Better Server, Milos Raonic or John Isner?

[JimF]

Thought I'd post this after an active discussion on Twitter.

Part of the difficulty is defining what "best server" means: Only first, or both 1st and 2nd serve? (I'd say Isner's second is much better than Raonic's, while Raonic's first is better, but he gets fewer in ... how does that add up?), aces or set up the rest of your game ala Fed (where stats fail miserably)?

Brad Gilbert has said Milos Raonic is the best server in tennis "today", while John McEnroe, not my favorite analyst, said Raonic has the best serve of all time. Meanwhile, Fed once said when asked if you could have one pro's shot what it be -- John Isner's serve.

I put together a video some of you might find interesting. Used a variety of slow-motion techniques, stop action and still photos from numerous angles, shot at several tournaments to compare their serves. Quite different techniques and tactics.

Did this mainly to learn non-linear/ FCP X editing so it is a bit "over-cooked" and I would do several things differently now, but there is a lot of content. 13 minutes.

http://youtu.be/MJlq4wyw5CQ

[underground]

Jerzy Janowicz.

10aces

[President]

I think Isner is probably better for now but Raonic is improving quickly and will surely surpass him as both a player and a server. The difference right now is Isner's huge 2nd serve, probably the best in history.

[loci]

one can serve 140+ mph in every service game, but if one is still losing matches, how effective is it really? lol

[JSouza]

I think when Federer said that, in Indian Wells last year, he was yet to, or had only once, played Raonic. Is that right? Isner's experience on tour surpasses Milos', so for now I'd say he has the edge. But Milos has more potential than John ever did, both in serving and groundstrokes

[MonkeyBoy]

If I'm not wrong, Murray, Tipsarevic, Ferrer and Berdych all said recently that Isner has the best serve they've ever faced.

[spinovic]

Raonic > Isner

My opinion.

[okdude1992]

isners second serve is much better. he also seems to make more first serves than raonic on big points. raonic has more all around game than isner though

[tennis_pr0]

I think raonic mixed it up more...

[Murrayfan31]

Isner better server. Raonic better player.

[matchmaker]

Raonic has more potential, but for now Isner might still be better.

[smoledman]

Obviously a great serve by itself does not win you important titles. Fed beat both Raonic & Isner to win Indian Wells last year. You have to have a complete game to beat the top 4.

[S&V Specialist]

When watching on TV: Raonic.
When watching in the stands: Isner.

[DunlopDood]

Raonic, because he can hit every type of serve in the game all from the same toss. His delivery is fluid and effortless. Isner's serve looks like hard work.

[JimF]

Originally Posted by DunlopDood

Raonic, because he can hit every type of serve in the game all from the same toss. His delivery is fluid and effortless. Isner's serve looks like hard work.

I agree on the first serve, although I believe Isner's 2nd is much more effective.

However, Raonic does not use an identical toss on every serve, he has multiple tosses. See my photos and slow motion video I posted to see how he varies his toss.

[OddJack]

Raonic, more consistent.

[Hitman]

Originally Posted by Murrayfan31

Isner better server. Raonic better player.

This is what I currently think too.

[Rjtennis]

John for sure. John is winning matches with basically just his serve.

[uncooling]

I think their serves are pretty much the same level with Raonic's a bit better 1st serve and Isner's a better 2nd serve.

But Raonic can mix his serve really well and can serve a bit faster than Isner.
Also, considering the height difference, Raonic has a better serve technique.

So I would go with Raonic.

[Hawkeye7]

The players think Isner is the best server on tour, so I'm going to believe them, as they have actually played both.