In a surprising opinion on volleyers in tennis, Andy Roddick excluded Roger Federer when naming the sport’s greatest players at the net, citing Jimmy Connors, Lleyton Hewitt, and Rafael Nadal instead. The former US Open champion shared his perspective during a discussion with Andre Agassi, emphasizing how these players’ volleying skills stood out despite their primary roles as baseliners.

Roddick’s Unexpected Choices for Top Volleyers

Although Roger Federer is widely acclaimed for his exceptional net play, combining precise footwork, quick transitions, and technical mastery, Roddick chose not to include him among the top volleyers. Federer’s ability to swiftly approach the net and execute delicate volleys on grass courts, especially at Wimbledon, has earned him legendary status. Still, Roddick pointed to other players he believed demonstrated superior volleying talent.

Roddick, who faced Federer multiple times in grand slam finals and lost each encounter, instead focused on players known for their tenacity and aggressive net attacks. The American’s viewpoint sparked interest given Federer’s reputation as one of the all-time greats with a polished all-court game.

Insights Shared During Dialogue with Andre Agassi

Roddick discussed these views on the “Served with Andy Roddick” podcast alongside fellow tennis icon Andre Agassi. Their conversation highlighted Jimmy Connors, one of Roddick’s former rivals, as a player with spectacular volley skills. Agassi recounted his early admiration for Connors’ unwavering trust in his own team and his relentless competitive edge.

“When I looked at him as an 18-year-old, I saw somebody I recognised in the sense that he always had his team around him,”

—Andre Agassi

“He always seemed like he had this appropriate… how would I call it, appropriate paranoia about him? He didn’t trust anybody that wasn’t on his team, but he trusted his team immensely. There’s something I identified with that.”

—Andre Agassi

Agassi praised Connors’ skill in using opponents’ power against them and his surprisingly effective net rush even at later stages in his career, reaching semifinals years after his prime.

“I was really amazed at Jimmy’s ability to take pace and use it against you, right? So if I hit a hard ball to his backhand, he would maybe stay with one cross to my forehand, then I hit it hard again to his backhand, and then he would take a two-handed early inside-out shovel, like a two-handed side spin shot like line, and he would come in.”

—Andre Agassi

Admiration for Connors’ Volleying Technique

British tennis figure Tim Henman also highlighted Connors’ fierce and precise approach at the net, noting his ability to never miss volleys and to

“turn his racket into a sand wedge.”

This description captured the sheer consistency and control Connors displayed when he decided to come forward.

Roddick Includes Hewitt and Nadal Among Best Volleyers

Roddick argued that volleying skills are sometimes undervalued when demonstrated by players primarily known as baseliners. He expressed the view that a player’s ability at the net should be recognized regardless of how often they choose to approach it. For Roddick, three of the best volleyers included Jimmy Connors, Lleyton Hewitt, and Rafael Nadal.

“But we’re so lazy if they’re a baseliner that means… just because they don’t come in a lot doesn’t mean they’re not golden when they get there.”

—Andy Roddick

Collectively, these three players won 32 grand slam titles. Nadal leads this group with 22 major championships, having built a dominant career, particularly on clay courts. His style forces opponents to rush toward the net, where Nadal can counterattack with forceful volleys and secure crucial points.

How Hewitt and Nadal’s Net Play Earned Recognition

Lleyton Hewitt’s volleying prowess received praise not only from Roddick but also from Federer, who described Hewitt’s net game as “unbelievable.” Hewitt combined his typical baseline tenacity with sharp volleys, making him a formidable all-court competitor.

Nadal’s net skills, albeit less frequently discussed than Federer’s, have become an essential part of his strategy, particularly on slower surfaces where he’s able to trap opponents and finish points with angled or powerful volleys. This versatility underlines why Roddick counts him among the greatest volleyers despite Nadal’s primary reputation as a baseline stalwart.

The Broader Debate on Volleyers and Playing Styles

Roddick’s comments sparked wider reflection on how volleying is perceived in the modern game, especially regarding players who typically prefer baseline rallies. His observations challenge the common narrative that only serve-and-volley specialists can be regarded as great volleyers.

This perspective encourages tennis fans and analysts to reconsider the skills required to excel at the net and to appreciate players like Connors, Hewitt, and Nadal for their exceptional net play, even if it was not their primary tactic.

As tennis continues to evolve, these differing approaches to net play highlight the depth of technique and adaptability present in the sport’s greatest champions. Roddick’s fresh viewpoint adds complexity to the ongoing discussion about the qualities that define the best volleyers in tennis history.