Blocked returns, chipped returns, full swings from three metres behind the baseline: different answers to the same problem.
1Novak DjokovicHolds the Open-era records for return games won and break points converted across a career.
2Andre AgassiStood on the baseline and took serves early, neutralising the biggest servers of the 1990s.
3Jannik SinnerCurrent world No. 1 whose flat blocked return puts him in first-strike position immediately.
4Carlos AlcarazSeven-time major champion who mixes chip returns and full swings to break serve at will.
5Andy MurrayRead serves as well as anyone of his generation and turned defence into attack from the return.
6Rafael NadalStood metres behind the baseline and used topspin returns to drag servers into rallies.
7Daniil MedvedevReturns from deep in the stands and wins a higher share of return games than almost any peer.
8Jimmy ConnorsTook the ball early off both wings decades before it became standard practice.
9Lleyton HewittAustralian counterpuncher who built a No. 1 ranking on getting one more ball back.
10David FerrerSpanish grinder who returned relentlessly to reach a French Open final without a big weapon.
11Michael ChangYoungest men's major champion, whose speed and return position frustrated bigger hitters.
12Bjorn BorgEleven-time major champion whose returning underpinned five straight Wimbledon titles.
Comments 1
Agassi turned the biggest serves of the 1990s into rallies, and neither of the current two is yet known for the half nobody films: https://youpick.best/articles/sinner-vs-alcaraz-ranked
YP
ypb-teamAug 21
