Best service returners in tennis in recent times

An average first serve in tennis is around 120 mph. To return these serves first time and win the point requires immense skill, precision and timing of the ball. Opponents at times struggle to hold their serve against these particular players. Here is a list of the top 10 returners of serve in recent tennis history.

#10 Gael Monfils

This exciting Frenchman kicks off this list at No. 10. He has never won a Grand Slam, but has often caused a lot of problems to top tennis players.

Career first serve return points won – 7832 in 484 matches (32%)

Career second-serve return points won – 7801 in 484 matches (53%)

#9 Andre Agassi

This former World no. 1 won eight Grand Slams and the Olympic Gold Medal.

Career first serve return points won – 12952 in 1108 matches (32%)

Career second serve return points won – 16704 in 1108 matches (56%)

#8 Lleyton Hewitt

Former World no. 1 Lleyton Hewitt has been a good service returner in his long career. He won 2 Grand Slams during his career.

Career first serve return points won – 12686 in 808 matches (32%)

Career second serve return points won – 15281 in 808 matches (54%)

#7 David Nalbandian

This Former Argentinian No. 1 finds himself seventh on this list. He has never won a Grand Slam in his career, but won the ATP World Tour Finals in 2005.

Career first serve return points won – 8596 in 546 matches (32%)

Career second serve return points won – 10016 in 546 matches (55%)

#6 Roger Federer

There is no list which can be complete without having him on it. Roger Federer is the all-time leader on the Grand Slams tally with winning 17 Majors and is currently the ranked No.2 in the world.

Career first serve return points won – 19088 in 1177 matches (33%)

Career second serve return points won – 19610 in 1177 matches (51%)

#5 Nikolay Davydenko

Nadal’s most feared opponent, Nikolay Davydenko who retired recently finds himself fifth on this list. He has never won a Grand Slam, but is the only player to have a positive win-loss record against Nadal after playing more than 10 matches.

Career first serve return points won – 12099 in 788 matches(33%)

Career second-serve return points won – 12945 in 788 matches (53%)

#4 Novak Djokovic

The World no. 1 finds himself fourth on this list. Djokovic has won 7 Grand Slams, including the Wimbledon this year. He has had a brilliant season in 2014 winning six ATP titles including three Masters 1000 titles and the ATP World Tour Finals.

Career first serve return points won – 11503 in 711 matches (33%)

Career second-serve return points won – 12388 in 711 matches (55%)

#3 Andy Murray

Britain’s No. 1 has been a brilliant returner over the years. He has won 2 Grand Slams in his career. He is looking to regain his form after having a poor season in 2014.

Career first serve return points won – 10242 in 611 matches (34%)

Career second serve return points won - 10802 in 611 matches (55%)

#2 David Ferrer

David Ferrer has never won a Grand Slam, but has reached the French Open 2013 final and has been in the top 10 for many years now.

Career first serve return points won – 13659 in 869 matches (34%)

Career second serve return points won – 15038 in 869 matches (55%)

#1 Rafael Nadal

14-time Grand Slam winner and current World No. 3 is the best returner of the first serve. He is recuperating after undergoing appendicitis surgery in November.

When returning, Nadal has the best percentage of points won on the opponent’s first and second serves.

Career first serve return points won – 13196 in 824 matches (34%)

Career second-serve return points won – 13814 in 824 matches (55%)