Could Ice Be The Fourth Tennis Surface?

Ranking the Top 10 Ice Tennis Players

As the NHL season kicks off, tennis fans are reminded of those playful videos where amateur hockey players compete on frozen ponds, jokingly mixing the two sports. This sparks an intriguing thought: could ice become tennis' fourth surface? Tennis players already master the distinct demands of hard, clay, and grass courts - so why not ice? Success on an ice surface would require precise balance, agility, fast reflexes, and mental resilience. Some of today's tennis stars have a background in winter sports or hail from cold-weather countries, making them excellent candidates to take on the challenge. Here, we highlight five men and five women who would excel in a world where ice tennis becomes a reality.

Top 5 Men for Ice Tennis

1. Jannik Sinner (Italy)

Jannik Sinner's transformation from skiing prodigy to tennis star underscores his athletic versatility. Raised in northern Italy, Sinner was a promising skier before switching to tennis at 13. His years on the slopes cultivated elite balance, agility, and body control - perfect for gliding on an ice surface. Sinner's calm demeanor and precise shot-making have propelled him to the top of the sport. In 2024, he claimed his first two Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open and the US Open, earning the ATP world No. 1 ranking. His ability to thrive under pressure, as demonstrated in his five-set win over Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final, makes him a perfect fit for the unpredictability of ice tennis.

2. Sebastian Korda (USA)

Sebastian Korda grew up playing hockey before fully committing to tennis at age 10. His father, Petr Korda, won the 1998 Australian Open, but it was hockey that first shaped Sebastian's athletic instincts. Korda's youth hockey experience sharpened his balance, reflexes, and hand-eye coordination - skills essential for controlling movement on an icy surface. His calm and strategic approach to tennis has served him well, leading to a breakthrough run to the 2023 Australian Open quarterfinals. On ice, Korda's smooth footwork and ability to read the game would help him excel under slippery conditions, making him a dangerous opponent.

3. Denis Shapovalov (Canada)

Denis Shapovalov's aggressive, fast-paced game reflects the influence of Canada's hockey culture, which shaped his early athletic development. Though he chose tennis over hockey, his quick reflexes, sharp hand-eye coordination, and fearless net play remain evident. Known for his one-handed backhand and explosive style, Shapovalov has excelled on grass and hard courts, including a semifinal run at Wimbledon in 2021. His ability to adapt quickly and react decisively makes him well-suited for ice tennis, where precision and fast movement are essential to success.

4. Hubert Hurkacz (Poland)

Hubert Hurkacz is known for combining power and finesse, an impressive feat for a player standing 6'5". Growing up in Poland, a nation with a strong hockey and winter sports tradition, Hurkacz developed the agility needed to move efficiently despite his size. He has proven his adaptability by winning the 2021 Miami Open and reaching the Wimbledon semifinals. Hurkacz's calm demeanor and consistency at the net would allow him to manage the unpredictable movements required on ice, where sudden slips are common.

5. Holger Rune (Denmark)

Holger Rune's explosive athleticism and aggressive style make him an exciting fit for ice tennis. Hailing from Denmark, a country steeped in hockey, Rune has embraced the fearless mentality that characterizes top athletes in winter sports. His victory at the 2022 Paris Masters, where he defeated players like Novak Djokovic, shows that he can rise to the occasion under pressure. Rune's quick reflexes and energetic style would thrive in the unpredictable environment of ice tennis, where fast decisions and bold plays are key.

Top 5 Women for Ice Tennis

1. Elena Rybakina (Kazakhstan)

Rybakina's childhood began with figure skating, which developed the grace and balance that now define her tennis movement. Her transition from skating to tennis was smooth, as her precise control and powerful serve make her a top competitor. Rybakina's calm demeanor has carried her to significant success, including a Wimbledon title in 2022 and a runner-up finish at the 2023 Australian Open. Her ability to manage pressure would serve her well on ice, where every step requires control. Rybakina's skating background gives her the edge in mastering the slippery, unstable nature of the surface.

2. Belinda Bencic (Switzerland)

Belinda Bencic's connection to winter sports runs deep. Her father, Ivan Bencic, was a professional hockey player in Switzerland's National League A and B. Inspired by her father's athletic career, Belinda began playing tennis and trained with Martina Hingis' mother, Melanie Molitor, from a young age. Bencic's compact strokes and quick reflexes make her well-suited for fast, dynamic play. Her crowning achievement came in 2021 when she won the singles gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. With her ability to anticipate and react quickly, Bencic would be a formidable opponent on an ice court.

3. Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus)

Sabalenka's father, a professional hockey player, left a lasting impact on her athletic career. Known for her raw power and aggressive style, Sabalenka has become one of the most dominant players on the WTA Tour. She won two Grand Slam titles in 2024, taking home the Australian Open and the US Open, solidifying her position as the world No. 1. Sabalenka's explosive movement and fearless shot-making would translate well to ice tennis, where quick reactions and bold decisions are essential.

4. Marie Bouzkova (Czech Republic)

Marie Bouzkova's game is built on consistency, finesse, and smooth movement - traits that would serve her well on ice. Coming from the Czech Republic, where hockey is part of the national identity, Bouzkova understands the importance of balance and precision. Her ability to remain composed during long rallies makes her a strong candidate for ice tennis. Bouzkova patience and control would allow her to excel on a slippery surface, where hasty movements could prove costly.

5. Maria Sakkari (Greece)

While Greece isn't known for winter sports, Maria Sakkari's exceptional fitness and powerful game make her a serious contender for ice tennis. Known for her aggressive baseline strokes and explosive movement, Sakkari has reached the semifinals at both the US Open and Roland Garros. Her relentless work ethic and ability to perform under pressure would serve her well on ice, where stamina and mental toughness are essential. Sakkari's fitness ensures she can handle physically demanding conditions, giving her an edge even on unfamiliar terrain.

Although ice tennis remains a playful idea, it highlights the adaptability and versatility of elite tennis players. Athletes like Jannik Sinner and Sebastian Korda, with their skiing and hockey backgrounds, would thrive in this environment, while others like Elena Rybakina and Belinda Bencic bring the balance and poise needed to succeed. These athletes prove that mastery in one sport often translates to excellence in another, even under extreme conditions. Perhaps one day, we will witness an exhibition ice tennis match, merging the elegance of tennis with the thrills of winter sports.