The biggest difference between a good tennis serve and a great serve isn't just speed. It's knowing when to use it.
Most club players think they need to hit every first serve as hard as possible and every second serve as safely as possible. The numbers from the professional game tell a very different story.
By analysing the serving patterns of US Open semi-finalists Jannik Sinner, Jack Draper, Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe, we can uncover some simple benchmarks that every player can use to build a more effective serve.
Your first tennis serve shouldn't be your fastest serve
The fastest serve you can hit isn't the serve you should hit every point.
Across the four players, their average first serve was around 90% of their maximum speed. That gives them the perfect balance of power, accuracy and consistency while still allowing them to mix in different spins and placements.
Whether it's a flat bomb down the T or a wide slice that pulls an opponent off the court, controlling your speed is often more valuable than simply chasing extra miles per hour.
Mantis Tip: Aim to hit your average first serve at around 90% of your maximum pace. You'll gain consistency without giving away much power.
Don't make your second serve predictable
A reliable second serve is essential, but that doesn't mean every second serve should look the same.
The best players regularly use kick, slice and different speeds to stop opponents settling into a rhythm. Occasionally increasing the pace of a second serve—particularly at the right moment—can create doubt and earn plenty of free points.
Nick Kyrgios built much of his serving success around this unpredictability, and even Novak Djokovic has praised him as one of the toughest servers he has faced.
Mantis Tip: Most second serves should prioritise spin and placement, but don't be afraid to occasionally increase the pace when the situation allows.
The ideal speed gap
One of the most interesting findings is the difference between average first and second serve speeds.
Across all four players, the average second serve travelled at approximately 75% of the speed of their average first serve.
Many club players fall outside this range. Some slow the ball down too much simply to get it in. Others try to hit every second serve too hard and lose consistency.
The sweet spot sits somewhere in the middle.
Mantis Tip: As a guide, your average second serve should be around three-quarters of the pace of your average first serve.
Play smarter, not just harder
The serve is far more than a power shot. It's your first opportunity to take control of the point.
By varying pace, spin and placement while understanding the relationship between your first and second serves, you'll become far less predictable and far more difficult to return.
Key Takeaways
- Hit your average first serve at around 90% of your maximum speed.
- Use different spins and placements rather than relying purely on power.
- Occasionally surprise opponents with a faster second serve.
- Aim for your average second serve to be roughly 75% of your average first serve speed.
- The best servers don't simply hit harder—they make better decisions.
The goal isn't to serve faster. The goal is to serve smarter.
