In the thrilling world of professional tennis, the serve is a crucial weapon, often dictating the pace and momentum of a match. While discussions about serve speed frequently highlight male players, the women’s game boasts its own set of power servers who consistently clock impressive numbers. Let’s delve into the record books to explore the Fastest Tennis Serve Female athletes have unleashed, showcasing the incredible power and athleticism within women’s tennis.
Serena Williams – The Power Serve Queen
Serena Williams, a name synonymous with dominance in women’s tennis, is renowned for her all-court game, and a significant part of her arsenal is her formidable serve. At the 2013 Australian Open, Serena didn’t just deliver one, but two serves clocked at an astonishing 207.0 kilometers per hour (128.6 miles per hour).
The first instance of this blistering serve came during her second-round match against Garbine Muguruza. As she was closing out a dominant set at 6-2, 6-0, Serena unleashed the serve. Following the match, when questioned about this speed, Serena acknowledged the power, even hinting at even faster serves that went astray. “It’s my fastest that went in,” she stated, adding, “I’ve hit some 150s, but of course they’re, like, to the sky.” This gives insight into the raw power Serena possesses, suggesting she’s capable of even greater speeds when not focusing on precision.
She replicated this thunderous 128.6 mph serve again in her third-round match against Morita. Serving at 5-1, 30-0, the crowd erupted in cheers as she hit the mark once more. These serves were instrumental in her victories during the tournament, ultimately contributing to her impressive career tally of 23 Grand Slam titles. Serena’s serve is not just about speed; it’s a combination of power, placement, and pressure that makes her one of the most feared servers in the history of women’s tennis.
Venus Williams and Ajla Tomljanovic – Blazing Serves at 129 mph
Tied for the second spot in recorded fastest serves are another Williams sister, Venus Williams, and Ajla Tomljanovic, both reaching a remarkable 207.6 kilometers per hour (129.0 miles per hour).
Venus Williams has achieved this speed on two separate occasions, showcasing her consistent power over time. The first instance was at the 2007 US Open during her first-round victory against Kira Nagy. Years later, she replicated this incredible serve speed in a much higher-stakes environment – the 2008 Wimbledon final against her sister, Serena. This serve during such a crucial match underscores Venus’s ability to produce power under pressure.
Interestingly, for Venus, the speed often comes naturally. “I didn’t realize it. I was so excited because I wasn’t even trying for it,” she admitted after her 2007 US Open serve. “It just comes. Even when I say, ‘Okay, I’m going to hit a half pace with placement,’ it comes 120. That’s just how it comes. I wasn’t even trying for it. I wasn’t expecting to do that at all. I guess I’ve got to try for one more, 130.” This quote reveals the effortless power Venus possesses, where even a controlled serve still reaches impressive speeds.
Ajla Tomljanovic matched Venus’s 129 mph serve at Cincinnati in 2008. While the details surrounding this specific serve are less documented compared to the Williams sisters’ records, it nonetheless places Tomljanovic among the elite power servers in women’s tennis.
Conclusion: The Power in Women’s Tennis
These records highlight the extraordinary serving prowess within women’s tennis. Serena and Venus Williams, along with Ajla Tomljanovic, have demonstrated incredible power, pushing the boundaries of serve speed in the female game. Their serves are not just about raw velocity; they are a testament to their athleticism, technique, and the continuous evolution of power in women’s professional tennis. As the game progresses, it will be exciting to see if these records are challenged and broken, further showcasing the strength and skill of female tennis players.
