Volley (tennis) - Exceptional Volleyers

Exceptional Volleyers

In his 1979 autobiography, Jack Kramer, who had a fine volley himself, devoted a page to the best tennis strokes he had ever seen. He wrote:

FOREHAND VOLLEY—Wilmer Allison of Texas, who won the 1935 Forest Hills, had the best I ever saw as a kid, and I've never seen anyone since hit one better. Budge Patty came closest, then Newcombe. BACKHAND VOLLEY—Close among Budge, Sedgman and Rosewall, with Sedgman getting the edge probably because of his quickness. Schroeder and Trabert were almost as outstanding.

Among open era (post 1968) male players, John McEnroe and Stefan Edberg are generally regarded as being the finest and most natural volleyers, though some consider Patrick Rafter or Tim Henman to have been equally proficient. Pete Sampras is also regarded as having had the finest volleys in recent times.

Among open era female players, Martina Navrátilová is considered to be the outstanding volleyer. Jana Novotná was also noted for her superior volleying skills.

Other male players known for their superior volleying skills include:

• Vinnie Richards
• Jack Kramer
• Frank Sedgman
• Lew Hoad
• Rod Laver
• Ken Rosewall
• Tony Roche
• John McEnroe
• Pat Cash
• Stefan Edberg
• Boris Becker
• Michael Stich
• Pete Sampras
• Marat Safin
• Patrick Rafter
• Tim Henman
• Roger Federer
• Rafael Nadal
• Michael Llodra
• Radek Stepanek
• David Nalbandian
• Ivan Ljubicic
• Philipp Petzschner
• Tommy Haas
• Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
• Lleyton Hewitt
• Stanislas Wawrinka

Female players known for their superior volleying skills include:

• Maria Ester Bueno
• Martina Navrátilová
• Jana Novotná
• Serena Williams
• Martina Hingis
• Amélie Mauresmo
• Justine Henin
• Venus Williams
• Petra Kvitova