a serve that sat up could be punished at once.
Her strength was not just raw pace. Williams could redirect the ball sharply and use her return to take control of the point from the first shot. That threat helped make her serve-and-return game so difficult to manage.
7. Steffi Graf: quick feet and a dangerous forehand return
Graf’s speed helped her get into position quickly, and her forehand gave her a clear weapon on return. She could step around a serve to hit that forehand, then use pace and placement to put the server under pressure. When she had time to set up, the return could become an attack rather than a neutral shot.
Her style shows why footwork matters as much as hand skills. A returner who moves early and reaches the ball in balance has more options, even without a long swing.
How Their Return Styles Compare
| Player | Signature strength | Typical tactical effect |
|---|---|---|
| Novak Djokovic | Balance, reading, and control | Neutralizes pace and starts rallies deep |
| Andre Agassi | Early contact and compact swings | Steals time and redirects the serve |
| Jimmy Connors | Early, forceful baseline hitting | Puts pressure on second serves |
| Rafael Nadal | Depth, spin, and defensive coverage | Pushes the server back into a rally |
| Andy Murray | Anticipation and adaptability | Reads patterns and varies the reply |
| Serena Williams | Aggressive timing and power | Turns a short serve into an attack |
| Steffi Graf | Foot speed and forehand offense | Creates an attacking angle early |
What Makes a Great Tennis Returner?
A great returner combines several skills. Early recognition helps identify the serve’s direction and spin. Good footwork gets the body behind the ball, while a short backswing makes it easier to handle pace. Just as important, the returner chooses the right goal: block a first serve deep, attack a weaker second serve, or send the ball safely through the middle to avoid giving the server an angle.
Positioning is a tactical choice, not a fixed rule. Standing close can take time away from a server, but it leaves less room to react. Standing farther back can help against a powerful serve, though it may let the server move forward. The best returners adjust based on the opponent, the surface, and the score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the greatest tennis returner of all time?
There is no objective answer, but Djokovic is a strong all-around choice because of his consistency, anticipation, and ability to handle both first and second serves. Agassi is often the leading example of an aggressive, early-contact return.
Is Andre Agassi the best returner in tennis history?
Agassi is among the best and remains one of the most influential. His compact swing and early timing let him attack serves in a way that shaped how later players approached the return. Djokovic, Connors, and others also have strong claims.
Why do some players stand far behind the baseline to return?
More distance gives a player extra time to react to a fast serve and can make it easier to return the ball deep. The trade-off is that the returner starts farther from the net and may give the server more time to attack.
What is the most important skill for a tennis returner?
There is no single answer, but split-step timing and early recognition are essential. They help a player move in the right direction and meet the serve in balance. A short, controlled swing then makes it easier to handle pace.
Final Thoughts
The greatest tennis returners succeed in different ways. Djokovic combines control and anticipation, Agassi takes time away, Nadal uses depth to begin rallies, and Serena can turn a return into an attack. Their shared lesson is simple: a strong return is not just about getting the ball back. It is about making the server play the next shot under pressure.
