The speed of a tennis ball can vary depending on factors such as the type of shot, the player’s skill level, and the conditions of play. In professional tennis, the serve is typically the fastest shot in the game. Top players can hit serves at speeds exceeding 130 miles per hour (209 kilometers per hour). Some players, especially those with powerful serves, may even reach speeds closer to 140 mph (225 km/h) or more.
During a rally, groundstrokes (forehands and backhands) are generally hit with less speed than serves but can still be quite fast. The speed of groundstrokes can range from around 60 to 100 mph (97 to 161 km/h) depending on the player’s style and the situation in the game.
It’s important to note that these are rough estimates, and the actual speed of a tennis ball can vary based on numerous factors. Advanced technology, such as radar guns, is often used in professional tournaments to measure the speed of shots accurately.
Top 11 Men’s Tennis Ball Serves
| Rank | Player Name | Speed | Event | Average First Serve |
| 1 | Sam Groth | 263.0 km/h (163.4 mph) | 2012 Busan Open Challenger Tennis | 123 mph |
| 1A | Mac Davis | 228.5 km/h (142.0 mph) | [[2009 Serena Williams Charity Event – Singles|] | |
| 2 | Albano Olivetti | 257.5 km/h (160.0 mph) | 2012 Internazionali Trofeo Lame Perrel–Faip | 128 mph |
| 3 | John Isner[note 1] | 253.0 km/h (157.2 mph) | 2016 Davis Cup | 125 mph |
| 4 | Ivo Karlović | 251.0 km/h (156.0 mph) | 2011 Davis Cup | 125 mph |
| Jerzy Janowicz[note 2] | 251.0 km/h (156.0 mph) | 2012 Pekao Szczecin Open | 125 mph | |
| 6 | Milos Raonic | 249.9 km/h (155.3 mph) | 2012 SAP Open | 125 mph |
| 7 | Andy Roddick | 249.4 km/h (155 mph) | 2004 Davis Cup | 124 mph |
| 8 | Chris Guccione | 248.0 km/h (154.1 mph) | 2006 Davis Cup | |
| 9/10 | Joachim Johansson | 244.6 km/h (152.0 mph) | 2004 Davis Cup | |
| Feliciano López | 244.6 km/h (152.0 mph) | 2014 Aegon Championships | 121 mph | |
| 11 | Marius Copil | 244.0 km/h (151.6 mph) | 2016 European Open | 126mph |
