Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions asked about height and weight online, with my take on their answers.
Do you have to be tall to play tennis?
Absolutely not. Yes, taller players have some advantages, including a greater wingspan that can lend itself to better court coverage and improved angles when serving. However, plenty of shorter players have achieved exceptional results.
Consider Michael Chang, a French Open champion and finalist at the US Open and Australian Open, who was only 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m). There are plenty of examples of shorter players who have achieved success and plenty of active players, including Diego Schwartzman, who’s shorter than most.
If you’re shorter, you might consider opting for an extended-length tennis racquet to improve your reach and leverage.
How much weight do tennis players lose in a match?
It’s common for players to lose five or six pounds during a match, which isn’t surprising considering they sweat heavily and can run anywhere between 2.5 – 6.2 miles (4,000 – 10,000 m), according to Australian Open data from IBM.
Who is the tallest male tennis player of all time?
Standing at 6′ 11″ (2.11 m) tall, Ivo Karlovic and Reilly Opelka tie as the two tallest tennis players in recorded history. Both players are well known for their big serves, aided by their extreme height.
Who is the shortest male tennis player of all time?
Belgian tennis player, Oliver Rochus, is the shortest professional tennis player in recorded history at 5’6″ (1.68 m). He achieved a career-high ranking of No. 24 in October of 2005.