Legends of the Baseline: Best Base-Server Players Since 1968

Though known for elegance and variety, Federer’s baseline dominance was unparalleled in the 2000s. His ability to dictate play from the backcourt with precise groundstrokes and a massive serve made him a modern baseline archetype.

The undisputed king of clay, Nadal’s forehand-driven baseline style is the most physically demanding in tennis history. His heavy topspin and relentless movement from the backcourt allowed him to dominate opponents with sheer attrition.

Master of defensive baseline tennis, Djokovic returns balls with flat depth and precision. His flexibility and counter-punching abilities allow him to extend rallies and exploit opponents' errors, making him the ultimate baseline grinder.

Graf’s forehand from the baseline was arguably the most powerful shot in history. She combined aggressive baseline tactics with precise serving, allowing her to control points from the back of the court rather than approaching net frequently.

A pioneer of heavy topspin from the baseline, Borg changed how the game was played physically. His ability to generate speed without sacrificing depth allowed him to dominate the baseline in the early 1980s, influencing modern techniques.

While often associated with volleys, McEnroe’s baseline game was technically flawless. His drop-shotting and deep, angled groundstrokes kept opponents pinned behind the baseline, setting up his occasional net approaches with strategic precision.

Lendl introduced biomechanical precision to baseline tennis, relying on a one-handed backhand and consistent heavy topspin. He rarely approached the net, instead wearing down opponents with relentless baseline accuracy and mental toughness.

Connors was a pure baseline fighter who refused to approach the net except for specific winners. His low center of gravity and blistering groundstrokes allowed him to control rallies from the backcourt with unmatched intensity and endurance.

Agassi revolutionized baseline tennis by taking the ball early, neutralizing power with his one-handed backhand. His aggressive baseline style involved taking time away from opponents, making him one of the most dangerous players from the back of the court.

Navratilova’s two-handed backhand allowed her to hit heavier shots from the baseline than any woman before her. She dominated the baseline with depth and variety, using her speed to retrieve balls and construct points from the back of the court.

Although a serve-and-volley specialist, Sampras’ baseline groundstrokes were potent enough to hold servers. His ability to hit hard, flat groundstrokes from the backcourt allowed him to win points without immediately rushing the net, adding depth to his game.

Courier was a quintessential baseline player in the early 1990s, relying on heavy topspin and consistency. His two-handed forehand and backhand allowed him to construct points from the backcourt, winning multiple major titles through sheer baseline endurance.

Bruguera specialized in heavy topspin from the baseline, particularly on clay courts. His ability to generate extreme spin allowed him to push opponents deep behind the baseline, controlling the pace of rallies with precise, heavy groundstrokes.

Chang’s low-slung forehand allowed him to hit heavy topspin from the baseline, even against powerful servers. His extraordinary speed and endurance enabled him to retrieve any ball and construct points from the back of the court effectively.

Safin possessed one of the most powerful baseline games in history, with a massive forehand and flat serve. His aggressive baseline style involved taking the ball early to dictate play, making him a formidable opponent from the backcourt.

Murray’s baseline game was defined by his two-handed backhand and tactical depth. He used his baseline positioning to neutralize power hitters, constructing points with precision and variety from the back of the court to win crucial matches.

Del Potro’s towering serve and massive forehand made him a dominant baseline force, especially on hard courts. His ability to hit winners from deep behind the baseline allowed him to compete with the biggest servers in tennis history.

Thiem was a master of heavy topspin from the baseline, particularly on clay. His ability to hit high-bouncing forehands forced opponents deep behind the baseline, allowing him to control rallies with consistency and physical power.

Ferrer was a pure baseline grinder with exceptional defensive skills and consistent groundstrokes. He rarely ventured to the net, instead relying on his speed and ability to hit deep, heavy balls from the backcourt to exhaust opponents.

Tsitsipas combines modern baseline aggression with his powerful one-handed backhand. His ability to hit heavy topspin and flat groundstrokes from deep behind the baseline allows him to control points with a mix of power and precision.