The smash is a hugely important shot to have in tennis, with some players boasting better ability in that area than others.
Much like a serve, the tricky skill requires a full, outstretched arm and near-perfect positioning, along with fantastic timing.
Pete Sampras and Roger Federer certainly spring to mind when reflecting on the ATP players with the best smashes in tennis.
Fast forward to the current generation, and a former coach of Serena Williams has identified the player with the best smash in men’s tennis.
Alexander Bublik told he has the best smash in men’s tennis ‘by far’
Rick Macci wrote on X: “Bublik by far has the best SMASH on the tour.
“Great balance, good technique, great intensity and most of all very consistent.”
It is a skill that Bublik has clearly worked on over the years, although his natural ability and indeed his constant will to entertain have also helped.
The Kazakhstan star, who is currently ranked 10th on the ATP Tour, boasts nine career titles and over 200 wins.
Alexander Bublik wows Indian Wells fans with racket-handle shot
Bublik has made a strong start to the 2026 season, having entered Indian Wells with a 12-4 win-loss record.
He started out by winning the Hong Kong Open title, although he most recently suffered a disappointing exit at Tennis Paradise.
The 28-year-old 10th seed defeated Vit Kopriva in his Indian Wells opener, but shortly after fell to Rinky Hijikata.
But in true Bublik style, he left the Indian Wells crowd with a standout memory from the match, much to their delight.
Fittingly, his aggressive style led to the perfect opportunity for a smash early on in the deciding set, only for Bublik to flip his racket around and tap the ball over the net with the handle.
The crowd went wild as he soaked up the applause in celebration, in what could have been a hugely embarrassing moment had he missed the ball entirely.
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