[MarkChan]

On fast and low-bouncing surface, blocking works better to counter the flat rocket serve or slice serve. You don't need much power and spin to return serve even. Reflexes and flexibility are vital to hit a gd blocking. A good ROS prioritizes placement.Sometimes slice is also effective.

On slow and high-bouncing surface. Topspin return works better. Blocking high-bouncing topspin serve can be difficult. Power and topspin ability play a more important part. Consistent return is what counts rather than taking unnecessary risk to go for a return winner. Depth is also important, which can be provided by topspin.

Based on my observation, I'd say Rafa is the best returner on clay while Djokovic is the best returner on faster surfaces.

 

[17-6-302]

Rafa is better vs big servers everywhere. Rafa is better on clay against every type of server. Djokovic is arguably best vs mediocre servers and weak second servers on HC....don't think he is a better returner than Federer or Murray on grass, sorry.

 

[Pat Bateman]

Nadal doesn't return better against big servers, he just has a more dependable service game than Djokovic does under pressure. He holds more consistently against them than Djokovic, who gets frustrated by his inability to break them and lets that anger seep into his own service games.