A double fault occurs when the server misses both service attempts and loses the point.
In plain English
A double fault awards the point directly to the receiver without a rally. It happens when both permitted service attempts are faults. The statistic captures an important part of technical reliability and decision-making under pressure.
Why it matters
Double faults are costly because they give away free points, often in tense situations. They weaken second-serve performance and hold rate, and can reveal servers whose accuracy or confidence falls under pressure.
Practical example
The server misses the first serve and then faults on the second serve as well. The receiver wins the point through a double fault.
Related terms
Statistic•Tennis
Second Serve
The second serve is the final service attempt after a first-serve fault.
