The game of tennis, a popular worldwide sport, showcases players of diverse sizes and strengths.
For both men and women, the average tennis player height can significantly impact their game, as each height presents its unique advantages and disadvantages.
Average Tennis Player Height
When considering professional tennis players, the average height tends to be higher than that of the general population.
According to ATP and WTA (Association of Tennis Professionals and Women’s Tennis Association, respectively) statistics, the average height of a male tennis player stands at approximately 6 feet 1 inch (1.85m), while the average height of a female tennis player is around 5 feet 7 inches (1.7m).
Does Height Matter in Tennis?
Height does play a role in tennis, but it’s not the sole determinant of a player’s success.
Taller players often have the advantage of a more potent serve and a better reach, which aids them on both offensive and defensive play.
However, shorter players may have superior agility and footwork, allowing them to react and adapt quickly during a match.
Therefore, while height can provide certain benefits, tennis players of all sizes have excelled in the sport.
Notable Tennis Player Heights
Some players notably defy the average tennis player height.
The tallest professional tennis player in history is Reilly Opelka, who stands at 6 feet 11 inches (2.11m), while the tallest female professional tennis player is Eva Hrdinova, standing at 6 feet 3 inches (1.91m).
Conversely, Diego Schwartzman, who stands at 5 feet 7 inches (1.7m), Olivier Rochus (5’5″), and Dominika Cibulkova, at 5 feet 3 inches (1.6m), demonstrate that height isn’t the only factor leading to success in tennis.
Height Comparison: Tennis vs. Other Sports
For context, the average height in tennis is quite different from other professional sports. For example, the average height of NBA players by position varies from 6 feet 3 inches (1.9m) for point guards to nearly 7 feet (2.13m) for centers. In comparison, the average men’s volleyball player height stands at approximately 6 feet 6 inches (1.98m).
Are Tennis Players Tall?
While tennis players, on average, are taller than the general population, the height distribution varies widely in the professional tennis world. Some players are exceptionally tall, while others fall below the average height.
The Advantage of Height in Tennis
While height can provide a distinct advantage in the serve and reach in tennis, it can also pose challenges in movement and flexibility.
For instance, Alexander Zverev, with his height of 6 feet 6 inches (1.98m), is known for his powerful serve and good court coverage.
Yet, the agility and speed often exhibited by shorter players are harder for taller players to achieve.
Average Tennis Player Weight and Serve Speed
Along with height, the average weight of a tennis player also factors into their performance.
Male players weigh, on average, around 180-190 pounds (82-86 kg), while female players average between 130-140 pounds (59-64 kg).
In terms of serve speed, taller players generally have a faster serve due to the leverage their height provides.
The average serve speed for male professional players is about 125 mph (200 km/h), while for female players, it is approximately 108 mph (174 km/h).
Who Are the Shortest Male and Female Players to Win a Tennis Grand Slam?
The shortest male player to win a tennis Grand Slam singles title is Harold Solomon.
He stood at 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall and won the French Open men’s singles title in 1976.
Billie Jean King, who played during the 1960s and 70s, and May Sutton, who competed in 1905 and 1907, were the shortest female tennis players to win Grand Slam titles, both standing at 1.64 m (5 ft 4.5 in).
Another notable multiple winner, Maureen Connolly from the 1950s, measured 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in).
In more recent times, Chris Evert Lloyd triumphed in 1981, and the 2019 champion Simona Halep, both of whom stood at a height of 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in). Francesca Schiavone is also 5’6″ and won the French Open women’s singles title in 2010.
Conclusion
While the average height of a tennis player may be higher than that of the general population, tennis is a sport where skill, strategy, agility, and endurance often outweigh physical attributes.
The diversity of player heights, from Schwartzman and Cibulkova to Opelka and Hrdinova, underscores the fact that tennis is a game for all heights.
FAQs – Average Tennis Player Height
What is the average height of a tennis player?
The average height of a professional tennis player, considering both men and women, is around 6 feet (approximately 183 cm).
This average considers both singles and doubles players across both the ATP and WTA tours.
Is there a difference between the average heights of male and female tennis players?
Yes, there is a significant difference. On the ATP tour (men’s professional circuit), the average height is approximately 6’1” (about 185 cm).
On the WTA tour (women’s professional circuit), the average height is closer to 5’8” (approximately 173 cm).
Does height matter in tennis?
Height can provide certain advantages in tennis, such as a more powerful serve, greater reach, and the ability to generate more top-spin.
However, tennis is a sport that also values agility, speed, and technique, all of which are not necessarily related to a player’s height.
Therefore, while height can be advantageous in certain situations, it is not a definitive factor for success.
What is the average height of a female tennis player?
The average height of a female professional tennis player on the WTA tour is around 5’7″-5’8” (about 170-173 cm).
What is the average height of a male tennis player?
The average height of a male professional tennis player on the ATP tour is approximately 6’1” (about 185 cm).
Who is the tallest professional tennis player?
The tallest professional tennis player is Reilly Opelka, standing at 6’11” (211 cm).
Who is the tallest female professional tennis player?
The tallest female professional tennis player is Akgul Amanmuradova, who stands at 6’3” (190 cm).
Is height an advantage in tennis?
Height can provide certain advantages in tennis, such as the ability to serve more powerfully and a greater reach.
However, tennis also values skills such as agility, speed, and technique, which are not necessarily related to height.
In fact, agility tends to be inversely correlated to height. This is also why some baseball infielders tend to be on the shorter side.
What is Alexander Zverev’s height?
Alexander Zverev is 6’6” (198 cm) tall.
Do tennis players need to be tall?
While height can provide certain advantages, it is not a requirement for success in tennis.
Many successful professional players have average or below-average heights.
What is the average age of a tennis player?
The average age of a professional tennis player on the ATP tour is around 27, while on the WTA tour it’s around 26.
What is the average retirement age of a tennis player?
While the retirement age can vary widely depending on the player, most professional tennis players retire in their early to mid-30s.
What is the average serve speed of a tennis player?
The average first serve speed for men on the ATP tour is around 120 mph (193 km/h), and for women on the WTA tour, it’s around 105 mph (169 km/h).
What is the average weight of a tennis player?
The average weight varies between male and female players.
Male professional tennis players typically weigh between 160-200 pounds (73-91 kg), while female professional tennis players generally weigh between 130-170 pounds (59-77 kg).
What is the average salary of a tennis player?
Earnings in tennis can vary greatly, but the median annual earnings for professional tennis players as of 2024 is estimated to be around $75,000.
This includes earnings from match winnings and endorsements.
How High Should a Tennis Net Be?
The standard net height for tennis, as set by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), is 3.5 feet (1.07m) at the center and 3.6 feet (1.1m) at the posts.
This standard applies to both singles and doubles matches and for players of all heights.
