Tennis is a stat-lover’s paradise and with the help of the ATP’s awesome FedEx Reliability Index, we have a trove of data. It’s also fascinating to find out statistical oddities that defy expectations. Here are a few such surprising tennis stats.
1. Sam Groth’s Fastest Serve
This unknown Australian clocked a serve of 163 mph, that shattered Ivo Karlovic’s record and raised some eyebrows. The serve was recorded in a proverbial backwoods, which has prompted many to question the validity of the speed gun.
2. Steve Darcis’ Tie-break Record
Journeyman Belgian just loves a tie-break. There’s no other reason for it, since he’s not a big server but he went 18-4 in 2012 and is 45-24 in his career.
3. Thomas Muster’s Finals Record
The Moo-Man in a clay court final was immovable. His record stands 44-10 with 4 coming on hard courts. In 1995 he won a record 12 tournaments.
4. Boris Becker’s Zero Clay Titles
Boom Boom came so close in the Rome Masters final against Muster to chalking up his only clay title. The guy could play on clay but couldn’t find a way to break the duck.
5. Bjorn Borg’s 0 US Open Wins
The Iceman never jived with New York. He lost 4 finals there, which is the only blemish on an almost perfect career.
6. Julien Benneteau’s Finals Record
Now 0-7 in finals, Julien is perilously close to never winning one, which would be a shame considering his talents.
7. Wayne Ferreria’s 56 Consecutive Grand Slam Appearances
Wayne clocked up a lot of air miles getting to 4 Grand Slams every year. A testament to his work ethic and fitness. The fact he never won one, does make for a poor strike rate though!
8. Marcelo Rios’ Record Against Michael Chang
It does not matter how talented you are, some players just can’t figure out another. In Rios’ case, the sheer consistency of Chang broke him and held a 6-1 record over Marcelo.
9. Roger Federer’s Record Against Rafael Nadal
Nadal is the asterisk against Federer’s name in the annuls of tennis. A combination of many clay court matches and a psychological barrier has hampered Roger’s efforts to assert his GOAT claim on Nadal. Who knows how many more times Federer will get to improve this record of 10-18.
10. Fabrice Santoro’s Record Against Number 1 Players
Fabrice might have been the trickiest player to play of all time. His variety of slice, drop shot and general tomfoolery, bamboozled the best. None more so than Marat Safin who was 1-8 against The Magician. Santoro also claimed the scalps of number 1 players at the time including Sampras, Agassi, Connors, Wilander, Edberg, Kuerten, Hewitt, Ferrero, Roddick and Federer.