Top 10 Best Returners in Tennis Today

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Sep 1, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Novak Djokovic (SRB) returns a shot to Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) on day eight of the 2014 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

1. Novak Djokovic

A 33.5 break percentage over an entire year with the number of matches Djokovic plays is astounding.

Return Point Won %: 42.7

Aced %: 6.8

Break %: 33.5

The numbers at amazing. A 33.5 break percentage over an entire year with the number of matches Djokovic plays is astounding. Djokovic creeps up to the baseline, sets up his wide stance and sends any serve back with interest. Not only does he get the balls back, but he rarely needs to block or pop the return slowly back deep. It is almost always a solid shot. The fact that he he can be successful standing so close to the baseline takes time away form his opponent. Often the return has flies by opponents even as players are still finishing the service follow through.

The legend of Djokovic’s return hit new heights when he was down match point in the fifth set of the 2011 US Open final against Roger Federer, one of the best servers in the game. Djokovic blasted a return winner and came back to win the match in one of the most devastating losses in tennis history for Federer. The match only added to the mystique that surrounds the best return in the game. Djokovic is hot on Agassi’s heels for the title of “Best Returner Ever.”

Next: Top 10 Best Backhands in Tennis Today

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