Tennis Glossary

A serve that the receiver is unable to touch with their racket. Counts as a point won for the server immediately. Maria Sharapova was one of the most prolific ace hitters in women's tennis history.

The left side of the court from the server's perspective (also called the "Advantage court"). Points at "Advantage" are served from this side.

The score after deuce when one player wins the next point. That player now has "Advantage" — if they win the next point, they win the game. If they lose it, the score returns to deuce.

The narrow strips on either side of the singles court (between the singles and doubles sidelines). In play during doubles matches; out of bounds in singles.

A groundstroke hit while moving toward the net, usually following a short ball. The purpose is to set up a volley finish rather than to win the point outright.

A groundstroke hit on the non-dominant side of the body. Can be played with one hand (one-handed backhand) or both hands gripping the racket (two-handed backhand). Maria Sharapova played a two-handed backhand.

Slang for winning a set 6–0. The shape of zero resembles a bagel. Sharapova won the first set of the 2004 Wimbledon final 6–1 against Serena Williams — close to a bagel.

The back boundary line of the court, parallel to the net. Serves are struck from behind the baseline. Most modern rallies are contested from near the baseline.

When the receiving player wins a game against the serving player. Breaking an opponent's serve is one of the key tactical objectives in any match.

A point that, if won by the receiver, would result in a break of serve. The score 30-40, 15-40, 0-40, or advantage receiver are all break points.

The achievement of winning all four Grand Slam titles (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, US Open) at any point during a career. Maria Sharapova completed this in 2012. Only 10 women in history have achieved it.

A tennis court surfaced with crushed brick, shale, or stone. The slowest common surface, which creates high bounces and favors baseline ralliers with heavy topspin. Used at the French Open (Roland Garros).

A shot hit diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner of the court. The safest and most common direction because it crosses the net at its lowest point and gives the most court to aim at.

The score when both players have won three points in a game (40-40). From deuce, a player must win two consecutive points to win the game — first to "Advantage," then to "Game."

When a server misses both their first serve and second serve, resulting in a point lost. One of the most damaging self-inflicted errors in tennis.

A shot hit parallel to the sideline (straight ahead rather than diagonally). A high-risk, high-reward shot — less court to aim at and a higher net to clear, but can catch opponents out of position.

A softly hit shot with backspin designed to barely clear the net and land as close to it as possible, making it nearly unreturnable if the opponent is at the baseline.

A shot that fails to land in the court. Can be "unforced" (when the player had time to set up properly) or "forced" (when pressure from the opponent caused the mistake).

A serve that fails — landing outside the correct service box, hitting the net, or resulting from a foot fault. After one fault, the server gets a second attempt. Two faults = double fault.

A fault called when the server's foot touches or crosses the baseline before the ball is struck. Counts as a fault.

A groundstroke hit on the dominant side of the body (right side for right-handers). Usually the most powerful and heavily used groundstroke. Sharapova's forehand was a flat, aggressive weapon.

The part of the racket surrounding the strings. Also used to describe a mishit — hitting the ball on the frame rather than the strings.

The unit of play within a set. Won by reaching four points (love, 15, 30, 40, game) with a two-point lead. At 40-40 (deuce), a player must win two consecutive points.

The four most prestigious tournaments in tennis: Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open. Maria Sharapova won 5 Grand Slam titles across all four events.

A natural grass playing surface, the fastest common court type. The ball stays low and skids through quickly. Used at Wimbledon. Sharapova won Wimbledon 2004 on grass.

Any shot struck after the ball has bounced once. Includes both forehands and backhands. The foundation of baseline play.

A concrete or asphalt surface with an acrylic coating. The most common court type worldwide. Used at the Australian Open and US Open. Offers a consistent, medium-pace bounce.

When the server wins their service game. "Holding serve" is the expected result for a competent server; failing to hold is called being "broken."

A ball that lands on or inside the court lines. A ball only needs to touch any part of a line to be called in.

A replaying of a point. Most commonly occurs when a serve clips the net and lands in the correct service box — the serve is replayed. Also called when a disturbance interrupts play.

A high, arching shot designed to pass over the head of an opponent who is at or approaching the net. Can be defensive (buying time) or offensive (topspin lob intended to win the point outright).

Zero in tennis scoring. "Love-15" means the server has 0 points, the receiver has 1 point. Likely derived from the French "l'oeuf" (the egg, which looks like 0).

The full contest, decided by winning a specified number of sets (usually best of 3, or best of 5 at men's Grand Slams).

A point that, if won by the player leading the match, would end the match. One of the most high-pressure moments in tennis.

When a ball clips the top of the net and falls into the correct part of the opponent's court. On serves, this is a let (serve again). During a rally, the ball remains in play.

The area of the court around the service line — between the baseline and the ideal net position. A player caught here is in a poor position for both volley and groundstroke. Avoid lingering here.

A shot struck above the head, usually in response to a lob. Resembles a serve motion. Hit aggressively into the opponent's court to win the point outright.

A ball landing entirely outside the court boundaries. Results in the point being awarded to the opponent.

A groundstroke hit past a net-rushing opponent, either cross-court or down the line, before they can reach it with a volley.

In doubles, when the net player crosses to intercept a ball directed at their partner. A high-risk, high-reward tactic that can swing momentum.

A sequence of shots struck back and forth between players after the serve, continuing until a player wins or loses the point.

The shot played in response to the serve. The return of serve is the second most important shot in tennis after the serve itself.

The shot that begins every point. The server strikes the ball from behind the baseline into the diagonally opposite service box. Two attempts are allowed.

A collection of games. Usually won by the first player to reach 6 games with a 2-game lead. At 6-6, a tiebreak is typically played.

A shot hit with underspin (backspin), causing the ball to stay low and slow down after bouncing. Useful for defensive play, approach shots, and change-of-pace.

A small, two-footed hop performed as the opponent makes contact with the ball, landing simultaneously on both feet. Prepares the body to move explosively in any direction.

A mini-game played to 7 points (win by 2) when a set reaches 6-6. The player who wins the tiebreak wins the set 7-6. Points are called numerically (not 15/30/40).

Spin imparted on the ball by brushing up the back of it, causing it to rotate forward. Creates a high, looping ball flight that drops sharply and bounces high. Dominant style in modern baseline play.

The checkpoint in the serve motion where the body is coiled with knees bent, non-dominant arm pointing up at the toss, and racket behind the head. Named for its resemblance to the Statue of Liberty / a trophy pose.

A mistake made without being under significant pressure from the opponent — a miss on a routine shot. High unforced error counts are usually decisive in who loses a match.

A shot struck before the ball bounces, typically near the net. Volleys use a compact punching motion rather than a full swing, with the Continental grip. The key is firm wrist and good positioning.

A special entry into a tournament granted by tournament organizers to a player who would not otherwise qualify based on ranking. Given to retiring legends, comeback players, or high-profile local players.

A shot that lands in the court and cannot be reached by the opponent, winning the point outright. Sharapova's flat forehand was one of the most prolific winners in women's tennis.