The Masters of the Return: Open Era Greats

The Swedish legend possessed an uncanny ability to absorb pace and redirect it with precision. His two-handed backhand return was a weapon that allowed him to dominate opponents like McEnroe and Connors on fast surfaces, turning defense into immediate offense.

Graf combined incredible speed with a blistering one-handed backhand to attack second serves aggressively. Her return game was a cornerstone of her Golden Slam, allowing her to seize control of rallies before her opponents could establish their rhythm.

While known for his serve, Federer was equally lethal at the return line with his elegant one-handed backhand. He consistently targeted second serves to set up winning forehands, a tactic that neutralized big servers like Roddick and Isner throughout his career.

Sampras featured a unique, compact return motion that allowed him to handle immense speed. He excelled at blocking in wide serves to open up the court, a strategy that complemented his aggressive net-rushing style and contributed to his eighteen Grand Slam titles.

Safin’s powerful two-handed backhand return could dismantle the best serves in the world. His ability to dictate play from the baseline with his return made him one of the most dangerous returners in the early 2000s, securing two major titles.

Henin’s one-handed backhand was arguably the best return stroke in women’s tennis history. She could lift the ball high over the net with heavy spin, pushing big servers like Davenport and Mauresmo deep behind the baseline and forcing errors.

Djokovic set modern records for return points won with his extraordinary court coverage and flexible wrist. His ability to return any serve with depth and accuracy allows him to dominate rallies, making him the most consistent returner in Open Era history.

Agassi revolutionized returning by taking the ball early, standing inside the baseline to crush serves. His aggressive style neutralized giants like Becker and Stich, proving that timing and anticipation could overpower pure power and serve-and-volley tactics.

Lendl was a mechanical master of the return, using his bulky frame to absorb pace and redirect it with heavy topspin. His consistency from the baseline allowed him to outlast big servers, reaching fourteen Grand Slam finals through sheer resilience and tactical return play.

Navratilova used her net-rushing style to complement a devastating return game. She routinely stepped into the court to attack second serves, putting immediate pressure on servers and preventing them from settling into a comfortable rhythm during long matches.

Murray’s return game was built on intelligence, movement, and a heavy two-handed backhand. He consistently disrupted the rhythm of big servers like Djokovic and Federer, earning him three Grand Slam titles and over a decade as a world number one contender.

Evert’s consistent groundstrokes were anchored by a precise and penetrating return. She excelled at finding lines and angles off the serve, allowing her to control the pace of matches and secure eleven Grand Slam singles titles through tactical baseline excellence.

Edberg’s return was a key component of his serve-and-volley strategy. He could block back powerful serves with pinpoint accuracy to set up his approach shots, making him a formidable opponent on all surfaces and a six-time Grand Slam champion.

Seles possessed a thunderous two-handed backhand return that could instantly turn defense into offense. Her aggressive style allowed her to dominate the baseline, contributing to her eight Grand Slam titles before her career was interrupted by tragedy.

McEnroe’s reflexes and volleys extended to his baseline returns, where he utilized slice and drop shots effectively. He could neutralize big servers like Borg and Lendl by keeping the ball low and unpredictable, winning seven Grand Slam titles with his tactical genius.

Swiatek is the modern benchmark for return efficiency, using heavy topspin and exceptional lateral movement. She consistently ranks first in return points won, dismantling the serves of the biggest players in women’s tennis to secure multiple Grand Slam crowns.

Connors was a relentless grinder who used his quick reflexes and compact swing to return any serve. His ability to keep the ball in play and force errors from more powerful opponents made him a five-time Grand Slam champion and a legend of endurance.

Williams combined raw power with elite athleticism to crush returns off the serve. Her ability to dictate play immediately after receiving allowed her to overwhelm opponents, contributing to her twenty-three Grand Slam singles titles and dominance in the Open Era.

Although a big server, Ivanisevic possessed a surprisingly effective return, particularly his one-handed backhand. He could neutralize opponents’ first serves and set up his own aggressive net play, leading him to a unique Grand Slam singles title in 2001.

Azarenka’s return game is characterized by compact mechanics and aggressive forward movement. She consistently targets opponents’ weaknesses off the serve, using her powerful two-handed backhand to seize control of points and secure two Australian Open titles.