ISLAMABAD: Pakistani tennis player Talha Waheed has set a new Guinness World Record for the most number of serves in a minute, 59, breaking the previous record of 42, the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) said on Wednesday.
The PTF described Waheed as a seasoned competitor who was featured in national and international matches with “an impressive record” in the 35+, 40+ and 45+ doubles categories, in addition to winning multiple national titles. Waheed has also attained a career-high International Tennis Federation ranking of 144 in the 40+ doubles category.
The Pakistani tennis player followed a “rigorous three-month training regimen” after which he made his official attempt to set the record on Nov. 8, 2024, in Pakistan’s eastern city of Lahore, the PTF said. Waheed adhered strictly to Guinness World Records guidelines in his attempt, the federation said.
“On March 10, 2025, Waheed received official confirmation from Guinness World Records, declaring him the new world record holder,” the PTF said.
The previous record was achieved by American tennis player John Perry in 2019, who registered 42 successful serves in one minute.
PTF President Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and other tennis players congratulated Waheed on this remarkable achievement.
“Talha’s achievement is unique and securing a place in the Guinness Book of World Records is no easy task,” Qureshi said. “This will serve as a great inspiration and a major boost for tennis in Pakistan.”
Pakistan has a modest tennis presence, with Qureshi being the most successful player to reach Grand Slam finals in doubles. Despite limited infrastructure and funding challenges, the PTF continues to promote the sport to increase international representation in a country where cricket dominates.
Tennis has also taken a step back in the country over the past year with the rise of Padel.
This is not the first time a Pakistani has set a Guinness World Record. Previous record holders include Ali Moeen Nawazish who passed 23 A-level subjects, Naseem Hameed who became South Asia’s fastest woman and the city of Karachi which created the largest human-formed national flag.
Martial artist Muhammad Rashid also holds multiple records for smashing objects, showcasing Pakistan’s global excellence and determination.
