The tallest tennis players listed in the men’s professional game are Ivo Karlović and Reilly Opelka, both reported at 6 feet 11 inches (211 cm). Their height gives them a huge advantage on serve, but it does not make every part of the game easier: moving forward, handling low balls and returning serve can all be tougher for very tall players.
Karlović and Opelka are the clearest answers to the question, though published heights can vary slightly between sources. The women’s record is lower: Eva Hrdinová is commonly listed at 6 feet 3 inches (191 cm), among the tallest women to compete professionally.
Who Is the Tallest Tennis Player?
In men’s tennis, Karlović and Opelka share the distinction at a listed height of 211 cm. Karlović, a Croatian known for his powerful serve, reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 14. American Opelka has also built his game around a booming serve and reached No. 17 in the rankings.
| Player | Listed height | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Ivo Karlović | 6 ft 11 in (211 cm) | Big serve and long career on the ATP Tour |
| Reilly Opelka | 6 ft 11 in (211 cm) | Powerful serve and aggressive first-strike tennis |
| John Isner | 6 ft 10 in (208 cm) | Huge serve and long matches |
| Eva Hrdinová | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) | Often cited among the tallest women’s professionals |
These figures refer to commonly published player profiles, not a single official height test. Heights may be rounded, so a one-centimetre difference between sources does not necessarily mean one player is definitively taller.
Why Height Helps on a Tennis Court
The biggest advantage is the serve. A tall player can contact the ball from a higher point, creating a steeper angle into the service box. That makes it easier to hit hard while still landing the ball in. The extra reach also helps players hit serves wide or down the middle without needing to stand far behind the baseline.
For a returner, that means less time to react. A fast serve struck from a high contact point can jump through the court, especially on a quick surface. Karlović became famous for turning that serve into a defining weapon. He did not need to dominate every rally: a few unreturned serves, followed by strong play on the key points, could be enough to win a set.
Height helps at the net, too. A player with long arms can cover more of the court with a volley and reach balls that would be out of range for someone shorter. It can also help with overheads and high balls, where contact above the net gives a player more options.
The Trade-Offs of Being Very Tall
A long reach is useful, but it does not erase the challenge of covering the court. Tall players may need more time to change direction, get down for a low ball or recover after being pulled wide. A shorter, faster opponent may try to make them hit on the run rather than let them set up for a powerful shot.
Low slices and short balls can be particularly awkward. A player who stands several feet above the court has to bend farther to get underneath a low bounce. That can make it harder to attack the ball cleanly, especially on clay, where the bounce is often slower and rallies can last longer.
There is also pressure on the serve to carry the game. When a big server misses first serves or faces a skilled returner, they may have to work through longer rallies than they prefer. Opelka’s height helps him produce a dangerous serve, but he still needs solid movement, shot selection and baseline skills to win matches.
How Tall Players Build a Winning Game
The best very tall players usually keep their tactics clear. They look to earn cheap points on serve, take control of the next shot and avoid giving opponents easy chances to attack their movement. A strong first serve followed by a deep forehand can shorten the point before the other player has time to expose any weakness.
They also benefit from using variety. A big server who hits every serve at full speed becomes easier to read. Mixing a wide serve with one down the middle can move the returner around and create a simpler first volley or groundstroke. The same idea applies during rallies: changing direction and using a slice can stop an opponent from settling into a rhythm.
Height, then, is an advantage rather than a complete game plan. Karlović and Opelka show how a 6-foot-11 player can make serving a major weapon. Their success also highlights the work required to make that weapon count: returning well enough to stay in points, moving efficiently and choosing the right moment to attack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the tallest tennis player ever?
Ivo Karlović and Reilly Opelka are commonly listed as the tallest men’s professional players, at 6 feet 11 inches (211 cm). Published heights can differ slightly between sources.
Who is the tallest woman to play professional tennis?
Eva Hrdinová is often listed among the tallest women’s professionals, at about 6 feet 3 inches (191 cm). Player-height records are not always reported in exactly the same way.
Does being tall make someone a better tennis player?
No. Height can improve serve angles, reach and coverage at the net, but it can also make low balls and quick changes of direction more difficult. Players still need strong movement, technique and tactics.
Is John Isner taller than Karlović and Opelka?
No. Isner is commonly listed at 6 feet 10 inches (208 cm), about an inch shorter than Karlović and Opelka.
Final Thoughts
The tallest tennis players are listed at 6 feet 11 inches, with Ivo Karlović and Reilly Opelka sharing the men’s mark. Their height can make the serve a powerful weapon, but it is only part of the story. The challenge is turning that reach and power into a complete game that can handle low balls, quick opponents and long rallies.
