Wimbledon. The venerable grounds where tennis history is steeped in tradition, punctuated by the thwack of ball on grass and the roar of the crowd. For decades, the very soul of grass-court tennis was defined by the serve-and-volley – a daring dash to the net immediately after sending down a serve, aiming to end the point swiftly. It was a beautiful, rhythmic display, leaving distinct worn tracks on the court.
However, like many traditions, its prominence has waned significantly. Mention “serve-and-volley” today, and you`re likely talking about a tactic often described, somewhat mournfully, as a “dying art.” Yet, amidst this decline in frequency, a curious fact persists: when executed, it remains remarkably effective, proving that some old-school methods still hold considerable power on this unique surface.
A Look Back: The Golden Age and Its Decline
The turn of the century marked a pivotal shift. Changes were implemented at Wimbledon, famously altering the grass composition to make the courts play slower. This, combined with advancements in racket and string technology allowing for more powerful and controlled returns, and changes to the ball itself (allegedly becoming `fluffier`), made the immediate charge to the net a far riskier proposition than in its heyday.
The statistics paint a clear picture of this evolution. In 1997, a staggering 60% of points in men`s singles featured a serve-and-volley. By 2008, that figure had plummeted to just 10%. In the years that followed, it lingered between 6% and 10%, and by 2025, it rests at a mere 4%. The women`s game saw a similar dramatic drop, from 12% to a minuscule 1% over the same period.
The Numbers Tell a Story: Rare But Rewarding
Despite its infrequent appearance, the serve-and-volley tactic in 2025 boasts a commendable average success rate of 67% across the men`s draw. This figure has remained consistently high, typically hovering between 65% and 71% since 1997, with only a couple of brief dips. This suggests that while players use it less often, they are often choosing their moments wisely, or perhaps, those brave enough to use it possess the skill set to make it count.
Modern Practitioners and Their Success
Leading the charge among the Wimbledon quarterfinalists in 2025 was Carlos Alcaraz. The young Spaniard, known for his dynamic all-around game, employed the serve-and-volley on 11% of his points – significantly more than his peers in the later stages. His success rate was even more impressive: a stunning 79%. Alcaraz himself noted his comfort with the tactic on grass, appreciating how it prevents opponents from settling into a rhythm.
Seven-time champion Novak Djokovic also demonstrated its utility, attempting 64 serve-and-volley points and winning 70% of them throughout his campaign. Players like Grigor Dimitrov (75% success on 48 attempts) and Ben Shelton (70% success on 37 attempts) further underlined the tactic`s effectiveness when integrated into their games. Shelton, in particular, attributed his inclination towards moving forward to the influence of his father, a former pro who played in an era where the net rush was more common.
Perhaps the most committed proponent in 2025 was Australia`s Jordan Thompson, who serve-and-volleyed on a remarkable 31% of his points en route to the fourth round. Thompson articulated the core reason for its enduring power on grass: “not letting the ball bounce, taking it out of the air, it`s going to pose a problem for any guy.” The low skid of the ball on grass makes returns difficult, and meeting the ball at the net cuts off angles, forcing reactive, often defensive, responses from the opponent. It’s a proactive strategy in a predominantly baseline world.
Not Dead, Just Different
So, is the serve-and-volley a dying art? In terms of frequency, absolutely. The sight of a player rushing the net on every point is largely confined to highlight reels of past champions. But in terms of effectiveness, the answer is a resounding no, at least not on the hallowed grass of Wimbledon. It has evolved from a primary strategy into a potent, percentage-based weapon.
Modern tennis demands versatility. Players must be adept from the baseline, skilled passers, and capable of drop shots and lobs. But the data from Wimbledon 2025 confirms that having the courage and skill to serve and follow it into the net, at the right moments, provides a significant advantage. It disrupts opponents, shortens points, and leverages the unique properties of the grass court.
Perhaps it`s not dying, but rather transforming into a strategic anomaly – a powerful surprise in an era dominated by baseline rallies. And as long as players like Alcaraz and Djokovic demonstrate its winning potential, the ghost of the serve-and-volley will continue to haunt the net at Wimbledon, proving that sometimes, the best way forward is to just go forward.
Marcus Bellamy