The tallest tennis players are usually easy to spot at the service line. At 6 feet 11 inches (211 cm), Reilly Opelka and Ivo Karlović are among the tallest men to play on the professional tour. Their height helps them hit serves from a high contact point, but it also brings challenges with movement, balance and long rallies.
Height records can vary slightly between player profiles, and lists sometimes mix professional tour players with lesser-known competitors. Here’s a practical look at the tallest notable men and women in tennis, how they used their stature, and why being tall is an advantage—but not a shortcut to success.
Who are the tallest tennis players?
Reilly Opelka and Ivo Karlović are commonly listed at 6’11” (211 cm), making them the tallest widely known men’s players in the professional game. John Isner, at 6’10” (208 cm), is close behind. Among notable women, Eva Hrdinová and Akgul Amanmuradova are often listed at about 6’3″ (190–191 cm).
| Player | Listed height | Why they’re notable |
|---|---|---|
| Reilly Opelka | 6’11” (211 cm) | One of the tallest men on the tour; reached the 2021 National Bank Open final |
| Ivo Karlović | 6’11” (211 cm) | Known for a huge serve and eight ATP singles titles |
| John Isner | 6’10” (208 cm) | Reached world No. 8 and played a famous 11-hour Wimbledon match |
| Kevin Anderson | 6’8″ (203 cm) | Reached two Grand Slam finals and a career-high world No. 5 |
| Jerzy Janowicz | 6’8″ (203 cm) | Reached the 2013 Wimbledon semifinals |
| Eva Hrdinová | About 6’3″ (191 cm) | Frequently listed among the tallest women to play on the WTA Tour |
| Akgul Amanmuradova | About 6’3″ (190 cm) | Uzbekistani player known for her height and strong serve |
Heights are generally rounded, and published profiles don’t always use the same measurement. The table focuses on recognizable tour players rather than claiming a definitive record for every player who has competed professionally.
Tallest men’s tennis players
Reilly Opelka and Ivo Karlović: 6’11”
Opelka and Karlović stand out even among the sport’s tallest players. Both built their games around serving high over the net, making it tough for opponents to attack their delivery. A tall player can strike the ball from above the usual contact point, creating a steep angle and giving the returner less time to react.
Karlović turned that strength into a long career and eight ATP singles titles. He was also known for keeping matches close with his serve, even against higher-ranked opponents. Opelka has also shown that a giant serve can carry a player deep into major events: he reached the final in Toronto in 2021, a Masters 1000 tournament.
John Isner: 6’10”
Isner paired a powerful serve with a strong forehand and became one of the most successful American men of his era. He reached world No. 8 and the Wimbledon semifinals in 2018. His name is also tied to the longest match in professional tennis history: his 2010 Wimbledon match against Nicolas Mahut lasted 11 hours and five minutes across three days.
That match is an extreme example, not a normal result of being tall. Still, it shows how a dominant serve can keep a player in contention even when breaking serve is difficult. Isner and Mahut played a 70–68 final set, before Wimbledon later introduced a final-set tiebreak.
Kevin Anderson and Jerzy Janowicz: 6’8″
At 6’8″, Anderson and Janowicz show that tall players can do more than serve. Anderson reached the finals of both the US Open and Wimbledon, and climbed to world No. 5. He used his reach to take the ball early and strike forceful groundstrokes, particularly off his forehand.
Janowicz’s run to the Wimbledon semifinals in 2013 was another reminder that height can support aggressive tennis from the baseline as well as at the net. Tall players can cover the net quickly with their reach, but they still need good footwork and touch to finish points there.
Tallest women’s tennis players
Eva Hrdinová and Akgul Amanmuradova are often named among the tallest women to play on the WTA Tour, at roughly 6’3″. Their height offered a natural advantage on serve and helped them reach balls that might be out of reach for shorter players.
Other well-known tall women include Lindsay Davenport and Maria Sharapova, both listed around 6’2″ (188–189 cm). Davenport used her size to hit flat, penetrating groundstrokes and won three Grand Slam singles titles. Sharapova also won five majors, combining an aggressive baseline game with a strong serve. Their careers make an important point: height can help, but timing, movement and shot-making matter just as much.
What does height change in a tennis match?
- Serve angles: A higher contact point makes it easier to send the ball down into the service box at pace. Tall servers can also create awkward angles that pull returners wide.
- Reach at the net: Longer arms help with volleys and overheads, especially when a player is already positioned well.
- Movement and recovery: A taller frame can take more effort to stop, turn and accelerate. Quick changes of direction may be a challenge, so footwork and anticipation are vital.
- Low balls: Deep, low shots can force a tall player to bend and adjust. Opponents may use slices, drop shots or sharp angles to test their movement.
Height also doesn’t guarantee a reliable serve. Tall players still need a repeatable toss, sound technique and a plan for the second serve. If they rely on pace alone, a skilled returner can block the ball back and make them play from the baseline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the tallest tennis player ever?
Reilly Opelka and Ivo Karlović are commonly listed at 6’11” (211 cm), among the tallest prominent men’s professionals. Published heights can vary, so it’s safest to describe them as joint tallest or among the tallest rather than claim a universal record.
Is John Isner taller than Ivo Karlović?
No. Isner is generally listed at 6’10” (208 cm), while Karlović is listed at 6’11” (211 cm).
Who are the tallest women in tennis?
Eva Hrdinová and Akgul Amanmuradova are often listed at around 6’3″ (190–191 cm). Exact figures differ slightly across player profiles.
Does being tall make someone a better tennis player?
Not on its own. Height can help with serving, reach and overheads, but tennis also demands balance, speed, control and stamina. The best tall players make their size work without letting it limit their movement.
Final Thoughts
The tallest tennis players have a clear physical advantage on serve, and names such as Opelka, Karlović and Isner show how valuable that can be. But the strongest examples also had the movement, tactics and shot-making to build complete careers. Height can shape a player’s style; it cannot replace the skills needed to win points.
