Top 10 Best Returners in Tennis Today

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Sep 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Kei Nishikori (JPN) returns a shot to Marin Cilic (CRO) in the men

5. Kei Nishikori

His new coach Michael Chang, one of the best returners in his day, has certainly helped with Kei’s confidence and strategy on the return.

Return Point Won %: 38.4

Aced %: 9.9

Break %: 26.3

Nishikori is up with Djokovic and Murray in the conversation for best two-handed backhand in the game. While his numbers are a bit lower for the entire year, Nishikori has improved greatly this past year and now is one of the most feared returners. His new coach Michael Chang, one of the best returners in his day, has certainly helped with Kei’s confidence and strategy on the return. At only 5’10”, Nishikori is susceptible to a wide serve or a blast down the T, as can be seen by his higher aced percentage, but if the serve is not perfectly placed, Nishikori will pounce on it and instantly become the aggressor. He turns defense into offense with the best of them. Many believe that Nishikori’s ground game and return will lead him to be the next first time Grand Slam winner.

Next: Best Returners: #4

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