Definition of a Tennis Ace

Tennis is one of the more physically demanding one-on-one sports, and gaining an advantage over an opponent without having to run after a shot is desirable. The ace in tennis is one of those moves that provides a quick advantage over the other player.

Serving up a tennis ace

Identification

The tennis ace is a serve that a player is unable to return.

Features

A serving ace is normally a powerful serve that accelerates beyond the opponent's reach. The server tries to put the ball out of reach by hitting the boundary line in the serving box, making it almost impossible for the opponent to return the shot.

Considerations

Attempting to get an ace on a serve can result in a fault if the ball falls outside the serving boundary line. Two faults on the same serve are referred to as a double fault and can give the other player points.

Significance

A serving ace in tennis can help neutralize an opponent who may have strong volleying skills.

Fun Fact

Andy Roddick registered the fastest serve in tennis history when he hit a serve that reached 155 mph in the 2004 Davis Cup against Belarus.

References

• All-About-Tennis.com: Develop Your Tennis Serve the Right Way
• TennisMindGame: Tips on Tennis Serve
• MSN Encarta: Ace Definition

Resources

• Andy Roddick 2004 Davis Cup Results