Most Aces Served in a Single Tennis Tournament

From time to time, players turn up their tennis game and hit some of the most unreturnable serves you’ve ever seen. If you hit it just right and catch your opponent off guard, you can score an ace right off the serve, which is easily the fastest way to accumulate points.

We know throughout tennis tourney history, there’s only been a handful of players capable of consistently serving an unreturnable ball. That’s why in this article, we’re outlining five players with the most aces served in a single tournament, including what the tournament was and how many aces they served!

#5. John Isner – 110 Aces (2014 French Open)

John Isner’s reputation as one of the most formidable servers in tennis history was on full display during the 2014 French Open, where he unleashed an incredible 110 aces over the course of the tournament. Despite falling short in the fourth round to Tomas Berdych, Isner’s performance was nothing short of remarkable. His powerful serve, a weapon that has terrorized opponents across surfaces, nearly matched Martin Verkerk’s long-standing clay-court record of 124 aces, set at Roland Garros in 2003.

What makes Isner’s achievement particularly noteworthy is that it came on the slow clay courts of Roland Garros, a surface known for neutralizing big serves and rewarding baseline play. Yet, Isner’s blistering deliveries sliced through the French clay, giving him a significant advantage against his opponents in the early rounds. His ability to generate so many aces in such conditions underscores not only the sheer power of his serve but also his precision and consistency under pressure.

Reaching the fourth round at the French Open marked one of Isner’s better performances at the tournament, but it’s his 110 aces that truly stand out. This feat ranks as the lowest of his most prolific ace-serving tournaments, yet it still places him in the upper echelon of tennis’s ace records. Isner’s repeated appearances on this list highlight his dominance as a server, with his 2014 French Open performance serving as another testament to his ability to dictate matches with his serve.

Even though his run ended earlier than he hoped, Isner’s showing at the 2014 French Open is a reminder of how he has redefined serving as a crucial element of the modern game. His name appearing on this list three times is not only a testament to his serving ability but also solidifies his legacy as one of the greatest servers in tennis history.

#4. Martin Verkerk – 124 Aces (2003 French Open)

The early 2000s were a golden era for ace records, with power servers dominating the courts and pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible. In 2003, Martin Verkerk etched his name into tennis history by setting the record for the most aces served in the French Open with an astounding 124 aces. What made this feat even more remarkable was that it was achieved on the slow clay courts of Roland Garros, a surface notorious for neutralizing big serves. Verkerk’s relentless power and precision propelled him through the tournament, surprising both fans and experts alike.

His ace-scoring spree wasn’t just a statistical anomaly—it was the backbone of an incredible run that saw him reach the finals of the French Open, an achievement few expected from the unseeded Dutchman. Along the way, Verkerk toppled formidable opponents, relying heavily on his serve to escape tight situations. His impressive performance culminated in a showdown against Juan Carlos Ferrero in the final. Although Verkerk ultimately fell short of capturing the title, his ability to dominate with his serve left a lasting impression.

To put 124 aces into perspective, it’s not just a number—it’s a testament to Verkerk’s ability to consistently deliver under pressure in one of the sport’s toughest tournaments. Each ace was a dagger to his opponents’ momentum, and his record-breaking performance remains a highlight of modern tennis. Even today, Verkerk’s historic run at Roland Garros is remembered as one of the most prolific ace-serving displays in a single tournament, proving that raw power and precision can shine on any surface.

#3. John Isner – 144 Aces (2007 Legg Mason Tennis Classic)

John Isner’s name is synonymous with towering serves, and his breakthrough performance at the 2007 Legg Mason Tennis Classic was no exception. During this tournament, the 6’10” American unleashed an incredible 144 aces, setting his first record for most aces served in a single tournament. It was a feat that would foreshadow his career-long dominance as one of the greatest servers in tennis history. Known for his devastating power and precision, Isner’s serve was his ultimate weapon, allowing him to dominate his opponents and turn matches on their heads.

The 2007 Legg Mason Tennis Classic wasn’t just about numbers—it marked a pivotal moment in Isner’s burgeoning career. His relentless serving propelled him to an impressive final, where he faced the defending World Champion and fellow American, Andy Roddick. Despite losing the final in a hard-fought battle, Isner’s performance turned heads, proving that his serve could rival the best in the world. It was a clear signal that a new powerhouse server had arrived on the tennis scene.

