The most aces in a men’s professional tennis match is 113, hit by John Isner against Nicolas Mahut at Wimbledon in 2010. Mahut struck 103 of his own, giving the match a record 216 aces combined. It remains the standout answer to the question of which tennis match had the most aces.
The women’s single-player mark is much lower: Kristyna Plíšková hit 31 aces against Monica Puig at the 2016 Australian Open. These records show how much serving skill—and, in Isner and Mahut’s case, an exceptionally long match—can shape an ace count.
The record for most aces in a tennis match
| Record | Player or match | Aces | Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most aces by one player in a men’s match | John Isner | 113 | Wimbledon, 2010 |
| Most combined aces in a men’s match | John Isner vs. Nicolas Mahut | 216 | Wimbledon, 2010 |
| Most aces by one player in a women’s Grand Slam match | Kristyna Plíšková | 31 | Australian Open, 2016 |
Isner’s 113 aces are the highest total by one player in a widely recognized men’s professional singles match. The combined total is often mentioned alongside it, but the figures answer two different questions: Isner had the most aces individually, while 216 is the number hit by both players together.
Isner and Mahut’s record-breaking Wimbledon match
Isner and Mahut met in the first round at Wimbledon in 2010. Their match lasted 11 hours and 5 minutes, spread over three days. Isner won 6–4, 3–6, 6–7, 7–6, 70–68. The final set alone lasted longer than many full matches.
At the time, Wimbledon had no final-set tiebreak, so players had to win the deciding set by two games. That rule let the fifth set stretch to 138 games. Isner finished with 113 aces; Mahut served 103. Both figures were remarkable, and together they produced the most aces in a single tennis match on record.
The length mattered. Every extra game gave both men another chance to serve an ace. But the count wasn’t just a product of endurance: Isner and Mahut were both big servers who could hit powerfully and place the ball in ways that made clean returns difficult. Isner eventually won, but the match was a contest of serving and nerve as much as a test of stamina.
Who holds the women’s ace record?
Kristyna Plíšková hit 31 aces against Monica Puig in a three-set match at the 2016 Australian Open. Plíšková lost, a useful reminder that a huge ace total does not guarantee a win. A player still has to manage the points when the first serve misses or the return comes back.
Women’s ace records are often reported by event or tour, and the available match data can differ across competitions and eras. Plíšková’s 31 is the commonly cited record for a player in a women’s Grand Slam singles match. It should not be confused with the men’s record: Isner’s 113 came in a much longer five-set match.
Other remarkable ace totals
Before Isner and Mahut set their mark, Ivo Karlović hit 78 aces against Radek Štěpánek in a Davis Cup match in 2009. Karlović lost in five sets, despite repeatedly winning points outright with his serve. It’s one of the clearest examples of how a huge ace count can coexist with a defeat.
Big servers tend to build their ace totals through more than raw speed. A serve aimed wide can pull a returner off the court; one hit up the middle can jam them or take away their time. Players also use spin and changes of direction to keep opponents guessing. Even so, ace records are strongly affected by match length and conditions: a long match offers more serving opportunities, while the court surface and ball can influence how the serve travels and bounces.
Why the Wimbledon record is unlikely to be repeated
Wimbledon introduced a final-set tiebreak after 2010, and Grand Slam events now use a deciding-set tiebreak rather than allowing play to continue indefinitely. That change makes another 70–68 final set far less likely. It also makes direct comparisons with Isner and Mahut’s match difficult: today’s players cannot keep adding games in the same way.
That doesn’t mean high ace totals have disappeared. A strong server can still pile up aces in a close match, especially on a fast court. But matching Isner’s 113 would require both a remarkable serving performance and a match long enough to create the chances to reach it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most aces in one tennis match?
The men’s record for combined aces is 216, hit by John Isner and Nicolas Mahut at Wimbledon in 2010. Isner had 113 and Mahut had 103.
Who hit the most aces in a single match?
John Isner holds the widely recognized men’s professional singles record, with 113 aces against Mahut. Kristyna Plíšková holds the commonly cited women’s Grand Slam match record, with 31.
Did John Isner win the match with 113 aces?
Yes. Isner beat Mahut in five sets after the deciding set reached 70–68. The match took 11 hours and 5 minutes over three days.
Does the player with the most aces usually win?
No. Aces win points without a return, but they are only part of a match. Karlović hit 78 aces against Štěpánek in 2009 and still lost. Return points, double faults, and performance in important moments matter too.
Final Thoughts
For the most aces in a tennis match, the key numbers are 113 by John Isner and 216 combined with Nicolas Mahut at Wimbledon in 2010. Kristyna Plíšková’s 31 remains the commonly cited women’s Grand Slam match mark. Isner and Mahut’s record is especially hard to imagine being matched today, since modern final-set tiebreak rules prevent the kind of marathon that helped make their ace total possible.
