The double fault occupies a peculiar space in tennis. Everyone agrees it’s unnecessary, yet it persists. These unforced errors have ended matches and possibly even careers, but they remain an unavoidable part of the game. While a handful of double faults per match is manageable, some players struggle with this particular demon more than others. Here’s how the affliction played out across the ATP Tour in 2025.
1. Dennis Shapovalov (302)
Shapovalov leads the tour in double faults, though this statistic tells a predictable story about his style of play. His game revolves around aggressive serving, and aggression comes with risk. The Canadian averaged 5.76 double faults per match, a notably high figure. In 93% of his matches, he committed more than two. At this point, it’s less a flaw than a signature of how he plays.
2. Alexander Bublik (299)
Fans of the man with two first serves might be surprised to see him finish second rather than first, but Bublik came remarkably close to the top spot. He’s developed something of an immunity to the anxiety that double faults cause other players. Given the sheer number of matches he played this year, his total translates to 4.6 per match. For someone who occasionally hits double digits in a single outing, that’s actually respectable.
3. Daniil Medvedev (277)
Medvedev’s presence this high on the list stems from multiple factors. He’s notorious for rushing between points, which can disrupt concentration. The Russian also endured a frustrating year, and his emotional struggles showed up in his statistics. His 4.27 double faults per match aren’t elite, but it’s not disastrous either. He’s been vulnerable to this issue before.
