The Most Unorthodox Serve in Tennis History

He never won an ATP title, reached the world’s top 10, or achieved glory at a Grand Slam. And yet, Karsten Braasch remains one of the most memorable players of his era.

Far from the limelight occupied by German tennis stars like Boris Becker and Michael Stich, existed a quirky figure whose unconventional style left a lasting impression on the sport.

A cigarette enthusiast with vintage glasses and the face of an intellectual, Karsten Braasch looked, at first glance, like a character straight out of a film. Though he could easily be filed among the long list of unorthodox players known for their eccentricity, what truly set Braasch apart was not his appearance—but his approach to the game.

When I see my serve on TV, I have to laugh at myself. As long as it is effective, I don't have to change anything."

Tennis history has seen its share of unconventional servers, yet none quite as singular as Karsten Braasch. Once ranked as high as world No. 38, he was known for a serving motion so unorthodox it bordered on the theatrical—his body would sway unpredictably even before the ball toss, followed by a fluid motion that rendered his serve nearly unreadable.

Karsten Braasch facing the Williams Sisters in one of the few "Battle of the sexes".

A dedicated serve-and-volley player, Braasch also enjoyed a moment of unexpected fame during a "Battle of the Sexes" match, in which he soundly defeated both Williams sisters.

Frequently mistaken about tournament dates and occasionally showing up at the wrong events, Braasch may not have been the most conventional athlete, but in the hearts of many fans, he endures as one of the most entertaining and unforgettable characters ever to grace the circuit