Statistic•Tennis
Hold
A hold occurs when a player wins a game in which they are serving.
service holdhold of serve
Plain definition
A player holds serve by winning their own service game. The term describes serving stability over a match or a longer period. The more often a player holds, the fewer opportunities the opponent has to take control through a break.
Derived terms
Hold%
The percentage of a player's service games that they win.
Why it matters
Holding serve is fundamental to evaluating service quality and overall stability. A strong hold rate reduces pressure and forces the opponent to return exceptionally well. It is especially relevant in close matches, on fast surfaces and when assessing the likelihood of a tie-break.
Practical example
A player serves, wins the game and moves from 3-2 to 4-2 in the set. By keeping the service game, the player records a hold.
Related terms
Statistic•Tennis
Break
A break occurs when the receiving player wins the opponent's service game.
Statistic•Tennis
First Serve
The first serve is a player's first service attempt at the start of a point.
Statistic•Tennis
Second Serve
The second serve is the final service attempt after a first-serve fault.
Statistic•Tennis
Ace
An ace is a legal serve that wins the point without the receiver touching the ball.
Expression•Tennis
Tie-Break
A tie-break is a deciding game used to settle a set that reaches a specified level score, commonly 6-6.