DictionaryaceDirectly scoring serve
noun / verb

ace

A serve that scores a point directly.

Her fast serve lands untouched for an ace down the center.

Etymology

The ancestor as named a single unit and a low-valued coin. Through the playing-card ace, the word acquired sporting uses; in tennis an ace wins a point with the serve itself.

More examples

  • He served three aces in the final game.
  • The champion aced her opponent to win the set.
  • She keeps acing him with serves to the corner.

Forms

ace · aces · aced · acing

Similar words

service winner
Wins the point on the serve but may be touched.
winner
Any shot that wins outright, not necessarily a serve.