An Unforgettable Serve Steals the Show at American Tennis Match
Tennis fans who attended the match between two lesser-known American players were treated to an unforgettable spectacle. Beyond the thrilling three-set battle, which culminated in a victory for the lower-ranked Eubanks with scores of 5:7, 7:6, and 6:4, spectators witnessed a serve that will likely be etched in tennis history.
During the second set, with the score at 3:4 and 30:0 in favor of Cressy, the world’s 72nd ranked player, something extraordinary occurred. Cressy executed a serve that struck the frame of his racket, imparting an unusual spin on the ball. This improbable shot resulted in a slow, looping trajectory that landed just behind the net before bouncing into the court.
Clocked at a mere 41.8 km/h, this serve is likely the slowest ever recorded in professional tennis. The bizarre nature of the point left everyone bewildered, yet undeniably entertained. Many spectators remarked that they had never witnessed anything quiet like it.
While the wind may have played a role in this unusual serve, it also contributed to the overall tension of the match, as both players expressed frustration with the conditions.
Despite the unusual serve, Cressy managed to force a tie-break in the second set. However, Eubanks, ranked 157th, ultimately prevailed. He secured a single break in the third set, propelling him to victory and a second-round matchup against Casper Ruud, a top-ten player on the ATP circuit.
A Serve for the Ages? Discussing Cressy’s Viral Moment with Tennis Legend, Billie Jean King
This week, the tennis world was abuzz with talk of a serve unlike any other.During a match between American players Ben shelton and maxime Cressy, Cressy unleashed a serve that, shall we say, defied all conventional expectations. Clocked at a leisurely 41.8 km/h,it resembled less a blistering ace and more a gentle lob that somehow found its way over the net and onto the court.
To get a perspective on this truly unique moment, we sat down with tennis icon Billie Jean King, whose legendary career spanned decades and saw her dominate the court with both power and finesse.
Moderator: Billie Jean, we all know you’ve seen your fair share of amazing tennis shots over the years. how did you react when you saw Cressy’s serve?
Billie Jean King: Well, I’ll admit, when I first saw it, I thought, “Did that really just happen?” it was certainly unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed before. You expect serve speeds to be in the 100s, not the 40s!
Moderator: The serve’s slow speed has led to a lot of discussion online. Some are calling it the slowest serve in professional tennis history. What are your thoughts on that claim?
Billie Jean King: It’s definitely possible. Record-keeping wasn’t as meticulous in my day, so it’s hard to say for sure. But given the context – a professional match and the clocked speed – it’s certainly a strong contender for that title.
Moderator: There’s been debate about whether the wind played a role in the serve. do you think it had a meaningful impact?
Billie Jean King: Wind conditions can definitely effect a tennis ball. But even with a strong gust, I think it takes some skill – or perhaps a touch of serendipity – to execute a serve like that. You have to wonder if Cressy was intentionally going for something unorthodox, or if it was simply a fluke.
Moderator: This serve has sparked conversation about the diverse playing styles we see in tennis today. Do you think this type of unorthodox shot could become more common in the future?
Billie Jean King: Tennis is a constantly evolving sport. While power is always crucial, clever shot-making and strategic play are just as valuable. Perhaps Cressy’s serve will inspire other players to experiment with unexpected tactics.
Moderator: It certainly seems to have captivated audiences! What do you think this unusual moment tells us about the appeal of tennis?
Billie Jean King: Tennis is a sport of contrasts, of power and finesse, strategy and improvisation. It’s a game that never fails to surprise us, and moments like this are a reminder of its unpredictable nature.
We want to hear from you! Do you think Cressy’s serve was a stroke of genius or a simple accident? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
