He is the player with one of the best serves Novak Djokovic says he’s ever faced but he’s never been ranked in the top ten

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After spending more than a decade at the top of the ATP Tour, Novak Djokovic is definitely well placed to judge who has the best serve around.

From Ivo Karlovic to John Isner, Djokovic has faced and overcome some of the biggest and most dominant serves in the game.

Of course, the Serbian’s own serve shouldn’t be understated – he hasn’t won 24 Grand Slams by feathering the ball towards the other side of the court.

But Djokovic will predominantly be remembered for his backhand and his return once he retires – arguably the most well rounded player the sport has ever seen, even if that is a debate for another day.

Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray agree on the best serve they’ve ever faced

Speaking alongside Andy Murray back in 2020 for the ATP Tour, the pair were tasked with building their perfect tennis player.

And when it came to choosing the best serve, both landed on Isner and Nick Kyrgios, with Djokovic later admitting that the outspoken Australian had the toughest delivery that he had ever faced.

READ MORE: The one-time Grand Slam winner who Gael Monfils thought had a better forehand than Roger Federer at his peak

Murray himself also weighed in on Kyrgios’ enormous serve, recalling a time when the two once practiced together.

Starting the chat, Djokovic said: “It would be Isner or Kyrgios.”

Murray replied: “Yeah I mean I would say exactly the same for that.”

Djokovic: “I think Nick for his height has the best serve that I’ve played against, [and] that I’ve seen.”

Murray: “I’d agree with that as well and I’ve seen him sometimes, I’ve practiced with him a couple of times and just warming up…”

Djokovic jokingly interrupted: “He warms up?!”

Murray laughed and continued: “He done nothing for his shoulder or anything and he can serve like unbelievable.” 

Patrick Mouratoglou gave his top five servers of all-time

Renowned tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou also named Kyrgios as the strongest server past and present when choosing his top five back in 2023.

Kyrgios has only reached a career high ranking of number 13 in his career (October 2016), but that hasn’t stopped his serve from being recognised as one of the greatest of all-time.

Explaining his choice to put the Aussie at number one, Mouratoglou said: “Kyrgios is number one because players return much better today and he’s undoubtedly the current best.”

That being said, Kyrgios has announced that he’ll have a new doubles partner this year as he continues his comeback from injury.

And in terms of the Australian’s own rankings, Kyrgios named the most underrated player on the ATP Tour recently.