The size matters myth has lost more and more relevance in the sporting world, with perhaps basketball now remaining the only sport where height truly gives you a distinct advantage at being at the top of your game.
When it comes to tennis, a height advantage is perceived to be a strength, with taller players’ service game particularly effective with the added power, bounce and width they’re able to generate.
But, as this list is a testament to, if you can return the towering figures’ of tennis serves back, then they’ve pretty much got nothing else to throw at you.
NA LCS Finals
Source: Riot Games Flickr
John Isner – 6’10
The American's name is safe in the history books, having taken part in the longest tennis match of all-time. Against Nicolas Mahut, the match took 11 hours and five minutes minutes of play over three days. Image Source: Twitter
TSM TEAM HUDDLE
Day 4 of 2017 Mid-Season Invitational Group Stage at Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on 13 May 2017.
Kevin Anderson – 6’8
Tennis is stupid. The South African has barely done anything of note in his career, and yet still sits with career earnings of $7,383,675. Image Source: Twitter
Subject + Headline
at 2017 NA LCS Spring Finals at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on 23 April 2017.
Albano Olivetti – 6’8
The Frenchman can tell his future grandchildren that he holds the record of the second fastest serve of all-time: 257.5 km/h (160mph). Image Source: Twitter
Nikola Ciric – 6’7
Meet the world No.869. Image Source: PhotoBucket
Juan Martín del Potro – 6’6
The biggest name in the list of tallest players. Image Source: Twitter
Sam Querrey – 6’6
The fact the American is 29 just proves the fact there's so many names out on the court that have been around for years without you knowing. Image Source: Zimbio
SEE ALSO: Nick Kyrgios: the renegade that tennis needs
So there you have it, of the game’s tallest players, only Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro can really claim to have done anything of note in the world of tennis.
A US Open title to his name and a career-high ranking of fourth in the world, during the same era as Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, is a feat not to be sniffed at.
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