This tournament was the first in a series of ace-scoring streaks that would define Isner’s career. The 144 aces served that week weren’t just a record but a statement of intent—a testament to his raw power and ability to perform under pressure. His ability to consistently deliver aces, often in the tensest moments of matches, earned him a reputation as one of the most clutch servers in the sport.

Isner’s performance at the Legg Mason Tennis Classic in 2007 was more than just a milestone; it was the beginning of a journey that would see him become one of tennis’s most iconic servers. It was here that Isner began his relentless pursuit of greatness, carving out his place as one of the most feared and respected servers in the history of the game. Even years later, this early achievement remains a cornerstone of his legacy.

#2. Reilly Opelka – 156 Aces (2019 New York Open)

The 2019 New York Open saw Reilly Opelka deliver one of the most dominant serving performances in tennis history, racking up an astonishing 156 aces over the course of the week. The towering 6’11” American used his booming serve to devastating effect, overpowering opponents and carving his way through the draw. Unlike many players who feature prominently on ace lists, Opelka managed to pair his serving prowess with victory, claiming the tournament title in spectacular fashion.

What makes this feat even more impressive is that Opelka’s path to the championship required him to take down none other than John Isner, the legendary ace king himself, in the semi-finals. This victory was symbolic—a passing of the torch moment where Opelka demonstrated that he could go toe-to-toe with one of the game’s all-time great servers. The semi-final wasn’t just about aces, though; it was a grueling contest of nerve and skill, with Opelka’s serve repeatedly bailing him out of tight situations. His ability to deliver under pressure showcased his potential as a force in the sport.

Opelka’s 156 aces during the tournament set a personal record and placed him second on the all-time list for most aces served in a single event. It was a thrilling performance that highlighted his dominance, particularly on fast indoor courts that perfectly complement his powerful game. Winning the title added an extra layer of significance, as Opelka not only out-served his competitors but outplayed them, proving that he was more than just a one-dimensional server.

For Opelka, the 2019 New York Open was a defining moment in his career. Taking home the trophy while breaking records and dethroning an ace-serving legend like Isner made his achievement all the more special. Though he fell just short of the all-time tournament ace record, his performance remains one of the most remarkable displays of serving mastery in tennis history.

#1. John Isner – 214 Aces (2018 Wimbeldon)

For the third and most impressive time, John Isner graces this list with his monumental performance at the 2018 Wimbledon Championships, where he shattered records by serving an incredible 214 aces in a single tournament. This feat solidified his reputation as the king of aces and cemented his place in tennis history. Isner’s serve was a relentless weapon throughout the tournament, powering him all the way to the semi-finals in one of his best career runs at a Grand Slam.

His semi-final clash against Kevin Anderson, the defending champion, was a legendary marathon match that lasted 6 hours and 36 minutes, making it the second-longest match in Wimbledon history. In this epic showdown, Isner alone fired off 53 aces, a staggering contribution to his overall tally. The match, defined by serve-dominated rallies and razor-thin margins, exemplified Isner’s ability to use his serve not just as a weapon but as a lifeline to stay competitive even in grueling contests.

Isner’s ace barrage wasn’t limited to the semi-final. Starting from the round of 128, he consistently averaged 20+ aces per match, with some matches pushing that number even higher. His ability to sustain such a level of serving excellence over multiple rounds underscores the endurance, precision, and sheer dominance of his serve. The longer Isner stayed on court, the more impossible it became for opponents to neutralize his delivery.

Although Isner ultimately fell short of winning the Wimbledon title, his 2018 run remains iconic for redefining the limits of serving in tennis. Breaking the previous record for most aces in a single tournament, Isner’s 214 aces set a benchmark that will be hard to surpass. This record stands as a testament to his unparalleled power, consistency, and ability to shape matches on the strength of his serve alone. Even without the coveted trophy, Isner walked away from Wimbledon 2018 as a record-breaker and a player who will forever be remembered for his towering presence and unrelenting serve.