When discussing formidable servers in women’s tennis, several names come to mind, but a few stand out for their sheer power and impact. While speed isn’t the only factor determining the best serve, it’s undeniably a significant weapon. Let’s delve into some of the fastest serves recorded in women’s tennis history, highlighting players who have consistently leveraged this advantage.
Serena Williams, a name synonymous with power in women’s tennis, ranks among the top servers. At the 2013 Australian Open, Serena unleashed not one, but two serves clocked at an astonishing 207.0kph (128.6mph). The first of these thunderbolts occurred during her second-round match against Garbine Muguruza. When questioned about it post-match, Serena acknowledged the speed, adding context by mentioning even faster serves that missed their mark, “It’s my fastest that went in. I’ve hit some 150s, but of course they’re, like, to the sky.” Her second 128.6 mph serve came in the subsequent round against Morita, further cementing her reputation for power serving. Serena’s serve isn’t just about speed; it’s about placement and pressure, consistently putting opponents on the defensive from the very first shot of the rally.
Venus Williams, Serena’s sister and another legend of the game, also boasts incredible serving prowess. Venus has twice reached a blistering 207.6kph (129.0mph) serve speed. The first instance was at the 2007 US Open against Kira Nagy, and the second during the high-stakes 2008 Wimbledon final against her sister Serena. Interestingly, Venus expressed surprise at her own speed after her US Open record, stating, “I didn’t realize it. I was so excited because I wasn’t even trying for it. 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 underscores the natural power and effortless velocity Venus generates on her serve, making it a formidable weapon throughout her career.
Tying Venus Williams at 207.6kph (129.0mph) is Ajla Tomljanovic. Tomljanovic achieved this serve speed at Cincinnati in 2008 during a match against Simona Halep. While Tomljanovic may not have the same Grand Slam titles as the Williams sisters, her serve is undeniably a major asset in her game. Matching Venus Williams’ speed highlights the raw power she can generate, placing her among the elite servers in women’s tennis.
In conclusion, while pinpointing the absolute “best” server is subjective and depends on factors beyond just speed, Serena and Venus Williams, alongside players like Ajla Tomljanovic, have demonstrated exceptional serving ability. Their serves, characterized by a combination of high velocity and strategic placement, have been instrumental to their success, consistently making them among the most dominant servers in the women’s game. Their powerful serves are not just about breaking records; they are about dictating points, winning crucial games, and ultimately, winning matches.
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