Statistic•Tennis
Break
A break occurs when the receiving player wins the opponent's service game.
service breakbreak of serve
Plain definition
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.
Derived terms
Break%
The percentage of return games won by a player.
Break Points
Points on which the receiver can win the opponent's service game.
Why it matters
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.
Practical example
A player wins a game while the opponent is serving. The receiving player has broken serve.
Related terms
Statistic•Tennis
Return of Serve
The return of serve is the receiver's first shot in response to the opponent's serve.
Statistic•Tennis
Break Points (BP)
A break point is a point on which the receiver can win the opponent's service game.