Statistic•Tennis
Second Serve
The second serve is the final service attempt after a first-serve fault.
Plain definition
The second serve follows a missed first serve. It is generally hit with more margin to avoid a double fault, but that caution can give the receiver a better chance to attack. Its effectiveness under pressure strongly affects the stability of a player's service games.
Derived terms
2nd Serve Points Won%
The percentage of points won after a successful second serve.
Why it matters
Second-serve performance often reveals technical or mental vulnerability under pressure. A player who wins regularly behind the second serve protects service games and limits break opportunities. The statistic is valuable across surfaces, opponents and high-pressure situations.
Practical example
After missing the first serve, the server must use a second serve. If it sits up short, the receiver may attack immediately.
Related terms
Statistic•Tennis
First Serve
The first serve is a player's first service attempt at the start of a point.
Statistic•Tennis
Double Fault (DF)
A double fault occurs when the server misses both service attempts and loses the point.