10 Most Unforgettable Shots in Tennis

The history of professional tennis has witnessed some greats who have graced the game with their excellence and brilliance on the court. They have also been a part of some of the greatest of all-time matches in the history of tennis. Tennis’ journey of over 100 years has seen some amazing stars who ruled the court with their amazing shot-making capabilities.

Let us take a look at the top 10 most unforgettable shots in the history of tennis played by some of the great professional tennis players: 

10. Two-Handed Forehand by Monica Seles 

Former women’s tennis great from Yugoslavia, Monica Seles started her career in 1989 as she played for 14 years before retiring from professional tennis in 2003. The two-handed forehand shot was one of Seles’ claims to fame during her tennis career. She earned praise throughout her career for her stylish two-handed forehand. 

It is considered one of the unusual and unorthodox shots in tennis. She used to play this shot in a properly stabilized manner which is an amazing sight for the fans too. 

9. The remarkable return of serves by Andre Agassi 

Former American tennis great Andre Agassi is among the only two tennis legends who won both a Grand Slam title and an Olympic gold medal. His amazing quality to return serve garnered huge praise from the fans and the experts of the game. 

His father Mike Agassi played a vital role in developing Andre’s serve-return skill; the former prepared a dirt court in the backyard of their house in Las Vegas where he used to coach Andre with a serve machine to shoot balls at the speed of 80 miles per hour; it was the time in 1977 when Andre was only 7. 

8. Famous Diving Volleys of Boris Becker

The former German tennis stalwart started his career in professional tennis 40 years back in the year 1984. His career lasted for one and a half decades till 1999. The German right-handed earned huge fame for his diving volleys. 

He won the Grand Slam title in men’s singles six times. He also described his diving volleys as ‘The Becker Dive.” 

7. Slice Serve of Serena Williams 

The star American female tennis star Serena Williams has been ruling the court with her amazing game excellence since she started her career at the early age of 14 in 1995. She has won overall 39 titles in Grand Slam competitions, including singles, doubles and mixed doubles. Serena is known for her excellent slice-serve which makes it difficult for the opponent to return the serve.  

6. Running Forehands of Pete Sampras 

Former American tennis star Pete Sampras started his professional tennis career in 1988 at the age of 17 and he played till the age of 32 before hanging his boots in 2003. He was known for his famous running forehands to trouble the opponent. 

Sampras also won 15 Grand Slam titles in men’s singles competition in his 15-year-long tennis career. 

5. Serve and Volleys of Martina Navratilova 

Former Czechoslovakian star Martina Navratilova enjoyed one of the longest careers in the history of professional tennis. After making her debut at the age of 21 in 1975, she played for 31 years till 2006. She was famously known for her serve-and-volley skill. 

She also won 18 Grand Slam titles in women’s singles competition. Her amazing stroke-making ability won her a lot of matches in her career. 

4. Topspin forehead of Rafael Nadal 

The veteran Spanish tennis superstar and modern-day tennis great Rafael Nadal has been running his successful career since he made his debut 23 years back in the year 2001. Since then, he is undoubtedly one of the favorites of the fans. 

Rafael Nadal is famously known for his amazing topspin forehead, which has troubled a lot of his opponents throughout his tennis career. 

3. Volleys by John McEnroe 

A former legendary tennis professional from the US started his career in 1978. Later, he ended his singles career in 1994 to continue his career in the men’s doubles till 2006. McEnroe’s opponents were always scared of his famous volleys which troubled them a lot. 

He also won a few titles on the back of his amazing brilliance and sensational stroke-making abilities. 

2. Inside-out Forehands by Steffi Graf

The former German female tennis star Steffi Graf made her debut in professional tennis in 1982 and she represented her country in professional tennis for 17 years till 1999 before retiring at the age of 40.

She was known for one of the most lethal shots in the history of women’s tennis, which was her inside-out forehand. She won the 22 Grand Slam titles in the women’s singles competition. 

1. Special Serve of Pancho Gonzales 

Owing to his height of 6 foot 3 inches, Pancho Gonzales’ serve was one of the very dangerous things that happened to his opponents. He won 100 titles in his 25-year-long career from 1949 to 1974. 

This amazing and special serve earned him the top spot in the rankings for 8 years from 1952 to 1960.