A player breaks serve by winning a game in which the opponent is serving. It reflects return quality, pressure in rallies and the ability to convert opportunities. A player who breaks frequently is consistently dangerous in return games.

Breaks identify players who can change a match through their return game rather than relying only on serve. Read together with hold rate, they give a more complete view of overall strength and help explain who controlled the match.

A player wins a game while the opponent is serving. The receiving player has broken serve.