John Isner and Zane Navratil Discuss Pickleball Serve Rules: In the world of racquet sports, John Isner’s serve is the stuff of legend. The towering American holds the record for the fastest serve in ATP history, clocked at a blistering 157.2 mph. His serve is a weapon that has earned him accolades and victories throughout his tennis career. With 16 singles titles and a top 10 ranking in singles, Isner’s serve has become an iconic part of his game. But even the greats can find new challenges and adventures, and for Isner, pickleball has emerged as an unexpected passion.
Isner, who started playing pickleball three years ago, admits he initially dismissed the sport as a fad. “I thought it was a joke,” he confesses. However, as he watched former tennis colleagues like Sam Querrey, Jack Sock, and Donald Young leap into professional pickleball, his skepticism waned. “I’m happy to say I was wrong,” he admits with a chuckle. Isner’s journey into the sport has been eye-opening, revealing that pickleball, while different from tennis, offers its unique thrills.
One of the most talked-about elements of pickleball is the serve. Enter Zane Navratil, known for his powerful ‘Zanesaw’ serve—a move so potent it was outlawed in 2023. The ‘Zanesaw’ was the talk of the pickleball world, much like Isner’s serve is in tennis. The two great servers recently sat down to discuss the variations of serving in their respective sports and pondered what pickleball might look like if the serve rules were altered.
“Zane’s serve was a game-changer,” Isner observes. “It was like watching a new form of magic on the court.” For his part, Navratil acknowledges the impact of Isner’s serve, “John’s serve in tennis is iconic. To hear him speak about my serve, it’s surreal.” The conversation turned to speculation about how pickleball could evolve if certain serve rules were revisited.
“If pickleball allowed for more aggressive serves like Zane’s, it might change the dynamic of the game entirely. It could add a whole new layer of strategy and excitement.” – (Isner)
Navratil, who knows a thing or two about powerful serves, agrees.
“Changing the serve rules could definitely shake things up. It would be interesting to see how players adapt and what new strategies emerge.” – (Navratil)
Despite his new interest in pickleball, Isner remains firmly rooted in his tennis career. “Tennis will always be king of the racquet sports,” he says with a hint of pride. However, his growing appreciation for pickleball is clear.
“It’s a lot of fun, and it’s been a great way to stay competitive and enjoy the game from a different perspective.” – (Isner)
When asked about his own DUPR rating—a measure of skill in pickleball—Isner humorously underestimates his ability. “If Ben Johns is a seven, I think I’m around a 3.5,” he quips. In reality, Isner’s DUPR rating is 5.276, reflecting his genuine skill and rapid adaptation to the sport.
News in Brief: John Isner and Zane Navratil Discuss Pickleball Serve Rules
As pickleball continues to evolve, the crossover between sports and their legendary figures provides a fascinating glimpse into the future of racquet sports. Whether discussing the impact of serve rules or simply enjoying the game, Isner and Navratil embody the spirit of innovation and excellence that drives the evolution of tennis and pickleball.
