The greatest tennis volleyers did more than finish points at the net. They read the incoming shot early, moved into the right position and made opponents feel there was nowhere safe to hit. Some relied on quick hands and disguise; others used a powerful serve to make a simple volley nearly impossible to miss.
There is no single way to rank the best volleyers in tennis history. Court speed, racquet technology and playing styles have all changed. Still, a handful of champions stand out for the quality of their touch, their results at the net and the pressure they put on opponents. Here are the players most worth studying—and what made each one special.
How to judge a great tennis volleyer
A strong volley is not just a punch through the ball. The best net players combine several skills: a compact swing, fast reactions, balanced footwork and a clear sense of where to send the ball. They also know when to come forward. A player who approaches behind a deep, well-placed shot has a much easier volley than one charging in without setting up the point.
Results matter, too. Wimbledon has traditionally rewarded serve-and-volley tennis, so success there is one useful clue. But a player’s whole game counts: doubles experience, performance on different surfaces and the ability to handle passing shots all help show whether their net skills were truly exceptional.
Greatest tennis volleyers in history
1. John McEnroe: touch, angles and disguise
John McEnroe’s volley looked almost effortless. He could take pace off the ball, angle it sharply or send it deep with a short, controlled motion. His grip and preparation helped him disguise his intention, leaving opponents guessing until late. Rather than relying on brute force, he often won with timing and placement.
McEnroe won seven Grand Slam singles titles, including three at Wimbledon. His style is a reminder that a volley does not need to be hit hard to be effective. For club players, the useful lesson is to keep the racquet stable and use the opponent’s pace instead of taking a large swing.
2. Stefan Edberg: the complete serve-and-volleyer
Stefan Edberg paired a smooth serve-and-volley game with unusually graceful movement. He followed his serve forward, split-stepped as his opponent made contact and adjusted quickly to the passing shot. His backhand volley was especially reliable, and he could guide the ball into open court without overhitting.
Edberg won six Grand Slam singles titles, including two Wimbledon championships. His approach game shows why the first volley is so important: coming in is only half the job. The player still has to arrive under control, stay balanced and be ready for the next ball.
3. Martina Navratilova: athleticism and net control
Martina Navratilova was one of the most complete serve-and-volley players in women’s tennis. Her fitness and speed helped her close the net quickly, while her left-handed serve opened up the court. At the net, she could cut off angles, finish overheads and keep pressure on an opponent who was already stretched.
She won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, including a record nine Wimbledon singles titles. Navratilova also excelled in doubles, where quick decisions and sharp volleys are essential. Her game offers a practical lesson: good net play starts before the volley, with a serve or groundstroke that makes the next shot easier.
4. John Newcombe: calm hands under pressure
John Newcombe was an accomplished serve-and-volleyer with a strong serve and excellent touch at the net. He could turn a neutral exchange into an attacking position, then finish with a firm volley or a softly placed angle. His relaxed style made difficult shots look simple, particularly in pressure moments.
Newcombe won seven Grand Slam singles titles, including two Wimbledon titles. He is a useful player to study for his balance: he did not need to rush every volley. Sometimes the smartest choice was to play safely into the open court and make his opponent hit one more difficult shot.
5. Boris Becker: power and fearless net attacks
Boris Becker brought a more explosive style to the net. His serve could set up an easy first volley, and his reach and strength helped him deal with passing shots. He was also comfortable hitting difficult volleys from awkward positions, which made him dangerous even when an opponent returned well.
Becker won six Grand Slam singles titles, including three Wimbledon championships. His game illustrates the value of making the opponent react under pressure. But his example also shows why power alone is not enough: a good approach shot and a well-timed split step still matter when the return comes back fast.
6. Pete Sampras: a serve that made the volley count
Pete Sampras is remembered for his serve, but his net game was a major part of his success. His delivery often forced a weak return, letting him move forward to a controlled first volley. He was particularly effective at Wimbledon, where he won seven singles titles, and he could finish points with either a firm volley or a touch shot.
Sampras won 14 Grand Slam singles titles. He is a good example of how the serve and volley work together: a volleyer does not always need to hit a perfect first shot if the serve has already put the returner on the defensive.
Quick comparison of the greats
| Player | Signature strength at the net | Grand Slam singles titles |
|---|---|---|
| John McEnroe | Touch, disguise and sharp angles | 7 |
| Stefan Edberg | Movement and reliable first volleys | 6 |
| Martina Navratilova | Fast court coverage and attacking instincts | 18 |
| John Newcombe | Composure and precise placement | 7 |
| Boris Becker | Power, reach and aggressive approaches | 6 |
| Pete Sampras | Serve-led attacks and clean finishing | 14 |
These figures refer to Grand Slam singles titles. The ranking is a judgment about volleying skill and influence, not a claim that one style would beat every other player in every era.
What club players can learn from them
- Keep the swing short. McEnroe’s compact motion is a reminder that control usually matters more than a big backswing.
- Move your feet before the ball arrives. Edberg and Navratilova stayed active and adjusted their position instead of reaching from a fixed stance.
- Set up the approach. A deep shot to the opponent’s weaker side can make the first volley much simpler.
- Use the serve to create an easier ball. Sampras showed how a strong, well-placed serve can do much of the work before the volley.
- Choose a target, not just a direction. A volley into open space or at the opponent’s feet is often more effective than trying to hit a winner through a small gap.
For a simple practice drill, have a partner feed balls from the service line while you move forward from behind it. Split-step as the feed is hit, volley deep to a target, then recover for a second ball. This builds the footwork and control that made the great volleyers so hard to pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is considered the greatest tennis volleyer?
John McEnroe is often named for his touch, angles and disguise, while Stefan Edberg is a leading choice for his complete serve-and-volley game. Martina Navratilova is one of the strongest candidates in women’s tennis. The answer depends on whether you value pure touch, athleticism, results or all-around net play most.
Was Martina Navratilova a better volleyer than John McEnroe?
They had different strengths. Navratilova brought exceptional athleticism and doubles instincts, while McEnroe was famous for his soft hands and ability to disguise a shot. There is no objective measure that settles the comparison.
Why are there fewer serve-and-volley players today?
Modern racquets, powerful returns and slower court conditions can make it harder to attack every point. Net play is still valuable, but many players use it selectively—after a strong serve or a deep approach shot—rather than coming forward on nearly every point.
What is the most important skill for learning to volley?
Start with a stable racquet face and a short swing. Then work on the split step and moving your feet into position. Good preparation makes it much easier to control the ball when it reaches you.
Final Thoughts
The greatest tennis volleyers succeeded in different ways. McEnroe used touch, Edberg combined movement with precision, Navratilova attacked with athletic confidence, and Sampras made his serve a launchpad for the net. Their games show that effective volleying is built on preparation, balance and smart choices—not just quick hands. Watch how they set up the volley, and there are lessons for players at every level.
